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Wolverines in the NFL: 'Misfit' AJ Barner with career day, J.J. McCarthy update

clayton-sayfieby: Clayton Sayfie10/07/25CSayf23
AJ Barner
Former Michigan Wolverines football tight end AJ Barner had a 2-touchdown day against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Photo by Steven Bisig-Imagn Images)

Former Michigan Wolverines football tight end AJ Barner broke out with a career day in the Seattle Seahawks’ 38-35 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, recording 7 catches for 53 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Barner is tied with Philadelphia’s Dallas Goedert for the most touchdown receptions by a tight end in the NFL with four through five games. Goedert has only appeared in four contests.

On the season, Barner has 14 grabs for 134 yards and 4 touchdowns on 16 targets, making the most of his opportunities on a 3-2 team with playoff aspirations.

“AJ is the leader of the pack there. He’s doing a great job,” head coach and former Michigan defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald said of Barner leading the way in the tight end room.

Barner was categorized as a blocking tight end coming into the league in 2024, but he’s proven to be a weapon in the passing game so far.

“I think I’m just able to get open and get an opportunity, I feel like Seattle’s a great fit for me,” he said after the loss. “In the past, I always characterized my college career as, I was a misfit. I went to Indiana, I went to Michigan, didn’t really have all the things really work out for me, and when I came to Seattle, I was like, ‘All right, this is home, this is where I’m meant to be.'”

Meanwhile in the NFC, former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who’s missed the last three contests with a high-ankle sprain, is getting closer to a return. The Minnesota Vikings have a bye this week, and McCarthy will be back on the practice field as the team prepares to take on the Philadelphia Eagles Oct. 19.

“It will be this week. He’ll be here,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said Monday. “We’ll be able to get him some extensive work, kind of as we lead into next week, and then I anticipate his workload building up. We’re going to really take advantage of that bonus Monday, not only with him, but with our whole team.

“I’m excited to get back here. J.J. got some work today, and he’ll get some work throughout the rest of the week. We’ve got some other guys he’ll be getting some work with on the field, and then we’ll pick it up officially next week. But I’m encouraged about where he’s at right now.”

Here’s a look at how every former Michigan player in the NFL performed in week five:

AJ Barner (2023), TE, Seattle Seahawks

Recorded career highs in receptions (7), receiving yards (53) and touchdown grabs (2) in a 38-35 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers … Hauled in 14 catches for 135 yards and 4 scores on 16 targets while opening all five games for the 3-2 Seahawks.

Ben Bredeson (2016-19), OG, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Started at left guard in a 38-35 win over the Seattle Seahawks, posting a 47.8 overall PFF grade while allowing no pressures … Opened all five games this season, including three at center and the last two at guard.

Devin Bush (2016-18), LB, Cleveland Browns

Recorded 6 tackles in a 21-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings … Totaled 36 tackles, including 2 for loss, with 1 sack and 3 pass breakups along with a forced fumble while opening five games for the 1-4 Browns.

Zach Charbonnet (2019-20), RB, Seattle Seahawks

Rushed 9 times for 36 yards and a touchdown and hauled in 1 catch for 12 yards in a 38-35 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers … Amassed 132 yards and 3 touchdowns on 48 carries and caught 3 passes for 17 yards in four appearances off the bench for the 3-2 Seahawks.

Nico Collins (2017-19), WR, Houston Texans

The former Michigan wide receiver reeled in 4 receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown in a 44-10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens … Leads the 2-3 Texans in receptions (22), receiving yards (312) and touchdown catches (3) in give games.

Blake Corum (2020-23), RB, Los Angeles Rams

The former Michigan national champion rushed once for 13 yards and was targeted twice in the passing game but didn’t register any receptions in a 26-23 overtime loss to the San Francisco 49ers … Dropped a pitch before the 49ers recovered, as well … Rushed 24 times for 133 yards and 1 touchdown with 3 catches for 9 yards in five contests for the 3-2 Rams.

Mike Danna (2019), DE, Kansas City Chiefs

Returned after missing two games with injury and posted 2 tackles in a 31-28 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars Monday night … Totaled 4 tackles, with 1 behind the line of scrimmage, in three games with as many starts for the 2-3 Chiefs.

Rashan Gary (2016-18), DL, Green Bay Packers

Had a bye week … Led the NFL with 4.5 sacks after three weeks and stood tied third after four weeks … Totaled 17 tackles, 4 stops for loss and 4.5 sacks while opening all four games for the 2-1-1 Packers.

Graham Glasgow (2012-15), OL, Detroit Lions

Started at center in all five games for the 4-1 Lions, including this past weekend’s 37-24 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Mason Graham (2022-24), DT, Cleveland Browns

Tallied 2 tackles in a 21-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings … Recorded 13 tackles, including 1 for loss, with 2 quarterback hits and a half-sack in five starts for the 1-4 Browns.

