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Week 2: Elijah Roberts, more SMU players in the NFL join the stat board

courtney headshot edited small - 250 pxby: Courtney Schellin16 hours agocourtdoessports
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© Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

We’re officially into Week 2 in the NFL and a few SMU players are already stepping up. Some familiar names may not have put up as many points as anticipated, but some players showed up on the board.

Here’s the Week 2 update for SMU Players in the NFL…

Courtland Sutton, WR, Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) celebrates with fans after the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High
Jan 5, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA. Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) celebrates with fans after the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Well, if you started Courtland Sutton this week in fantasy you’re aware it was a very ***womp, womp, womp*** week. Sutton tallyied one sad point in fantasy .5 PPR leagues, with one reception on four targets for six yards in Sunday’s 29-28 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. So, what’s going on? Sutton was supposed to be QB Bo Nix‘s guy this season — right?

I wouldn’t despair just yet, Week 1 he was solid, but if you watched the game this week, you know exactly what happened, or more like who. Troy Franklin. Owned by only 2% of teams in fantasy, he’s probably not a true threat to Sutton, but definitely something we will be keeping our eyes on moving forward.

Sutton’s lone reception for six yards ties another player on this list for the most yards for Week 2.

Rashee Rice, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) catches a pass for a touchdown as Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (29) defends during the first half of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Aug 22, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA. Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) catches a pass for a touchdown as Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (29) defends during the first half of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Two weeks down, four to go! Rice is still serving a six-week suspension initiated at the beginning of the season, and let me tell you, I’m sure the Chiefs are counting down the games after an 0-2 start.

Despite his absence, Rice isn’t one to sleep on when it comes to the upcoming season. Last season he lit up the field in the first three weeks with a massive 36% target share (10.7 per game) and averaged 21.6 PPG (17-plus in all three). Still, he will have some competition for the WR1 spot with Xavier Worthy.

Brashard Smith, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith (30) catches a pass as Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker (9) makes the tackle during the first half of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Aug 22, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA. Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith (30) catches a pass as Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker (9) makes the tackle during the first half of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

We got you fired up on Brashard Smith in our preview of SMU players in the NFL at the start of the season, as one of two mustangs drafted in the 2025 Draft. Unfortunately, with an 0-2 start looming over the Chiefs and a three-man running back situation, something might need to change in the Chiefs lineup.

Smith only saw one carry for two yards in Week 2 in their 20-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Smith ran the third-fastest 40-yard dash at the combine with a smoking 4.39 time, so maybe it’s time the Chiefs let this cheetah run free and move into the RB 2 spot?

Brandon Stephens, CB, New York Jets

New York Jets cornerback Brandon Stephens (21) celebrates a defensive stop with safety Tony Adams (22) during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
Aug 16, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA. New York Jets cornerback Brandon Stephens (21) celebrates a defensive stop with safety Tony Adams (22) during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The fifth-year veteran got on the board tallying three tackles in the Jets 30-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. In Week 1, he tallied four tackles, so he appears to be in a somewhat consistent rhythm but nothing too crazy to report here just yet.

Still, he is one of few mustangs on this list with stats on the board for Week 2.

Kelvin Beachum, LT, Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum (68) blocks against San Francisco 49ers defensive end Leonard Floyd (56) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium.
Oct 6, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA. Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum (68) blocks against San Francisco 49ers defensive end Leonard Floyd (56) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The Cardinals are off to a 2-0 start which probably hints their offensive line is doing something right for QB Kyler Murray.

Beachum is part of that offensive line protecting their QB. Beachum adds to the list of SMU players in the NFL as the second-most seasoned veteran in the league by far with 13 seasons under his belt.

Grant Calcaterra, TE, Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Grant Calcaterra (81) before action against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lincoln Financial Field.
Aug 7, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Philadelphia Eagles tight end Grant Calcaterra (81) before action against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Calcaterra gets on the board in Week 2 after seeing two targets, for one reception for six yards. Now the interesting thing with Calcaterra is he is competing with another Mustang on this list for targets… His six yards beats out his competitor but his consistency doesn’t this week… Scroll down to Kylen Granson to see what we mean.

