Wolverines in the NFL: Brandon Graham's career may be over, Luke Schoonmaker and Nico Collins find the end zone
Former Michigan Wolverines football defensive end Brandon Graham came into the fall saying the 2024 season would be his last. The 36-year-old posted 20 tackles, 6 stops for loss and 3.5 sacks in 11 games during his 15th NFL campaign, and he was playing his best football in November, with 2.5 sacks in the last three games. But Graham went down with torn triceps, ending his season for the 9-2 Eagles, the leader in the NFC East and a Super Bowl contender.
Graham left it open as to whether or not he’ll attempt to make a return in 2025.
“I don’t want to go out like this but if it’s pointing toward that, hey, we’ll see,” Graham said after his team’s 37-20 win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football. “I don’t know what the team is going to be feeling at that time. But I know for me, I don’t want to go out like this. I definitely want to be able to finish a whole season before I’m done.
“But if that ain’t in the cards, I’m content with where I’m at too. I’m just not there yet. I’m like, let’s finish this and let’s see how rehab is going and then we’ll go from there.”
Graham is a team captain for the sixth straight year. He’s the longest-tenured athlete in Philadelphia and has played more games in an Eagles uniform than any player in history. The former Michigan star is the heart and soul of the Eagles’ defense, and he’ll still have a presence on the squad.
Graham broke down crying during his weekly radio show.
“I know I ain’t let nobody down as far as getting hurt and stuff, because I know I’m gonna bring that energy … I promise you, I’m just more hurt on how we’ve been coming every week, trying to defy the odds and being with ’em,” Graham said on Sports Radio 94 WIP. “I’m gonna be with ’em. I’m still with ’em. I know that.
“But yeah, man. I just needed this. I needed to get this out. It’s been a while since I’ve cried, man.
“I’m just hurting a little bit ’cause man, man. For the 15 years I’ve been here and people doubting me, this was a big one for me, and I think I accomplished a lot this year. But I know it’s God’s plan, man, and I’m trusting that, and so that’s where I’m at.”
Elsewhere in the NFC East, former Michigan tight end Luke Schoonmaker has taken his opportunity and run with it over the last two weeks, a span that’s seen him haul in 9 receptions.
Schoonmaker is playing more with Jake Ferguson out with a concussion, and he brought in 3 receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown in a wild 34-26 win over the Washington Commanders. He got wide open over the middle and put the Cowboys up 20-9 with just over five minutes to go in the fourth quarter. The week prior, Schoonmaker broke out for 6 catches and 56 yards in a loss to the Houston Texans.
Speaking of the Texans, former Michigan wide receiver Nico Collins is back in a big way. In his second game after returning from injury, Collins gave the Texans’ offense a big boost with 5 catches for 92 yards and a touchdown in a 32-27 loss to the Tennessee Titans. His score came on 3rd and 3 from the 5-yard line and put the Texans within three points midway through the second quarter.
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Erick All (played at Michigan from 2019-21), TE, Cincinnati Bengals
Racked up 20 catches for 158 yards, starting six of nine games for the 4-7 Bengals … Suffered a torn ACL Nov. 3 and will miss the remainder of the season.
AJ Barner (2023), TE, Seattle Seahawks
Hauled in 3 catches for 19 yards in a 16-6 win over the Arizona Cardinals … Totaled 19 receptions for 166 yards and a touchdown in 11 games with five starts for the 6-5 Seahawks.
Ronnie Bell (2018-22), WR, San Francisco 49ers
The former Michigan wideout logged five offensive snaps but didn’t record any statistics in a 38-10 blowout loss to the Green Bay Packers … Competed in nine games for the 5-6 49ers, registering 2 catches for 22 yards.
Ben Bredeson (2016-19), OG, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The former Michigan offensive lineman started and played every snap at left guard in a 30-7 win over the New York Giants … Opened all 11 outings for the 5-6 Buccaneers, registering a 56.5 overall PFF rating with 18 pressures and no sacks allowed.
Devin Bush (2016-18), LB, Cleveland Browns
Totaled 6 tackles in a 24-19 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers Thursday night … Totaled 52 tackles, including 3 for loss and a sack, with 1 pass breakup in 11 appearances with seven starts for the 3-8 Browns.
Zach Charbonnet (2019-20), RB, Seattle Seahawks
Rushed 6 times for 22 yards with a 12-yard long in a 16-6 win over the Arizona Cardinals … Gained 238 yards and scored 4 touchdowns on 71 rush attempts, also catching 27 passes for 191 yards and a score in 11 games with two starts.
Nico Collins (2017-19), WR, Houston Texans
Reeled in 5 grabs for 92 yards and a touchdown in a 32-27 loss to the Tennessee Titans … Totaled 41 catches for 713 yards and 4 touchdowns in seven games for the 7-5 Texans.
Junior Colson (2021-23), LB, Los Angeles Chargers
The former Michigan linebacker is currently on injured reserve with an ankle injury, but head coach Jim Harbaugh said he’s expected to return at some point this season … Has 14 tackles and 1 pass breakup in six bench appearances on the season.
