Week five gave former Huskers a little bit of everything in the NFL: a game-changing kickoff return, a midweek trade, special teams work, and a few quiet days on the sideline.
Ameer Abdullah had the biggest moment of the bunch. In Jacksonville’s game in London against the Eagles, the former Nebraska running back turned the game on its head with a 53-yard kickoff return late in regulation, a burst that helped set up the Jaguars’ walk-off field goal. Abdullah finished with three kickoff returns for 98 yards and was on the field for one offensive snap and 11 special teams plays.
“2015 second-round pick Ameer Abdullah helping win NFL games in the year 2026 on his seventh team. What a world. https://t.co/E2FObEfLqm
- Mike Kennedy (@MikeKennedyNFL) October 11, 2026”
Elsewhere, Maliek Collins put together a busy afternoon for Cleveland despite the result. The Browns defensive tackle started and finished with four tackles and 1.5 sacks in a 17-12 loss to the Jets. He added two tackles for loss and three quarterback hurries while logging 42 defensive snaps and three more on special teams.
Cam Taylor-Britt also chipped in on special teams in Indianapolis’ loss to Pittsburgh. The Colts defensive back recorded two special teams tackles, working three defensive snaps and 17 on special teams.
On the offensive side, Nate Boerkircher found a little action in Jacksonville’s win over Philadelphia. The former Husker tight end caught two passes for 20 yards and was on the field for 35 offensive snaps and five special teams snaps.
Luke Gifford played a steady role in San Francisco’s win over Seattle, getting 19 defensive snaps and 27 on special teams. He finished with one special teams tackle. Jack Stoll was active for the 49ers as well and appeared on 14 special teams snaps in the victory.
Thomas Fidone was in uniform for the Giants’ tie with Washington as a reserve and saw 16 special teams snaps.
Week five also brought a roster change for Cam Jurgens, who was traded from the Eagles to the Baltimore Ravens during the week after five years in Philadelphia. He was inactive for Baltimore’s Sunday night game against Atlanta.
Emmett Johnson’s Chiefs were on bye, though he did show up in Lincoln to help pump up the crowd during Nebraska’s game with Indiana.
Ty Robinson was listed with the Eagles, while former Huskers on practice squads included Dane Key with Denver, Isaiah Neyor with Green Bay, Henry Lutovsky, Ben Scott and Javin Wright with Tampa Bay, DeShon Singleton with Kansas City and Ben Stille with Detroit.
In Other News...
Nebraska Turned An Indiana Loss Into A Recruiting Win
Nebraskas loss to Indiana did not keep Memorial Stadium from looking like a sell for the future. During the game, three four-star recruits - Jackson Parker, Terence Parsee and Israel Johnigan - were in the building, and each came away with a positive read on both the atmosphere and the way Nebraska competed. Even on a frustrating day in the standings, the scene around the program still gave the Huskers a chance to make an impression.
That matters because those visits were part of a larger recruiting weekend that brought more than 20 prospects to Lincoln. For Nebraska, the goal was bigger than the final score: create enough energy, consistency and visibility that top targets leave wanting more. If the trip elevated the Huskers in each recruits process, it turned an otherwise tough afternoon into something the staff can point to as a win. [Read more 🡒]
Nebraska Has A Dylan Raiola Reunion Brewing With One Big Catch
Oregons quarterback situation is getting the most attention heading into its matchup with Nebraska, and for good reason. Dante Moore remains in concussion protocol, leaving the Ducks in a wait-and-see spot at the games most important position. If Moore cannot go, backup Dylan Raiola would be next up, adding an unexpected layer to a game already carrying plenty of intrigue for Nebraska fans who know his backstory well.
Raiolas connection to the Cornhuskers makes this one feel a little different than a typical late-week injury watch. The transfer came with real expectations and real familiarity, and his recent play has been a reminder of how quickly the spotlight can swing in college football. After a strong outing against USC, he stumbled the next time out against UCLA, and now the possibility of seeing him line up against his former team gives this matchup an even sharper edge. [Read more 🡒]
Dylan Raiola Faces A Huge Oregon Test After Nebraskas Latest Letdown
Dylan Raiola is still expected to be Nebraskas starter against Oregon, and the timing could hardly be tougher after a rough showing against UCLA. Raiola completed 6 of 19 passes for 43 yards with no interceptions in that loss, a performance that only adds to the pressure as the Cornhuskers move into another big test.
Now he gets a matchup with his former team, a game that carries extra weight for Raiola even beyond the usual Big Ten stakes. He has already acknowledged the challenge of seeing Oregon on the schedule and shown respect for former coach Matt Rhule, while Nebraska is still trying to steady itself after a frustrating loss to Indiana despite leading 17-6, a game in which Curt Cignetti praised the Huskers competitiveness. [Read more 🡒]