Week 9 of the NFL season occurred this past weekend, and former Hawkeyes sure made their presence felt across the league. A couple accounted for touchdowns, a few put quarterbacks on their backs, and one made his first career tackle! Unfortunately, just like in Week 8, this past weekend of professional football came with a cost, as a few Hawks have caught the injury bug.
After departing from Kansas City’s Week 8 contest against the Broncos with bruised ribs, Anthony Hitchens made his return to the gridiron in Week 9 against the Browns and looked like his usual self while playing 69% of KC’s defensive snaps. Hitchens led all tacklers with eight tackles (all solo) in the Chiefs’ 37-21 victory over Cleveland. Here’s a nice little story about Hitch playing through the injury.
In that same game, rookie Ben Niemann finally found his way onto the stat sheet, recording one tackle - the first of his career. Congrats, Ben!
On the other side of the ball, Christian Kirksey made three tackles before exiting the game with a hamstring injury.
In Denver’s 19-17 loss to Houston, Josey Jewell played 77% of the Broncos’ defensive snaps and garnered three tackles, including a big for loss. He was starting in place of Brandon Marshall, who has been out with an injury
The 3rd and long was set up by a huge tackle for a loss by Josey Jewell. #HOUvsDEN pic.twitter.com/EUOQQiV9lC
— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) November 4, 2018
Unfortunately for Josey, he was also beat for a touchdown on Houston’s first drive of the game. Rookie tight end Jordan Thomas was able to beat him in the end zone, and Deshaun Watson made him pay.
With C.J. Beathard sidelined with a wrist injury, undrafted free agent Nick Mullens got the start for the San Francisco 49ers, and George Kittle did not miss a beat. The second-year tight end corralled four passes for 108 yards and a touchdown. Check out this insane catch by Kittle for 71 yards!
George Kittle is a freaking superhero pic.twitter.com/Iagh4qOiID
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) November 2, 2018
And for good measure, here’s his touchdown:
And @gkittle46 scores the TD!@49ers lead 24-3. #GoNiners #OAKvsSF
— NFL (@NFL) November 2, 2018
: @nflnetwork + @NFLonFOX
+ : https://t.co/DJUityQHC9 pic.twitter.com/tfUO8jR9su
KIND OF BURYING THE LEDE HERE. Desmond King made a few tackles OH YEAH AND HAD A PICK SIX BECAUSE HE’S DESMOND. KING.
DESMOND. KING.
— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) November 4, 2018
DESMOND. KING.
DESMOND. KING. #LACvsSEA | @blaqbadger14 pic.twitter.com/Jk7HLah0UP
Adrian Clayborn created havoc in the Packers’ backfield on Sunday Night Football, as he made three tackles, including 1.5 TFL and a half sack.
Mike Daniels also had a productive game for the Packers, finishing his night with two tackles and a sack.
Josh Jackson logged two tackles and had a huge pass breakup near the goal line, jumping in front of a Tom Brady pass to the end zone.
Micah Hyde had a tackle in a game the Bills never tried to win!
In that same game the Bills didn’t try winning, James Daniels earned a start for the second consecutive week, this time at left guard. He made a key block that helped spring Jordan Howard for a touchdown here.
Jordan Howard giving the #Bears a 28 point lead. pic.twitter.com/pQtaYr4Af6
— The Loop Sports (@TheLoop_Sports) November 4, 2018
In bad news that is also decent news, Bryan Bulaga left Sunday night’s game with a knee injury, but it doesn’t appear to be too serious and he might not even miss a game.
#Packers OT Bryan Bulaga did not finish last night’s game, but source said his knee is going to be fine. No structural damage, and he could even play this week.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 5, 2018
And in bad news that’s just bad, Brandon Scherff will miss the remainder of the season with a torn pectoral muscle. Ouch.
Gruden says G Brandon Scherff (torn pectoral), G Shawn Lauvao (torn ACL) and WR Paul Richardson Jr. (AC joint) will all have surgery and miss the remainder of the 2018 season.
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) November 5, 2018