As the NFL regular season barrels toward its final stretch and the playoff picture sharpens into focus, it’s a good time to check in on some familiar names from Syracuse who are making their mark-or grinding to get their shot-across the league. From breakout debuts to special teams grit, here's how the Orange alumni fared this past week in the NFL.
Arizona Cardinals - Garrett Williams
Williams had himself a busy afternoon against the Texans, racking up 8 tackles in a game that tested Arizona's secondary all day.
The former Syracuse standout continues to show promise as a physical, downhill defender who isn’t afraid to get involved in the run game. While the Cardinals came up short, Williams' effort stood out on a defense that’s still finding its identity.
Atlanta Falcons - Matthew Bergeron
Bergeron continues to be a steady presence on Atlanta’s offensive line, logging 71 snaps in a crucial road win over the Buccaneers. He’s been a key part of a unit that’s leaned heavily on the run game, and his ability to hold up in pass protection has helped keep the Falcons in the thick of the NFC South race.
Buffalo Bills - Kingsley Jonathan
Jonathan remains on the Bills' practice squad, but with Buffalo’s defense dealing with injuries, his number could be called before the season’s out. He’s been working behind the scenes, waiting for the right opportunity to crack the active roster.
Cleveland Browns - Andre Szmyt
Szmyt continues to deliver in a tough kicking environment.
He nailed a 50-yard field goal against the Bears, bringing his season tally to 18-for-21. That kind of consistency is exactly what Cleveland needs in tight games, especially as they battle for playoff position in a loaded AFC North.
Dallas Cowboys - Justin Barron & Alijah Clark
Clark made his presence felt on special teams with a tackle in the Cowboys' loss to Minnesota. Barron, meanwhile, remains on the practice squad, developing his game in one of the league’s most competitive environments.
Detroit Lions - Jackson Meeks
Meeks continues to bide his time on the Lions’ practice squad. Detroit’s receiving corps is deep, but Meeks is staying ready.
Houston Texans - Jawhar Jordan
What a debut for Jordan.
Activated for the first time, he exploded for 101 rushing yards on 15 carries and added 17 receiving yards on two catches. The Texans may have found something here-Jordan’s burst and vision were on full display, and he looked like he belonged from the opening snap.
Not a bad way to introduce yourself to the league.
Indianapolis Colts - Zaire Franklin & Max Mang
Franklin continues to be a tackling machine, posting 10 stops in the Colts’ loss to Seattle.
He’s been one of the most productive linebackers in football this season, and his leadership on defense has been crucial for Indy. Mang remains on the practice squad, continuing to develop at tight end.
Jacksonville Jaguars - LeQuint Allen
Allen saw limited action on offense-4 carries for 11 yards and a short reception-but made a splash with a 50-yard kickoff return that flipped field position.
With Brayshul Tuten sidelined, Allen could be in line for more touches in the coming weeks. He’s got the versatility to make an impact.
Los Angeles Chargers - Oronde Gadsden, Marlowe Wax & Savion Washington
Gadsden showed off his route-running and hands with 4 catches for 61 yards in the Chargers’ win over Kansas City.
Wax contributed on special teams, logging 20 snaps in a solid all-around performance. Washington remains on the practice squad, continuing to develop in the trenches.
Miami Dolphins - Ifeatu Melifonwu & Isaiah Johnson
Melifonwu added 3 tackles as Miami’s defense tried to contain Pittsburgh’s ground game.
Johnson, previously reported to be off the active roster, was back in action and chipped in with 2 tackles of his own. Both are fighting for reps in a deep Dolphins secondary.
New England Patriots - Tommy DeVito
DeVito remains the third quarterback on the Patriots’ depth chart. With the offense in flux, he’s staying ready behind the scenes.
New Orleans Saints - Fadil Diggs
Diggs continues to develop on the Saints’ practice squad, waiting for his shot to contribute on a defensive front that’s been up and down this season.
New York Jets - Andre Cisco
Tough news for Cisco, who’s officially out for the rest of the season. The hard-hitting safety had been a bright spot in the Jets’ secondary before the injury.
Philadelphia Eagles - Kyle McCord
McCord is still on the practice squad in Philly. With the Eagles locked into a playoff push, he’s learning behind some of the league’s best.
Seattle Seahawks - Courtney Jackson
Jackson stayed on Seattle’s practice squad this week. The Seahawks have been rotating through receivers, so he’ll be someone to watch if injuries hit.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Riley Dixon & Sean Tucker
Tucker didn’t get many touches-just four carries for 7 yards-but he made the most of them, punching in another touchdown.
That nose for the end zone is becoming a bit of a calling card. Dixon handled punting duties with precision, averaging 41.3 yards on four punts, including two pinned inside the 20.
He’s been one of the more reliable legs in the league this year.
From practice squads to primetime performances, Syracuse alumni are leaving fingerprints all over the league. With the postseason looming, don’t be surprised if more of these names start showing up in key moments.