Purdue in the Pros: Week 1
Of the 13 Boilermaker players on NFL active rosters, 10 suited up for their teams in week one. How did they perform? GoldandBlack.com takes a look in our weekly Purdue in the Pros roundup.
LB MARKUS BAILEY – CINCINNATI BENGALS
The Bengals’ special teams ace played on 25 special teams snaps in the season-opener, recording a tackle. Bailey sees time on four units – kick coverage, kick return, punt coverage and punt return. While time at linebacker will be limited, he remains a valuable piece for the Bengals, who will aim to bounce back from a 24-3 loss next week when they host the Ravens at 1:00 E.T.
LB DERRICK BARNES – DETROIT LIONS
Barnes tied for the team lead with six tackles, including one for a loss, in Detroit’s 21-20 upset victory over Kansas City to open the 2023 season. Though he splits time in a deep Lions linebacker room, Barnes impressed in the opener. The Lions return to action in the Motor City with a 1 p.m. E.T. kickoff against Seattle.
WR DAVID BELL – CLEVELAND BROWNS
Bell played ten snaps in the Browns’ 24-3 win over Cincinnati, failing to record a catch on his lone target. The receiver room in Cleveland is crowded, so Bell will need to make the most of his opportunities. The Browns take the field on Monday Night Football next week at 8:15 p.m. E.T.
LB JA’WHAUN BENTLEY – NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Bentley played all 66 snaps for the Patriots in their 25-20 loss to Philadelphia, recording five tackles and a hurry of the opposing quarterback. The veteran middle linebacker also played two snaps on punt return. The Patriots return to action next weekend in primetime at 8:20 p.m. E.T. against division rival Miami.
TE PAYNE DURHAM – TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
The rookie tight end was inactive in the Buccaneers’ 20-17 win over Minnesota. Keep an eye on his status ahead of the week two matchup with Chicago at 1 p.m. E.T. on Sunday.
LB JALEN GRAHAM – SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Graham was inactive for the 49ersd’ blowout win over Pittsburgh on Sunday. As his versatility helped land him a roster spot, injury statuses for players on defense and special teams will play a key role in determining his status each week. The 49ers take on the Rams at 4:05 p.m. E.T. on Sunday.
TE BRYCEN HOPKINS – LOS ANGELES RAMS
The fourth-year tight end played 23 snaps in the season-opening win, recording a 21-yard reception. He’s listed as the number two tight end on the Rams’ depth chart behind Tyler Higbee, so opportunities will come sporadically. The Rams will suit up against in-state rival San Francisco at 4:05 p.m. E.T. on Sunday.
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WR CHARLIE JONES – CINCINNATI BENGALS
The rookie played on the kick return and punt return in the Bengals’ 24-3 loss against Cleveland. Jones returned three punts for 24 yards and called for a fair catch. He’ll continue to showcase his return skills next week when the Bengals host Baltimore at 1 p.m. E.T.
DE GEORGE KARLAFTIS – KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Karlaftis started the season strong with seven tackles and a pass deflection in the Chiefs’ surprising 21-20 loss to Detroit in the Thursday night opener. Now seeing more consistent action in his second season, Karlaftis looks primed to embrace a big role for what should be a Super Bowl contender. The Chiefs will look to get in the win column this week as they travel to Jacksonville for a 1 p.m. E.T. kickoff.
WR RONDALE MOORE – ARIZONA CARDINALS
Moore carried the ball twice for 12 yards and caught three passes for 33 yards in the Cardinals’ 20-16 loss to the Commanders. The Cardinals, who figure to be in for a long season, will try to crack the win column at home against the Giants at 4:05 p.m. E.T.
RB RAHEEM MOSTERT – MIAMI DOLPHINS
Purdue’s longest-tenured pro carried the ball ten times for 37 yards and a touchdown while adding two receptions for 13 yards in the Dolphins’ 36-34 win over the LA Chargers. Miami will look to build on its strong start next week when they take on the Patriots on Sunday Night Football.
QB AIDAN O’CONNELL – LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
The rookie quarterback was inactive for the Raiders’ season-opening 17-16 win over Denver. O’Connell currently sits third on the depth chart behind Jimmy Garoppolo and Brian Hoyer. Could he make a move to second on the depth chart at some point this season?
Pregame: First Look: Syracuse, Ryan Walters presser, Dino Babers presser, Ryan Walters can expect more texts, calls if he notches first Ross-Ade win Saturday night, 100 Seasons at Ross-Ade: 1944-53, The 3-2-1: Straw that stirs Purdue’s drink? It’s Devin Mockobee, Purdue Football Number Crunching: Week 2, acrepro.com Buy/Sell: Purdue football Week 3