Kenneth Grant (2022-24), DT, Miami Dolphins

Totaled 2 tackles, a quarterback hit and a half-sack in a 27-24 loss to the Carolina Panthers … The former Michigan defensive lineman has tallied 11 tackles, a half-sack and 1 pass breakup while starting three games in five appearances for the 1-4 Dolphins.

Jaylen Harrell (2020-23), OLB, Tennessee Titans

Made a tackle in a 22-21 win over the Arizona Cardinals, the Titans’ first victory of the season, while playing 25 snaps on special teams (none on defense) … Appeared in all five games on special teams, recording 5 tackles.

Hassan Haskins (2018-21), RB, Los Angeles Chargers

The former Michigan All-American ran 5 times for 13 yards and caught a 2-yard pass in a 27-10 loss to the Washington Commanders … Will continue to have a bigger role now that top two running backs Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris are on the injured reserve list … Hampton has an ankle injury and is slated to return at some point this season … Haskins’ rushing and receiving stats this past week are his only ones of the season … Also serves as the team’s kick returner, bringing 6 out for 141 yards (23.5-yard average).

Dax Hill (2019-21), CB, Cincinnati Bengals

Made 5 tackles in a 37-24 loss to the Detroit Lions … Tallied 34 tackles with 1 for loss, 2 pass breakups and an interception while opening all five contests for the 2-3 Bengals.

James Hudson III (2017-18), OT, New York Giants

Saw 2 snaps on special teams in a 26-14 loss to the New Orleans Saints … Appeared in all five contests with two starts at left tackle for the 1-4 Giants.

Aidan Hutchinson (2018-21), DL, Detroit Lions

Notched 1 sack — and had two others that were called back due to penalties — with 4 tackles, including 1 for loss, and a season-high 5 quarterback hits in a 37-24 triumph over the Cincinnati Bengals … Has at least 1 sack in each of the last four games, totaling 5 for the season… Added 12 tackles, 5 TFL and 12 quarterback hits … His 31 pressures are tied for the most in the NFL along with Kansas City edge rusher George Karlaftis.

Kris Jenkins (2020-23), DT, Cincinnati Bengals

Tallied 3 tackles, including 1 for loss, in a 37-24 loss to the Detroit Lions … Registered 18 tackles, 2 TFL and 1.5 sacks in five games with one start for the 2-3 Bengals.

Will Johnson (2022-24), CB, Arizona Cardinals

Returned after missing two-straight games with a groin injury and tallied 2 tackles and a pass breakup in a 22-21 loss to the Tennessee Titans … Played in three outings with one start during his rookie season, totaling 6 tackles and 5 pass breakups.

Trevor Keegan (2019-23), OG, Dallas Cowboys

Made his first appearance of the season, playing six offensive snaps (left guard) and seven special teams plays in a 37-22 win over the New York Jets … Now appeared in two games in the NFL over two seasons … The Cowboys are 2-2-1.

Jourdan Lewis (2013-16), CB, Jacksonville Jaguars

The former Michigan cornerback made a tackle and a pass breakup in a 31-28 win over the Kansas City Chiefs Monday night … Started all five contests, recording 20 tackles with 3 for loss, 2 interceptions and 7 pass breakups with 1 fumble recovery.

Colston Loveland (2022-24), TE, Chicago Bears

Had a bye over the weekend … Missed the previous tilt with a hip injury … Caught 3 passes for 43 yards in three contests with two starts for the 2-2 Bears.

J.J. McCarthy (2021-23), QB, Minnesota Vikings

Missed his third-consecutive game for the 3-2 Vikings, a win over the Cleveland Browns, as he recovers from a high-ankle sprain … Expected to return to practice this week, with the Vikings heading into a bye … Completed 24 of his 41 pass attempts (58.5 percent) for 301 yards and 2 touchdowns with 3 interceptions, adding 7 carries for 50 yards and a score in two games.

Braiden McGregor (2020-23), EDGE, New York Jets

The former Michigan EDGE totaled 3 tackles, including 1 for loss, a sack and a quarterback hit in a 37-22 loss to the Dallas Cowboys … Recorded 8 stops with 1 for loss and 1 sack in four games off the bench.

Cameron McGrone (2018-20), LB, Indianapolis Colts

Didn’t play in a win over the Las Vegas Raiders … Registered 2 tackles in four appearances for the 4-1 Colts.

Joshua Metellus (2016-19), S, Minnesota Vikings

The former Michigan defensive back made 4 tackles and a pass breakup in a 21-17 win over the Cleveland Browns … Tallied 27 stops and 3 pass breakups with 1 interception in five games with as many starts for the 3-2 Vikings.

