Week 9 gave a little bit of everything for former IU players scattered across the NFL: heavy workloads, bye weeks, inactive tags and a few practice-squad names still hanging around the edges.
The biggest stat line belonged to Micah McFadden, who was all over the field for the New York Giants. He played 70 defensive snaps, started at linebacker and finished with 9 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss, 2 quarterback hits and 1 fumble recovery. Through seven games, he has logged 133 defensive snaps and 94 special teams snaps, with 23 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack and 1 fumble recovery.
Kahlil Benson also had a notable day for the Kansas City Chiefs, starting at left tackle and playing 66 offensive snaps along with 7 special teams snaps. On the season, he has appeared in eight games and totaled 510 offensive snaps and 37 special teams snaps.
On the offensive side, Kaelon Black got a solid run for the San Francisco 49ers. He played 18 offensive snaps and 4 special teams snaps, carrying the ball 11 times for 70 yards and adding 1 kick return for 31 yards. For the year, Black has 68 carries for 303 yards and 1 touchdown, plus 3 receptions for 4 yards.
Myles Price kept busy for the Minnesota Vikings, handling both return duties and a little work on offense. He played 29 offensive snaps and 11 special teams snaps, finishing with 4 kick returns for 124 yards, 1 punt return for 12 yards and 1 reception for 6 yards. His season totals now include 25 kick returns for 748 yards, 15 punt returns for 262 yards and 1 touchdown, along with 6 receptions for 32 yards.
Omar Cooper, Jr. continued to see real action for the New York Jets, playing 54 offensive snaps and catching 8 passes for 58 yards. In five games, he has 20 receptions for 306 yards and 2 touchdowns.
D’Angelo Ponds added defensive work for the Jets as well, logging 22 defensive snaps and 2 special teams snaps while making 2 total tackles. Marcelino McCrary-Ball was inactive and is on injured reserve.
A handful of former Hoosiers were on the move in smaller roles or sat out entirely. Fernando Mendoza did not play for the Las Vegas Raiders, while Ian Thomas saw 11 offensive snaps and 7 special teams snaps for the same team.
Riley Nowakowski was on a bye with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kurtis Rourke was inactive for the 49ers, and CJ West was also inactive while on injured reserve.
Luke Haggard and Dan Feeney did not play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Elijah Sarratt was inactive for the Baltimore Ravens.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine remains on the Indianapolis Colts practice squad after appearing in three games with 19 offensive snaps and 45 special teams snaps. Ke’Shawn Williams is also on a practice squad, with the Cincinnati Bengals, after one game and 9 special teams snaps.
Raheem Layne did not play for the New York Giants. Cam Jones is not currently with a team.
MORE ON NFL PRACTICE SQUADS
Roman Hemby - Las Vegas Raiders
In Other News...
Indiana Just Landed A Guard Hoosier Fans Will Want To Watch
Indiana added another notable name to its future backcourt with the signing of four-star guard Chase Branham from the class of 2027, a move that gives Hoosier fans an early reason to keep an eye on La Lumiere School. At 6-foot-4, Branham brings size for the position, and his arrival only adds to the sense that Indiana is trying to build its next wave with players who can fit the programs long-term plans.
Branham also arrives with some historical context attached, since he is now the 10th-highest ranked recruit Indiana has landed in the 247Sports era. In the schools official release, coach Darian DeVries highlighted both Branhams ability and his character, which is usually the kind of combination a staff hopes will translate well once the real work begins and the recruiting buzz gives way to what he can actually do in Bloomington. [Read more 🡒]
Lincoln Riley Just Sent Indiana A Message Before Bloomington Showdown
Lincoln Riley had plenty of praise for Indiana as USC turns its attention toward a trip to Bloomington, and the message was clear enough: this is not a matchup the Trojans can treat casually. Asked about the Hoosiers, Riley pointed to an experienced defense and the kind of coaching continuity that can make a team harder to prepare for, while also showing respect for Curt Cignettis program.
For Indiana, the compliments matter because they come with a reminder of what usually decides games at this level: which team can bring the same standard from one week to the next. Riley said consistency is the challenge, and that is exactly the sort of test the Hoosiers want in a high-profile home game, where a strong defensive identity and steady coaching should give them a chance to make USC earn everything. [Read more 🡒]
Tobi Osunsanmi May Decide Whether Indiana Can Survive USCs Attack
USC brings one of the Big Tens most dangerous passing attacks into this matchup, and Indianas best answer may come from the front line. The Trojans have leaned on quarterback Jayden Maiava to drive the offense, while the Hoosiers have built their defensive identity around getting pressure and disrupting timing before a play can fully develop.
Tobi Osunsanmi is at the center of that challenge. Indiana has to find a way to make USC uncomfortable early and often, because if Maiava settles in, the Trojans can turn a game fast through the air. The Hoosiers have shown they can defend at a high level, but this one may hinge on whether Osunsanmi and the pass rush can force USC out of rhythm before the secondary has to hold up for long stretches. [Read more 🡒]