Another week is in the books, and the former Michigan State football players in the NFL made some noise yet again. One Spartan had a two-touchdown week, and we saw the first NFL carries for another, teaming up with the most veteran former MSU player in the league.
Let's see how the Spartans in the NFL fared in Week 3.
- Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seahawks
With backup running back Zach Charbonnet injured, it felt like Kenneth Walker III was in for a monster week against the lowly Saints. Unfortunately, he was stymied by the New Orleans defense which held him to just 38 rushing yards on 16 carries. He did, however, score two touchdowns on the ground and he caught a 12-yard pass in a winning effort.
- Jalen Nailor, WR, Vikings
Jalen Nailor's Vikings put the Cincinnati Bengals away basically by the end of the first quarter. The Vikings' defense stole the show, but Nailor still managed to put up his best numbers of the season, catching three passes for 37 yards. He's just shy of 100 receiving yards through three games.
- Joe Bachie, LB, Colts
After recording 13 total tackles through his first two games with the Colts, Joe Bachie finished with a season-low five against Tennessee on Sunday. He's been solid for the 3-0 Colts, but he's going to have to step it up if he wants to keep his job when guys come back from injuries.
- Bryce Baringer, P, Patriots
A week after averaging 68 yards per punt against the Dolphins thanks to a 71-yarder, Bryce Baringer had a solid showing against the Steelers. He punted once for 59 yards, but unfortunately it resulted in his first touchback of the season. He's averaging 48.8 yards per punt this year, good for 10th in the NFL.
- Kirk Cousins, QB, Falcons
It was a rough game for the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3, losing 30-0 to the Carolina Panthers. Michael Penix Jr. got the start and couldn't do anything through the air, so the staff went with Kirk Cousins late in the blowout, and he completed 5-of-7 passes for 29 yards. Raheem Morris says there is no quarterback controversy, but I wouldn't be shocked if we see more Kirk if Penix's struggles continue.
- Nate Carter, RB, Falcons
The first extended action for Nate Carter came in a blowout, and he was impressive. The Falcons' third-string back took handoffs from MSU legend Kirk Cousins late in a blowout loss to the Panthers, finishing with seven carries for 46 yards. A 6.6 yards per carry average in his first NFL action? Yeah, that's impressive.
- Keon Coleman, WR, Bills
Again, if you weren't here last week, I decided to add Keon Coleman to the list of Spartans in the NFL, because he still credits Courtney Hawkins and MSU for his success. Unfortunately, he had a quiet game against the Dolphins on Thursday night, catching just three passes for 20 yards.
Other Spartans in the NFL
These guys are on rosters but either didn't play or didn't record stats (offensive linemen):
- Nick Samac, OL, Panthers
- Luke Newman, OL, Bears
- Jack Conklin, OL, Browns
- Connor Heyward, TE, Steelers
- Naquan Jones, DT, Chargers
- Jayden Reed, WR, Packers (injured)
- Ben VanSumeren, FB, Eagles (injured - out for the year)
Bears fans are excited about Luke Newman in the Windy City, so it feels like it's only a matter of time before he sees his snap counts increase. Also, this was the first full week with Jayden Reed on the IR and Ben VanSumeren has already been ruled out for the year with a leg injury.
A quieter week than usual for the Spartans in the NFL.