Joe Milton III (2018-20), QB, Dallas Cowboys

Completed 3 of his 5 pass attempts for 41 yards with an interception in mop-up duty during a 31-14 loss to the Chicago Bears Sept. 21, his only action of the season.

Mike Morris (2019-22), DE, Seattle Seahawks

Saw 24 snaps on defense and 21 on special teams but didn’t record any statistics in a 38-35 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers … Appeared in all five outings for the 3-2 Seahawks, registering 7 tackles, 1 TFL and 1 quarterback hit.

Kalel Mullings (2020-24), RB, Tennessee Titans

Currently on injured reserve with an ankle ailment … Logged 11 special teams snaps in two games for the 1-4 Titans.

David Ojabo (2019-21), OLB, Baltimore Ravens

Notched 1 quarterback hit in a 44-10 loss to the Houston Texans … Appeared in three games, with 2 tackles and a quarterback hit.

Olu Oluwatimi (2022), C, Seattle Seahawks

Played 27 offensive snaps on the season, appearing in two games … Didn’t play in week five.

Mike Onwenu (2016-19), OL, New England Patriots

Opened all five games at right guard for the 3-2 Patriots, who beat the Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football … Allowed 9 pressures and no sacks, and has posted a 72.4 overall PFF grade on the year.

Kwity Paye (2017-20), DE, Indianapolis Colts

Didn’t have any stats in a 40-6 win over the Las Vegas Raiders … Started all five games, registering 5 tackles, 2 TFL and a sack.

Jabrill Peppers (2014-16), S, Pittsburgh Steelers

The former Michigan star had a bye over the weekend … Has appeared in three games, including notching one start on defense, for the 3-1 Steelers.

Cesar Ruiz (2017-19), C/G, New Orleans Saints

Went down with a high-ankle sprain but was not placed on injured reserve … Missed last week’s game … Started the first four contests for the 1-4 Saints.

Jon Runyan (2016-19), OG, New York Giants

Started all five games at left guard, including this weekend’s 26-14 setback to the New Orleans Saints … Has a 50.5 overall PFF rating on the year, with 13 pressures and 2 sacks given up.

Mike Sainristil (2019-23), CB, Washington Commanders

The former Michigan standout had an interception on a tipped pass at the goal line, posted 2 pass breakups and made 9 tackles in a 27-10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium … Totaled 29 tackles, 2 interceptions and 3 pass breakups through five games, starting four of them.

Luke Schoonmaker (2018-22), TE, Dallas Cowboys

The former Michigan tight end made 1 catch for 3 yards in a 37-22 victory over the New York Jets … Made 4 grabs for 16 yards in five games with one start.

Mazi Smith (2019-22), DT, Dallas Cowboys

Appeared in each of the last three outings after not playing in the first two, but didn’t record any stats in a 37-22 win over the New York Jets … Totaled 1 tackle on the year.

Benjamin St-Juste (2017-18), CB, Los Angeles Chargers

Totaled 2 tackles in a 27-10 setback to the Washington Commanders … Made 8 tackles and 2 pass breakups in five appearances off the bench.

Josaiah Stewart (2023-24), OLB, Los Angeles Rams

Tallied 1 pass breakup in a 26-23 overtime loss to the San Francisco 49ers … Has 2 pass breakups, 3 tackles, 1 TFL and 1 sack on the year.

DJ Turner II (2019-22), CB, Cincinnati Bengals

Made a tackle and pass breakup in a 37-24 loss to the Detroit Lions … Played in all five games with four starts for the 2-3 Bengals, registering 11 tackles, 1 interception and 6 pass breakups.

Joshua Uche (2016-19), OLB, Philadelphia Eagles

Totaled 2 tackles in a 21-17 loss to the Denver Broncos, the Eagles’ first setback of the year … Totaled 12 tackles in five bench appearances.

Ben VanSumeren (2018-20), FB, Philadelphia Eagles

Suffered a season-ending knee injury on the opening kickoff of the first game of the NFL season Sept. 5.

William Wagner (2019-24), LS, Cincinnati Bengals

Snapped in all five games for the 2-3 Bengals, including 8 times against the Detroit Lions, a 37-24 loss.

Josh Wallace (2023), CB, Los Angeles Rams

Made his first 2 tackles of the season and played on defense (3 snaps) and special teams (14) in a 26-23 overtime loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

Roman Wilson (2020-23), WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

Had a bye … Caught 1 pass for 7 yards in four tilts for the 3-1 Steelers.

Zak Zinter (2020-23), OG, Cleveland Browns

Hasn’t appeared in a game this season, after seeing action in 17 with three starts in 2024.