Purdue in the Pros: Week 18
Of the 12 Purdue players on NFL active rosters, 11 suited up for their teams in Week 18 of the season. How did they perform? GoldandBlack.com takes a look in our weekly Purdue in the Pros roundup.
LB MARKUS BAILEY – CINCINNATI BENGALS
Bailey saw 15 snaps at linebacker and 24 on special teams, recording one tackle in the Bengals’ 31-14 win over the Browns. He finished his fourth NFL season with six tackles, playing mostly on special teams. Cincinnati missed the playoffs with a 9-8 record.
LB DERRICK BARNES – DETROIT LIONS
In the Lions’ 30-20 win over the Vikings, Barnes played 54 of 73 snaps on defense, recording six tackles and two pressures of the passer. His third NFL regular season ended with a career-high 74 tackles. He helped the Lions win the NFC North title, and they will host the Rams on Sunday at 8:15 p.m. E.T.
WR DAVID BELL – CLEVELAND BROWNS
Bell started at wide receiver in the Browns’ 31-14 loss to the Bengals and turned in a career day. He caught four passes for 68 yards, two of which resulted in Cleveland touchdowns. His second NFL regular season concluded with a total of 14 receptions for 167 yards and three touchdowns. The Browns finished the season with an 11-6 record and qualified for the playoffs, where they’ll travel to Houston at 4:30 p.m. E.T. on Saturday.
LB JA’WHAUN BENTLEY – NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Bentley played all 65 snaps on defense in the Patriots’ season finale 17-3 loss to the Jets, recording 10 tackles, including a sack. He closed his sixth season in New England with 114 tackles, 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble. The Patriots wrapped up the season with a 4-13 record.
TE PAYNE DURHAM – TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Durham saw nine snaps in the Buccaneers 9-0 win over the Panthers, but he did not record any stats. After starting to see action in the middle of the season, Durham finished his rookie regular season with five receptions for 58 yards. The Buccaneers won the NFC South with a 9-8 record and host the Eagles on Monday at 8:15 p.m. E.T.
LB JALEN GRAHAM – SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Graham saw 13 snaps of special teams action for the 49ers in their 21-20 loss to the Rams. As a rookie, he recorded one tackle in 58 snaps of special teams. The 49ers earned the bye in the NFC with a 12-5 record.
TE BRYCEN HOPKINS – LOS ANGELES RAMS
Hopkins saw 18 snaps, his most since week one, in the Rams’ 21-20 win over the 49ers, catching two passes for 47 yards. It made for a solid ending to a challenging year for Hopkins, who closed the regular season with five catches for 78 yards. The Rams finished the season with a 10-7 record and earned a wild card spot. They will take on Detroit at 8:15 p.m. E.T. on Sunday.
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WR CHARLIE JONES – CINCINNATI BENGALS
Jones saw 21 snaps at wide receiver, hauling in three passes for 49 yards, and he returned three punts for 27 yards in the Bengals’ 31-14 win over the Browns. His rookie season saw him catch seven passes for 64 yards, carry twice for 13 yards and return 23 punts for 248 yards and a touchdown. The Bengals missed the playoffs, finishing with a 9-8 record.
DE GEORGE KARLAFTIS – KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Karlaftis dressed, but he did not play in the Chiefs’ 13-12 win over the Chargers as the reigning Super Bowl champions prepare for the playoffs. His second regular in the league comes to a close with 46 tackles, 10.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Kansas City will hope to begin its run to a second consecutive championship against Miami at 8:15 p.m. E.T. on Saturday.
WR RONDALE MOORE – ARIZONA CARDINALS
Moore played 40 of the 70 snaps in the Cardinals’ 21-20 loss to the Seahawks, catching four passes for 31 yards and rushing once for five yards. His third NFL season saw him catch 40 passes for 352 yards and a touchdown and run 28 times for 178 yards and a score. The Cardinals missed the playoffs with a 4-13 record.
RB RAHEEM MOSTERT – MIAMI DOLPHINS
Mostert was inactive due to lingering injuries for the Dolphins’ 21-14 loss to the Bills on Sunday night. He closed the season leading the league with 18 rushing touchdowns, carrying 209 times for 1,012 yards. Mostert tacked on 25 receptions for 175 yards and a trio of scores through the air, as well. The Dolphins earned a spot in the playoffs and will head to Kansas City for an 8:15 p.m. E.T. Saturday night showdown.
QB AIDAN O’CONNELL – LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
O’Connell started in the Raiders’ 27-14 win over the Broncos, completing 20 of 31 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns. He made 10 starts in his rookie campaign, completing 62% of his passes, recording 2,218 yards and a 12-to-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio. The Raiders missed the playoffs with an 8-9 record.