Blake Corum (2020-23), RB, Los Angeles Rams
Rushed once for 5 yards in a 37-20 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday night … Racked up 106 yards on 29 rushes and 31 yards on 4 catches in 11 games.
Mike Danna (2019), DE, Kansas City Chiefs
The former Michigan defensive end recorded 4 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 quarterback hit and a forced fumble in a 30-27 win over the Carolina Panthers … Tallied 24 takcles, 2 stops for loss, 1.5 sacks and 4 quarterback hits while starting all seven games in which he’s appeared for the 10-1 Chiefs.
Chris Evans (2016-18, ’20), RB, Cincinnati Bengals
Out for season (knee injury).
Rashan Gary (2016-18), LB, Green Bay Packers
Continued his hot streak with another sack and a forced fumble in a 38-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers … He’s up to 2.5 sacks in the last three games and 3.5 in the last five … He added 2 tackles in the victory … Totaled 32 tackles, 4 stops for loss, 10 quarterback hits and 4.5 sacks in 11 games as a starter for the 8-3 Packers.
Graham Glasgow (2012-15), OL, Detroit Lions
Opened at left guard in a 24-6 win over the Indianapolis Colts, the Lions’ ninth-straight victory … Started all 11 games for the 10-1 Lions, posting a 59.1 overall PFF rating.
Brandon Graham (2006-09), DE, Philadelphia Eagles
Recorded his third-straight game with at least a half-sack, posting a sack, 2 tackles for loss and 2 tackles with a pass breakup in a 37-20 win over the Los Angeles Rams … Tore his tricep in the game and is out for the season, likely his final one in the NFL … Up to 20 tackles, 6 stops for loss, 3.5 sacks, 7 quarterback hits, 2 pass breakups and a forced fumble in 11 games with one start for the 9-2 Eagles.
Jaylen Harrell (2020-23), OLB, Tennessee Titans
Played on defense and special teams in a 32-27 win over the Houston Texans but didn’t register a stat … Recorded 10 tackles, including 2 for loss, in 11 outings off the bench for the 3-8 Titans.
Hassan Haskins (2018-21), RB, Los Angeles Chargers
Rushed once for 3 yards in a 30-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens Monday night … Seen action in 11 outings, rushing 14 times for 26 yards, 6 first downs and 1 touchdown.
LaDarius Henderson (2023), OG, Houston Texans
On the “reserve/non-football injury” list, having undergone foot surgery in July.
Dax Hill (2019-21), CB, Cincinnati Bengals
Suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 5, after totaling 25 tackles and 2 pass breakups as a starter at cornerback.
Khaleke Hudson (2016-19), LB, Cleveland Browns
The former Michigan linebacker made a tackle in a 24-19 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers … Made 7 tackles in 11 games this season.
James Hudson III (2017-18), OT, Cleveland Browns
On the injured reserve … Hasn’t played since Sept. 29, his fourth appearance of the season.
Maurice Hurst II (2014-17), DT, Cleveland Browns
The former Michigan defensive tackle recorded 3 tackles, including 1 for loss, in a 24-19 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers … Played in seven outings with two starts, racking up 15 tackles, including 3 for loss, 1 quarterback hit and a half-sack.
Aidan Hutchinson (2018-21), DE, Detroit Lions
Out indefinitely with a broken fibula and tibia suffered Oct. 13 at Dallas … He has 19 tackles, 7 stops for loss, 7.5 sacks, 17 quarterback hits and a forced fumble while opening five tilts.
Kris Jenkins (2020-23), DT, Cincinnati Bengals
Had a bye … Tallied 17 tackles, including 1 for loss and a sack, in nine outings with three starts for the 4-7 Bengals.
Trevor Keegan (2019-23), OG, Philadelphia Eagles
Yet to make his NFL debut.
Jourdan Lewis (2013-16), CB, Dallas Cowboys
The former Michigan cornerback exploded for 6 tackles, a pass breakup and a forced fumble in a 34-26 win over the Washington Commanders … Totaled 42 tackles and 4 pass breakups for the 4-7 Cowboys.
J.J. McCarthy (2021-23), QB, Minnesota Vikings
Set to miss the entire season with a knee injury suffered in preseason … Underwent a second surgery in November.
Braiden McGregor (2020-23), EDGE, New York Jets
The undrafted free agent has tallied 6 tackles in as many games for the 3-8 Jets … Was inactive this past week.
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Cameron McGrone (2018-20), LB, Indianapolis Colts
Made a tackle on special teams, his second of the season in five games, in a 24-6 loss to the Detroit Lions.
Josh Metellus (2016-19), S, Minnesota Vikings
The former Michigan safety posted 7 tackles in a 30-27 overtime win over the Chicago Bears … Totaled 61 tackles, including 2 for loss, and 3 pass breakups with an interception in 11 games with five starts for the 9-2 Vikings.
Joe Milton (2018-20), QB, New England Patriots
Yet to make his NFL debut.
