Purdue in the Pros: Week 1

While Purdue looks to bounce back in West Lafayette, several former Boilermakers will look to make an impact on Sundays this fall. Some figure to play prominent roles, while others are scratching their way through training camp. Today, GoldandBlack.com looks at how former Purdue players fared in week one of the NFL Season.

DERRICK BARNES – DETROIT LIONS

Barnes finished second on the team with six tackles, one for a loss, in Detroit’s 27-13 loss at Green Bay. He started at linebacker and played 43 of 48 defensive snaps, in addition to lining up for 13 plays on special teams. The Lions will host the Bears at 1 p.m. EDT on Sunday in their home opener.

DAVID BELL – CLEVELAND BROWNS

Bell began the season on the “reserve/non-football injury” list. His timetable for a return remains unknown.

PAYNE DURHAM – TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Durham started as Tampa Bay’s second tight end in a 23-20 win over Atlanta, but he did not record any stats. He saw 15 snaps at tight end and 14 on special teams. The Buccaneers will travel to Houston for Monday Night Football at 7 p.m. EDT in week two.

CHARLIE JONES – CINCINNATI BENGALS

Jones saw special teams action in Cincinnati’s 17-16 win over Cleveland. He returned three kicks for 70 yards and one punt for 23 yards. The Bengals host the Jaguars at 1 p.m. EDT this week.

SANOUSSI KANE – BALTIMORE RAVENS

Kane took the field for three defensive snaps and 27 special teams snaps in Baltimore’s wild 41-40 loss to Buffalo on Sunday Night Football. The Ravens will host the Browns for a 1 p.m. EDT divisional showdown on Sunday.

GEORGE KARLAFTIS – KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

In his first game after inking a massive four-year, $93 million extension with the Chiefs, Karlaftis played 55 of 65 snaps in their 27-21 loss to the Chargers in Brazil. He recorded three total tackles, a sack and two tackles for loss. Kansas City will host Philadelphia in a Super Bowl rematch at 4:25 p.m. EDT on Sunday.

MARCUS MBOW – NEW YORK GIANTS

Mbow made the roster as a reserve offensive lineman, and he played two snaps at right tackle in the Giants’ season-opening 21-6 loss to the Commanders. New York will head to Dallas for a 1 p.m. EDT divisional clash on Sunday.

RAHEEM MOSTERT – LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

Purdue’s longest-tenured pro, Mostert was a healthy inactive for the Raiders’ 20-13 win over New England. He’s currently listed as the co-second-team running back on the roster posted to Las Vegas’ website. The Raiders will host the Chargers for a late Monday night affair at 10 p.m. EDT this week.

AIDAN O’CONNELL – LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

O’Connell suffered a fractured right wrist in the Raiders’ final preseason game, forcing him to miss the start of the season. He is not on injured reserve, but he is expected to miss the first month or so of the season.

TYRONE TRACY JR. – NEW YORK GIANTS

Tracy burst onto the scene with 839 yards as a rookie in 2024, but the Giants’ offense didn’t get much going in a 21-6 loss to Washington. The Indianapolis native carried 10 times for 24 yards and caught a pair of passes for 11 yards. He lined up for 50 of the 68 offensive snaps. The G-Men will fly to Dallas for a 1 p.m. EDT kickoff on Sunday.

CORY TRICE JR. – PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Trice began the season on the “reserve/injured/designated for return” list and did not suit up for Pittsburgh’s season-opening 34-32 win over the Jets. His status remains in question with a thigh injury ahead of the Steelers’ week two home tilt with Seattle at 1 p.m. EDT.

Practice squad: Jalen Graham (San Francisco), Reese Taylor (Denver)

Injured and out for season: Gus Hartwig (New York Jets), Rondale Moore (Minnesota)