Week 2 was a relatively successful one for former Michigan State football players in the NFL.
Although there were some unfortunate developments, like an injury to Jayden Reed, the Spartans who were healthy in the NFL made some noise.
While I didn't keep up with this weekly recap in the opening weekend of NFL action, I plan to for the rest of the year, as long as Michigan State has enough healthy pro representation.
So without further ado, let's take a look at how all the former Michigan State stars who are on NFL rosters fared this past weekend, starting with the star of the show: Kenneth Walker III.
- Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seahawks
The talented running back only played 36 percent of the Seahawks' offensive snaps and still gained 118 total scrimmage yards and scored a huge rushing touchdown late to beat the Steelers. Seattle fans are screaming for Kenneth Walker III to get more carries.
- Jalen Nailor, WR, Vikings
The Vikings are down a key receiver in Jordan Addison, so Jalen Nailor has had to step up in his absence, and he played well against the Falcons even though JJ McCarthy played poorly. He had three catches (two of them were impressive athletic plays) on five targets for 31 yards in a Vikings loss.
- Jayden Reed, WR, Packers
Jayden Reed was injured in the first quarter on a play in which he scored a touchdown against the Commanders. Unfortunately, it was called back because of a penalty, but Reed's broken collarbone is expected to keep him out about eight weeks.
- Joe Bachie, LB, Colts
Joe Bachie might mess around and secure a full-time starting linebacker job for the Colts, especially if he keeps this pace up. Right now, he's on pace to record over 100 tackles this season after racking up seven in a thrilling win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
- Naquan Jones, DT, Chargers
Naquan Jones saw his first action of the season on Monday night against the Raiders, recording three tackles and a pass breakup in the win.
- Bryce Baringer, P, Patriots
Bryce Baringer followed up a relatively mediocre opener against the Raiders with an impressive showing against the Dolphins in Week 2. He punted just twice, but averaged 68 yards and had the NFL's longest punt of the season so far with a 71-yarder.
- Connor Heyward, TE, Steelers
Connor Heyward faced his former teammate (Kenneth Walker III) on Sunday, and had his first catch of the season for six yards. He's not a huge part of the passing game for the Steelers.
- Keon Coleman, WR, Bills
This is a bonus one, and yes, I'm counting Keon Coleman as a former Michigan State football player in the NFL, because he still gives Courtney Hawkins credit for his growth as a player. Coleman had a huge opener in a comeback win over the Ravens, but he came back down to earth against the Jets, catching all three of his targets for 26 yards.
Other Spartans in the NFL
These guys are on rosters but either didn't play or didn't record stats (offensive linemen):
- Nate Carter, RB, Falcons
- Kirk Cousins, QB, Falcons
- Nick Samac, OL, Panthers
- Luke Newman, OL, Bears
- Jack Conklin, OL, Browns
Hopefully Carter will get his first NFL carry soon, but the Falcons' backfield has been Bijan Robinson followed by Tyler Allgeier exclusively. Ben VanSumeren would also be here if he didn't suffer a season-ending injury on the first play of the 2025 season in Week 1. Cody White, too, should be on here, but he was designated to the practice squad this week.
Overall, not too shabby for the Spartans who did play.