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Wolverines in the NFL: J.J. McCarthy's status, Jake Moody delivers game-winning kick

clayton-sayfieby: Clayton Sayfie10/14/25CSayf23
Jake Moody
Chicago Bears kicker Jake Moody was an All-American at Michigan. (Photo by Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)

Former Michigan Wolverines football quarterback J.J. McCarthy is nearing a return to full health, but his status for this weekend’s game against defending champion Philadelphia is in doubt. Recovering from a high-ankle sprain suffered in week two, McCarthy was back at practice during Minnesota’s bye last week but hasn’t been named the starter for the clash with the Eagles.

“It was great to get back on the grass and have some good sessions out there, kind of getting back to a lot of the principles of lower-body mechanics and things that had been really good parts of his early journey here,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said Monday. “[It] didn’t even hit me till we were out there [together] — he had practiced one time since we left Chicago [in week one].”

O’Connell discussed McCarthy’s status.

“I don’t necessarily want to put a percentage on where I think he’s at health wise,” the coach commented. “I think this week will be massive for our whole team, but just to see J.J. back out there getting reps and working through the process of building that foundation back up [will be encouraging].”

Carson Wentz has replaced McCarthy during the injury, going 2-1 while completing 69 percent of his passes for 759 yards and 5 touchdowns with 2 interceptions.

Meanwhile in the NFC, former Michigan kicker Jake Moody stole the show Monday night, making 4 of his 5 field goals including the 38-yard game winner in a 25-24 victory over the Washington Commanders. Moody was called up from the practice squad just seven hours before game time, replacing Cairo Santos (thigh injury). Moody was mobbed by the Bears’ team following the game-winning kick.

“It’s a pretty cool series of events,” Moody said. “A couple days ago, I didn’t know I was playing and to get lifted up by my teammates, it’s an amazing feeling. I’m really glad I got to share that moment with them.”

Some Bears players said they didn’t meet Moody or speak to him until during the game on the sideline.

“First time I’ve spoken to him,” running back D’Andre Swift said. “He did a great job. I don’t know when he found out what his role was going to be today, but just coming in, resilient. Just proud of him. Happy to have him on the team, too.”

Moody was let go after struggles in San Francisco earlier in the season but may have found a long-term home in Chicago.

“I wasn’t surprised at all,” head coach Ben Johnson said of Moody’s performance. “We’ve seen him in practice now for a number of weeks. That’s one. And then, we also knew what he was capable of. He’s made big kicks in big games over the course of his career so far. So none of that was surprising. I think that’s who he is, and I think that change of scenery was really good for him.”

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

AJ Barner (2023), TE, Seattle Seahawks

Caught 3 passes for a career-high 71 yards in a 20-12 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars … Has 17 catches for 205 yards and 4 touchdowns on 19 targets while opening all six games for the 4-2 Seahawks.

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

The former Michigan offensive lineman started at left guard in a 30-19 win over the San Francisco 49ers … Opened all six contests for the 5-1 Buccaneers — three at center and the most recent three at left guard.

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

Recorded a season-high 9 tackles in a 23-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, with 2 of those stops coming behind the line of scrimmage … Tallied 45 tackles, 4 TFL, 2 sack, 3 pass breakups and a forced fumble while starting all six contests for the 1-5 Browns.

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

Rushed 12 times for 24 yards and hauled in 1 reception for 13 yards in a 20-12 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars … Had 60 rushes for 156 yards and 3 touchdowns and 4 catches for 30 yards while coming off the bench in five outings.

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

Had a bye over the weekend … 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

Rushed 5 times for 23 yards in a 17-3 win over the Baltimore Ravens … Has 156 rushing yards and a touchdown on 29 carries and 3 catches for 9 yards in six appearances for the 4-2 Rams.

Mike Danna (2019), DE, Kansas City Chiefs

Racked up 2 tackles in a 30-17 win over the Detroit Lions … Started all four games in which he’s appeared, totaling 6 tackles with 1 for loss and 1 quarterback hit.

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

Made 1 tackle and 2 quarterback hits in a 27-18 win over the Cincinnati Bengals … Started all five games for the 3-1-1 Packers, tallying 18 tackles, 4 TFL, 4.5 sacks and 9 quarterback hits.

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

The former Michigan offensive lineman started at center in a 30-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs … Opened all six contests for the 4-2 Lions, registering a 60.6 PFF rating.

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

Tallied 1 tackle in a 23-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers … Registered 14 tackles with 1 for loss and a half-sack while starting six games for the 1-5 Browns.

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

Notched his first career solo sack and tackle for loss in a 29-27 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers … Has 12 tackles, 1 TFL, 1.5 sacks and a pass breakup in six contests with three starts for the 1-5 Dolphins.

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

The former Michigan national champion logged 10 defensive snaps and was in on 20 special teams plays in a 20-10 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders … Played in six contests, making 5 tackles for the 1-5 Titans.

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

The former Michigan All-American rushed 6 times for 14 yards and caught 1 pass for 9 yards in a 29-27 win over the Miami Dolphins … Recorded 11 rushes for 27 yards and 2 catches for 11 yards in six outings for the 4-2 Chargers.