Elijah Roberts, DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Elijah Roberts (95) against the Buffalo Bills prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium.
Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Elijah Roberts (95) against the Buffalo Bills prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The defensive end made a statement on Monday Night Football in Week 2, tallying a .5 sack and single tackle. Check out Roberts’ sack from On3’s Billy Embody below.

A team captain for the Mustangs in 2024, Roberts was the first Pony picked up in the 2025 NFL draft so expect to see more of him.

Evan Brown, G, Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Evan Brown (63) against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium.
Aug 9, 2025. Glendale, Arizona, USA. Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Evan Brown (63) against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Like Beachum, Brown also joins the list as a Cardinals O-lineman. And with a 2-0 start, it looks like they are doing their job — getting Murray enough time to throw some TDs.

Kylen Granson, TE, Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Kylen Granson (83) is tackled by New York Jets cornerback Qwan'tez Stiggers (37) during the first half at MetLife Stadium.
Aug 22, 2025. East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA. Philadelphia Eagles tight end Kylen Granson (83) is tackled by New York Jets cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers (37) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

In Week 2, Granson and fellow mustang Calcaterra are basically competing for snaps and targets — low volume, that is. Granson shows up on the stat board 1/1 though, with 1 target for five yards. Yards wise they would are pretty comparable at six vs. five yards, but Granson is 100% on targets for Week 2.

Charles Woods, CB, Los Angeles Rams

Sep 29, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Los Angeles Rams cornerback Charles Woods (21) in a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Sep 29, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Los Angeles Rams cornerback Charles Woods (21) in a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

No tackles on the board for Woods yet, but he has seen some field time including in the Pats Week 2 win over the Miami Dolphins, 33-27.

Woods is one of six cornerbacks on New England’s roster though, so if he wants his spot to last, this is one SMU player in the NFL who is going to have to prove himself.

Zach Wood, LS, New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints long snapper Zach Wood (49) after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
November 27, 2022. Santa Clara, California, USA. New Orleans Saints long snapper Zach Wood (49) after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Week 2 and Wood is still snapper No. 1 and there’s not much else to report here.

Sure, long snapper isn’t exactly a position to watch out for in fantasy means, but in terms of Mustangs in the bigs, Wood joins this list as the third longest Pony in the league behind Beachum with nine seasons. Check out his extensive history with the Saints and why he’s a team captain for the Saints here.

Thomas Morstead, P, San Francisco 49ers

Jun 11, 2025; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers punter Thomas Morstead (9) awaits his next drill during a team OTA at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
Jun 11, 2025; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers punter Thomas Morstead (9) awaits his next drill during a team OTA at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

Morstead kicked off Week 2 with 4 punts for an average of 43.3 yards, with his highest being 49 yards.

Again… Punter, but hey — Not only is Morstead the most seasoned veteran on this list, entering his 16th season, he is reaching several career milestones due to his NFL longevity that most players never see. The punter is one of the oldest active players and will likely become the 10th punter to play in his 40s.

GUESS WHO’S BACK?

From the trenches! These players didn’t make the initial roster cuts, but they are officially back on the roster and active for the season!

Jared Harrison-Hunte, DE, Carolina Panthers

Jul 24, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Jared Harrison-Hunte (75) walks to training camp. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
Jul 24, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Jared Harrison-Hunte (75) walks to training camp. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

The defensive end didn’t make the first round of roster cuts, but joined the Panthers roster just in time for the regular season. Harrison-Hunte doesn’t bring any stats to the table for Week 2.

Jahfari Harvey, LDE, Las Vegas Raiders

Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Jahfari Harvey (91) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Image
Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Jahfari Harvey (91) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Harvey also doesn’t bring any stats to the board for Week 2, but he is active on the Raiders roster.

James Proche II, WR, Tennessee Titans

Aug 22, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver James Proche II (13) takes a hit against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Aug 22, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver James Proche II (13) takes a hit against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Again, no stats, but active. Proche II rounds out our list of Mustangs active in the NFL currently.

Here’s some guys you may have been looking for on this list that were dropped on waivers or cut…

Waived/Dropped SMU Players in the NFL

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