Former North Dakota State Football Players Shine in Week 16 NFL Action

Strategic Insights -

In a remarkable display of talent, several former North Dakota State University (NDSU) football players made significant contributions to their respective teams in Week 16 of the NFL season. Dillon Radunz, a rookie lineman for the Tennessee Titans, made his first professional start and played a crucial role in the team's 20-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Meanwhile, quarterback Carson Wentz led the Indianapolis Colts to a 22-16 win over the Arizona Cardinals, solidifying their playoff spot.

NDSU has a staggering 12 active NFL players, a testament to the program's success in producing talented athletes. Among these players is Derrek Tuszka, a linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who recorded two tackles in the team's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Joe Haeg, a lineman for the Steelers, also played a significant role in the game, logging 31 total snaps.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dillon Radunz, a rookie lineman for the Tennessee Titans, made his first professional start and played all 62 offensive snaps in the team's 20-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
  • Carson Wentz led the Indianapolis Colts to another victory, improving to 9-6 this season and currently holding a playoff spot.
  • Derrek Tuszka, a linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, recorded two tackles in the team's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
  • Joe Haeg, a lineman for the Steelers, played 31 total snaps in the game, including 28 snaps on offense.
  • Trey Lance, a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, was active but did not play in the team's 20-17 loss to the Titans.
  • Easton Stick, a quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers, was the backup quarterback but did not play in the team's 41-29 loss to the Houston Texans.
  • Chris Board, a linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens, was activated off the COVID list but missed the team's Week 16 loss.
  • Billy Turner, a lineman for the Green Bay Packers, missed the team's 24-22 win over the Cleveland Browns due to injury.
  • Ben Ellefson, a tight end for the Minnesota Vikings, was designated to return to practice this week after being placed on injured reserve on Oct. 28.
  • Jabril Cox, a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Week 8 and was placed on injured reserve.
  • Zack Johnson, a lineman for the Denver Broncos practice squad, signed with the team on Nov. 24.
  • Darrius Shepherd, a wide receiver, signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad on Dec. 30.

Statistics:

  • Dillon Radunz played all 62 offensive snaps in the Titans' 20-17 victory over the 49ers.
  • Carson Wentz completed 18-of-28 passes for 225 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions in the Colts' 22-16 win over the Cardinals.
  • Derrek Tuszka recorded 2 tackles in the Steelers' 36-10 loss to the Chiefs.
  • Joe Haeg played 31 total snaps, including 28 snaps on offense, in the Steelers' 36-10 loss to the Chiefs.
  • Trey Lance was active but did not play in the 49ers' 20-17 loss to the Titans.
  • Easton Stick was the backup quarterback but did not play in the Chargers' 41-29 loss to the Texans.

Sources:

  • North Dakota State University:

"A Group of 10 North Dakota State Football Players Were on the Active Rosters This Week"