Washington State fans had plenty to celebrate this weekend. Not only did the Cougars punch their ticket to a bowl game with a gritty win over Oregon State, but several of their NFL alumni made their presence felt in Week 13.
From toe-tap touchdowns to quarterback sacks, former Wazzu standouts were all over the field. Let’s break down how each of them fared as the NFL season barrels toward its final stretch.
Cameron Ward - QB, Tennessee Titans
The Titans' offense continues to search for answers, and while Cameron Ward didn’t light up the stat sheet, he avoided the kind of mistakes that can sink a team.
Ward completed 24 of 38 passes for 141 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in a 25-3 loss to the Jaguars. It wasn’t flashy, but it was steady-something the Titans desperately need as they work through a difficult season.
Ward's ability to limit turnover-worthy plays is a silver lining, even if the offense as a whole hasn’t found its rhythm yet.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec.
7 @ Cleveland Browns (3-9)
Gardner Minshew II - QB, Kansas City Chiefs
Minshew remained on the sidelines during the Chiefs' Thanksgiving shootout loss to the Cowboys.
Kansas City continues to roll with their current quarterback setup, leaving Minshew in a backup role for now.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 7 vs Houston Texans (7-5)
Travell Harris Williams - WR, New England Patriots
It was just one target for Williams on Monday night, but he made it count-and then some.
The rookie wideout hauled in a beautiful toe-tap touchdown grab for 33 yards in the Patriots’ dominant win over the Giants. While his role in the offense remains limited, plays like that are exactly why the team is keeping him in the mix.
Big-play potential like his doesn’t stay quiet for long.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 14 vs Buffalo Bills (8-4)
Abraham Lucas - OT, Seattle Seahawks
Seattle’s offensive line turned in a rock-solid performance in a 26-0 shutout win over the Vikings, and Lucas was a steady force up front.
He allowed two pressures but otherwise kept Sam Darnold clean in the pocket. Lucas also graded out well in the run game, earning a 79.5 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus and a 65.4 in pass protection.
He’s proving to be a reliable piece on a line that’s quietly improving.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec.
7 @ Atlanta Falcons (4-8)
Daiyan Henley - LB, Los Angeles Chargers
Henley’s performance was a mixed bag, but the highs were hard to miss.
He notched a sack and two quarterback pressures in the Chargers’ win over the Raiders, showing off the kind of explosive playmaking that made him a standout in Pullman. He finished with two total tackles and allowed just one catch for 11 yards.
Tackling consistency remains an area to clean up, but Henley continues to flash upside.
Next Game: Monday, Dec. 8 vs Philadelphia Eagles (8-4)
Frankie Luvu - LB, Washington Commanders
Luvu was all over the field in the Commanders’ narrow loss to Denver.
He racked up three quarterback pressures, two hits, and a sack-disrupting the Broncos’ backfield throughout the night. However, he also missed two tackles and finished with three total.
It was a performance that showed both his high motor and the areas where he can still tighten things up.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec.
7 @ Minnesota Vikings (4-8)
Jaylen Watson - CB, Kansas City Chiefs
Watson came out of the gates hot, picking off Dak Prescott early in the Chiefs’ loss to Dallas.
But after that, things got a bit rocky. He was targeted nine times and allowed seven receptions for 63 yards.
The interception was a highlight, but Watson will be looking to bounce back with a more complete outing next week.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 7 vs Houston Texans (7-5)
Chau Smith-Wade - CB, Carolina Panthers
Smith-Wade saw a bump in snaps during the Panthers’ convincing win over the Rams, and he made good on the opportunity.
The rookie corner made four tackles and was targeted three times, allowing just two catches for a total of 10 yards. Quiet, efficient, and effective-exactly what you want from a young defensive back finding his footing.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 14 @ New Orleans Saints (2-10)
Jalen Hicks - S, Kansas City Chiefs
Hicks saw increased action this week, and he didn’t waste it.
He posted a 75.0 grade from PFF-third-best among all Chiefs defenders-and was solid in every phase. He didn’t allow a catch on his lone target, registered three tackles, and added a quarterback hit.
It was the kind of performance that could earn him more trust in a crowded Kansas City secondary.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 7 vs Houston Texans (7-5)
Armani Thompson - DB, Arizona Cardinals
Thompson had a tough time wrapping up in Arizona’s tight loss to Tampa Bay, missing two tackles.
But he made up for it in coverage, allowing just one catch on two targets and notching a pass breakup. It wasn’t perfect, but he showed resilience and the ability to bounce back mid-game-something coaches love to see.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 7 vs Los Angeles Rams (9-3)
Washington State’s pipeline to the pros continues to produce players who contribute in meaningful ways. Whether it’s a highlight-reel touchdown, a game-changing sack, or just steady, dependable play in the trenches, these former Cougs are making their mark. And with bowl season on deck for the college squad, it’s a good time to be a Wazzu fan-on Saturdays and Sundays.