Badgers in the NFL: Week 9

Veterans

• Russell Wilson, QB (Seahawks): Wilson was uncharacteristically turnover prone on Sunday, throwing two interceptions and losing two fumbles in Seattle’s loss to the Bills. The Seahawks traveled across the country to face a stout Buffalo defense that sacked Wilson five times. On the bright side, the nine year veteran threw for a season-high 390 yards and also had his first rushing touchdown of the year. There will be plenty of favorable matchups ahead for Wilson to improve on an already stellar season.

• James White, RB (Patriots): The former Super Bowl hero was targeted five times and finished with four catches for 24 yards in Week 9. White also had a fumble in the Patriots’ win, which was just the second of his seven-year NFL career.

• Melvin Gordon, RB (Broncos): Gordon played 60% of offensive snaps but did not have a very productive day for the Broncos. The former Badger standout turned a season-low six carries into just 18 rushing yards, while hauling in just one catch for nine receiving yards. Gordon has been unimpressive in his first season in Denver, averaging only 4.1 yards per carry while splitting work with Phillip Lindsay.
• Corey Clement, RB (Eagles): The Eagles had a bye in Week 9.
• Dare Ogunbowale, RB (Jaguars): Ogunbowale saw three snaps at running back and 20 snaps on special teams in the Jaguars’ loss to the Texans.
• Derek Watt, FB (Steelers): Watt was inactive for the Steelers due to a hamstring injury. It doesn’t seem to be a long-term injury, as the five year veteran has a chance to return as early as this weekend.

• Alec Ingold, FB (Raiders): Ingold logged six offensive snaps and had one catch for six yards before exiting Sunday’s game with a rib injury. The second year pro had to visit a local hospital and his status for Week 10 is in question.

• Ryan Ramczyk, OT (Saints): Ramczyk started at right tackle and played 63 offensive snaps in the Saints’ blowout win over the Buccaneers.
• Rick Wagner, OT (Packers): The eight year veteran started at right tackle for the third straight week, but was forced to leave Thursday night’s game with a knee injury. Wagner did not practice on Monday and his status for Week 10 is unknown.
• Rob Havenstein, OT (Rams): The Rams had a bye in Week 9.
• Kevin Zeitler, OG (Giants): Zeitler started at right guard and played 100% of the offensive snaps in the Giants’ win over Washington. Through nine games, Zeitler has yet to miss a single offensive snap.
• David Edwards, OG (Rams): The Rams had a bye in Week 9.
• Michael Deiter, C (Dolphins): Deiter logged just six special teams snaps in the Dolphins’ win over the Cardinals.
• Troy Fumagalli, TE (Broncos): After being cut from the Texans’ practice squad last week, Fumagalli is returning to the Broncos after they signed him to their practice squad on Monday.
• Alex Erickson, WR (Bengals): The Bengals had a bye in Week 9.
• J.J. Watt, DE (Texans): The three-time Defensive Player of the Year winner finished with one sack (the 100th of his career), two total tackles, and a forced fumble in the Texans’ win over the Jaguars.

• Joe Schobert, LB (Jaguars): The five year veteran played 95% of defensive snaps and finished with six total tackles and half of a sack in Jacksonville’s Week 9 loss.
• T.J. Watt, LB (Steelers): Watt recorded three quarterback hits, half of a sack and a season-high three passes defended in the Steelers’ win over the Cowboys.
• T.J. Edwards, LB (Eagles): The Eagles had a bye in Week 9.
• Ryan Connelly, LB (Vikings): The former walk-on played a season-low 21% of special teams snaps and recorded no tackles for the Vikings in Week 9.
• Andrew Van Ginkel, LB (Dolphins): Van Ginkel was on the field for 35% of defensive snaps, and finished with one tackle and a forced fumble in the Dolphins’ win.

Rookies

• Jonathan Taylor, RB (Colts): Taylor had a season-low six carries and rushed for 27 yards and a touchdown in Week 9. The two-time Doak Walker award winner also fumbled the ball for the first time this year. Taylor has had an uninspiring rookie season (3.9 yards per carry) and has been outplayed by fellow running back Jordan Wilkins the past two weeks.

• Quintez Cephus, WR (Lions): With star wide receiver Kenny Golladay out with a hip injury, Cephus was active for the first time since Week 4. Cephus logged 31 offensive snaps and hauled in two catches for 31 yards in Detroit’s loss to the Vikings. He also recovered a blocked punt and almost scored!

• Tyler Biadasz, C (Cowboys): Biadasz was set to start his fifth straight game at center for the Cowboys, but suffered a hamstring injury in pregame warmups and did not play. The former fourth round pick is expected to miss 2-3 weeks.

• Zack Baun, LB (Saints): Baun logged only two snaps on defense, but played 62% of special teams snaps in the Saints’ win over the Buccaneers.