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

Tied his season high with 9 tackles in a 27-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers … Totaled 43 tackles with 1 for loss, 1 interception and 2 pass breakups while opening all six contests for the 2-4 Bengals.

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

Did not play in a 34-17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday night … Appeared in all five contests with two starts at left tackle for the 2-4 Giants.

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

The former Michigan All-American tallied 2 tackles with 1 for loss, 1 sack and a forced fumble that was recovered by the offense in a 30-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday night … Totaled 14 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 56 sacks and 4 forced fumbles while opening all six clashes for the 4-2 Lions … His 36 pressures lead the NFL, with Kansas City’s George Karlaftis checking in No. 2 with 32.

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

Made 2 tackles in a 27-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers … Registered 20 tackles, 2 stops for loss and 1.5 sacks in six games with two starts for the 2-4 Bengals.

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

The former Michigan All-American tallied 3 tackles in a 31-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts … Played in four contests with two starts for the 2-4 Cardinals, recording 10 tackles and 5 pass breakups.

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

Saw action on special teams for the second straight game, in a 30-27 setback to the Carolina Panthers … Those are his only two appearances of the season.

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

The former Michigan cornerback had 3 tackles with 1 for loss in a 20-12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks … Posted 23 tackles with 4 for loss, 2 interceptions, 7 pass breakups and a fumble recovery while starting all six games this season for the 4-2 Jaguars.

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

Caught 2 passes for 11 yards in a 25-24 win over the Washington Commanders Monday night … Made 5 catches for 54 yards, moving the chains for 2 first downs, through four games with two starts.

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

Back at practice during Minnesota’s bye week but has not yet been named the starter for this weekend’s clash against the Philadelphia Eagles … 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

Played on special teams and defense in a 13-11 loss to the Denver Broncos … Totaled 8 tackles with 1 for loss, 1 sack and 1 quarterback hit in five appearances for the 0-6 Jets.

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

The former Michigan linebacker hasn’t played since September … Registered 2 tackles in four appearances.

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

Had a bye … 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.

Jake Moody (2018-22), K, Chicago Bears

Called up from the Bears’ practice squad earlier in the day and drilled a 38-yard game-winning kick in a 25-24 win over the Washington Commanders Monday night … Made 4 of his 5 field goals in the game … Went 1-of-3 at San Francisco before being let go earlier in the season.

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

Recorded a tackle in a 20-12 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars … Tallied 8 stops with a pass breakup and 1 TFL in six games off the bench for the 4-2 Seahawks.

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

Played in a 17-3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams … Appeared in four games for the 1-5 Ravens, making 2 tackles.

Olu Oluwatimi (2022), C, Seattle Seahawks

The former Air Force, Virginia and Michigan center has played in two games this season, not since Sept. 21.

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

Started at right guard in a 25-19 win over the New Orleans Saints, pushing the Patriots to a 4-2 record … Opened all six contests this season.

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

The former Michigan defensive end registered 7 tackles, 2 tackles for loss and 2 sacks in a 31-27 win over the Arizona Cardinals … Is up to 3 sacks on the season, along with 12 tackles.

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

Totaled 1 tackle in a 23-9 win over the Cleveland Browns … Made 7 tackles and a fumble recovery in four games for the 4-1 Steelers.

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

Started five games at right guard for the 1-5 Saints, including the 25-19 loss to New England over the weekend … Recorded a 48.5 overall PFF rating on the season.

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

Started at left guard in a 34-17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles and in all six games this season for the 2-4 Giants … Has a 53.4 overall PFF grade on the year.

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

The former Michigan defensive back recorded 3 tackles and a pass breakup in a 25-24 loss to the Chicago Bears … Tallied 32 tackles, 2 picks and 4 pass breakups in six outings with five starts.

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

Hauled in a catch for 8 yards in a 30-27 loss to the Carolina Panthers … Played in all six games for the 2-3-1 Cowboys, reeling in 5 grabs for 24 yards on 10 targets.

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

The former Michigan defensive tackle was inactive for the loss to the Carolina Panthers … Appeared in three games this season.

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

Notched his first interception as a member of the Los Angeles Chargers in the 29-27 win over the Miami Dolphins, adding 3 tackles while playing a key role off the bench … Totaled 11 tackles, 3 pass breakups and a pick on the year for the 4-2 Chargers.

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

Made a career-high 3 tackles in a 17-3 win over the Baltimore Ravens … Posted 6 tackles with 1 for loss, 1 sack and 2 pass breakups in six appearances.

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

The former Michigan cornerback tallied 4 tackles with 1 for loss and a season-high 5 pass breakups in a 27-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers … Made 15 tackles with 1 for los and 11 pass breakups in six games with five starts for the 2-4 Bengals.

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

Made a tackle in a 34-17 loss to the New York Giants … Totaled 13 stops in six games.

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 8 times in a 27-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers … Played in all six contests.

Josh Wallace (2023), CB, Los Angeles Rams

The former Michigan cornerback saw time on special teams and one snap on defense in a 17-3 win over the Baltimore Ravens … Made 2 tackles in six games this season.

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

Reeled in his second catch of the season for 12 yards in a 23-9 win over the Cleveland Browns … Has 2 receptions for 19 yards in five contests.

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

Yet to see game action this season.