Purdue in the Pros: Week 17
Of the 12 Purdue players on NFL active rosters, 11 suited up for their teams in Week 16 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
The special teams ace saw 17 snaps across various units, making a tackle in Cincinnati’s 25-17 loss to Kansas City. He’ll close out his fourth NFL season with a matchup against former teammate David Bell and Cleveland at 1 p.m. E.T. on Sunday.
LB DERRICK BARNES – DETROIT LIONS
Barnes started at linebacker, playing 46 of 64 snaps in the Lions’ controversial 20-19 loss to Dallas on Saturday night. He recorded three tackles and pressured the passer three times for the Lions, who already clinched the NFC North. They’ll look to finish the regular season with a division win over Minnesota as they prepare for the playoffs.
WR DAVID BELL – CLEVELAND BROWNS
The second-year wideout earned a start in the Browns’ 37-20 win over the Jets on Thursday night, catching two passes for seven yards. Cleveland clinched a wild card spot already, and it wraps up the regular season on the road against the in-state rival Bengals.
LB JA’WHAUN BENTLEY – NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Bentley started at linebacker and played every snap in the Patriots’ 27-21 loss to the Bills, recording five tackles. He’ll wrap up his sixth year as a Patriot with a home matchup with the Jets at 1 p.m. E.T. on Sunday.
TE PAYNE DURHAM – TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Durham lined up for six snaps in the Buccaneers’ 23-13 loss to the Saints, but he did not record any stats. Tampa Bay closes its season at lowly Carolina for a 1 p.m. E.T. kickoff.
LB JALEN GRAHAM – SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Graham was inactive for the 49ers’ 27-10 win over the Commanders. The 49ers will close their regular season against the Rams at 4:25 p.m. E.T. on Sunday before moving on to the playoffs.
TE BRYCEN HOPKINS – LOS ANGELES RAMS
Hopkins, finishing up his fourth year with the Rams, played one snap in their 26-25 win over the Giants. He will look to close out his year strongly when the Rams take on the 49ers at 4:25 p.m. E.T. on Sunday.
WR CHARLIE JONES – CINCINNATI BENGALS
Jones returned one punt in the Bengals’ 25-17 loss to the Chiefs. Cincinnati wraps up the regular season with a 1 p.m. E.T. kickoff against Cincinnati on Sunday.
DE GEORGE KARLAFTIS – KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Karlaftis played 51 of 74 snaps in the Chiefs’ 25-17 win over the Bengals on Sunday, recording a pair of sacks. He’s continued to leap forward in his second year, which will result in another postseason appearance. The regular season closes with a 4:25 p.m. E.T. kickoff at the Chargers.
WR RONDALE MOORE – ARIZONA CARDINALS
Moore lined up for 50 of 76 snaps in the Cardinals’ upset 35-31 win over the Eagles on Sunday, catching three passes for 26 yards and carrying twice for eight yards. He’ll close his third NFL season when Arizona hosts Seattle at 4:25 p.m. E.T.
RB RAHEEM MOSTERT – MIAMI DOLPHINS
Due to knee and ankle injuries, Mostert was inactive for the Dolphins’ loss to the Ravens on Sunday. Despite missing a game, he still leads the league in rushing touchdowns. Having already secured a playoff spot, the Dolphins will close the regular season at home against Buffalo.
QB AIDAN O’CONNELL – LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
The rookie returned to the state of Indiana, starting at quarterback for the Raiders’ 23-20 loss to the Colts. O’Connell completed 30 of 47 passes for 299 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the loss. He’ll close out his rookie campaign at home against the Broncos at 4:25 p.m. E.T. on Sunday.