Jake Moody (2018-22), K, San Francisco 49ers
Drilled a 48-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 14 points in the third quarter of a 38-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers … He’s 18-of-22 with a 53-yard long in eight games for the San Francisco 49ers.
Mike Morris (2019-22), DE, Seattle Seahawks
Saw time on special teams in a 16-6 win over the Arizona Cardinals … Made 5 tackles in 10 appearances.
David Ojabo (2019-21), OLB, Baltimore Ravens
Inactive for the fourth time in five games … Recorded 5 tackles, 1 stop for loss, 1 sack and 4 quarterback hits in eight games off the bench for the 8-4 Ravens.
Olu Oluwatimi (2022), C, Seattle Seahawks
Made his second start of the season at center in a 16-6 win over the Arizona Cardinals … Graded out at 58.3 overall by PFF in the win … Competed in six games with two starts.
Mike Onwenu (2016-19), OL, New England Patriots
The former Michigan offensive lineman started at right guard in a 34-15 loss to the New England Patriots … Registered a 66.1 overall PFF grade with 26 pressures and no sacks allowed this season for the 3-9 Patriots.
Kwity Paye (2017-20), DE, Indianapolis Colts
Made 3 tackles in a 24-6 loss to the Detroit Lions … Tallied 30 tackles, 7 stops for loss, 5.5 sacks and 9 quarterback hits in 10 games with as many starts for the 5-7 Colts.
Jabrill Peppers (2014-16), S, New England Patriots
Removed from the commissioner’s exempt list Nov. 25, having missed seven games after being charged with domestic violence … He is set to return to the active roster … Recorded 23 tackles and 2 pass breakups while starting four games before being charged.
Brad Robbins (2017-22), P, Cincinnati Bengals
On injured reserve with a leg injury he suffered in mid-August.
Josh Ross (2017-21), LB, Seattle Seahawks
The former Michigan captain played on special teams in a 16-6 win over the Arizona Cardinals … Has 6 tackles on the season, having played for both the Baltimore Ravens (seven games) and Seattle Seahawks (four).
Cesar Ruiz (2017-19), C/G, New Orleans Saints
Had a bye … Started seven games at right guard for the 4-7 Saints.
Jon Runyan (2016-19), OG, New York Giants
Opened all 11 games at left guard for the 2-9 Giants … Generated a 55.8 overall PFF rating with 25 pressures and 1 sack allowed this season.
Mike Sainristil (2019-23), CB, Washington Commanders
Posted 6 tackles and a pass breakup in a 34-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys … The former Michigan national champion totaled 61 tackles, 1 stop for loss, 9 pass breakups and an interception in 12 outings with 11 starts for the 7-5 Commanders.
Luke Schoonmaker (2018-22), TE, Dallas Cowboys
Caught 3 passes for 55 yards and a touchdown, making that 9 receptions on 14 targets in the last two weeks, in a 34-26 win over the Washington Commanders … Hauled down 17 receptions for 167 yards and a touchdown in 11 appearances with three starts.
Mazi Smith (2019-22), DT, Dallas Cowboys
The former Michigan defensive tackle posted 3 tackles, including 1 behind the line of scrimmage, in a 34-26 victory over the Washington Commanders …. That was his third tackle for loss of the season, adding to his 28 total tackles while starting all 11 games.
Benjamin St-Juste (2017-18), CB, Washington Commanders
Totaled 6 tackles in a 34-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys … Has 60 tackles and 7 pass breakups with a forced fumble while opening all 12 games.
Andrew Stueber (2017-21), OT/G, Cincinnati Bengals
Had a bye … Signed by the Bengals off the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad in early October … Appeared in the last four games, seeing time on special teams in all four and logging one snap on offense.
Ambry Thomas (2017-19), CB, San Francisco 49ers
On the injured reserve with a forearm injury that has held him out of every game so far.
DJ Turner II (2019-12), CB, Cincinnati Bengals
Went down with a clavicle injury and was placed on injured reserve last week … Racked up 29 tackles, 8 pass breakups and a tackle for loss in 11 games with six starts.
Joshua Uche (2016-19), LB, Kansas City Chiefs
Played off the bench (11 defensive snaps, two on special teams) in a 30-27 win over the Carolina Panthers … Played seven games with the New England Patriots, making 13 tackles and 2 sacks, before being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs … Seen action in four contests for the Chiefs, with 2 tackles.
Ben VanSumeren (2018-20), LB/FB, Philadelphia Eagles
Played five snaps on offense and 20 on special teams in a 37-20 win over the Los Angeles Rams … Totaled 3 tackles in 11 games with one start.
Josh Wallace (2023), CB, Los Angeles Rams
The former UMass and Michigan cornerback saw action on one defensive play and 19 special teams plays in a 37-20 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles … Tallied 2 tackles and a pair of pass breakups in 11 appearances with two starts.
Roman Wilson (2020-23), WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
Missed the beginning of the season with an ankle injury, appeared in two games with no stats but was placed on the injured reserve Oct. 28 (hamstring).
Zak Zinter (2020-23), OG, Cleveland Browns
Saw time on special teams in a 24-19 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers … Competed in 10 games with three starts.
