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Week 5: Courtland Sutton continues to lead SMU Ponies in NFL

courtney headshot edited small - 250 pxby: Courtney Schellin10/07/25courtdoessports
NFL: Denver Broncos at Philadelphia Eagles
Oct 5, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) runs past Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun (53) and safety Andrew Mukuba (24) at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Courtland Sutton continues to lead the Ponies in the NFL, but some other players are starting to show glimmers of promise in their production, while others are being plagued by injuries.

Here’s the Week 5 update for SMU Players in the NFL…

Courtland Sutton, WR, Denver Broncos

Oct 5, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) runs past Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun (53) and safety Andrew Mukuba (24) at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Oct 5, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) runs past Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun (53) and safety Andrew Mukuba (24) at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The Broncos pulled off the major upset win over the Eagles 21-17, with Courtland Sutton tallying 8 of 10 targets for 99 yards for an average of 12.4 yards.

No touchdowns this week for the star receiver this week though but he definitely had Quinyon Mitchell working to defend him.

Despite not finding the endzone, Sutton’s plays were nothing less than stellar. Check out this play below.

Clearly, Sutton will continue to be Nix’s go-to guy.

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

One more week to go! Rice is still serving a six-week suspension initiated at the beginning of the season.

And after the Chiefs loss to the Jacksonville Jags they hold a losing record at 2-3 and will be looking for a change in the lineup to get production going.

Rice should absolutely be on your radar as an SMU player in the NFL to watch for.

Brashard Smith, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Oct 6, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith (24) runs during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
Oct 6, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith (24) runs during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

After a Week 4 breakout performance for Smith in the Chiefs blowout win over Baltimore, this week Smith continued on the up and up. He was active in the run game with one carry for four yards, but really, his passing game was what truly shined this week. He snagged 3 receptions for 32 yards, averaging over 10 yards per reception. One grab was even a 15 yard gain for the Chiefs.

HC Andy Reid said they wanted to utilize Smith more and it appears they are getting some snaps in, but it might be time to really get him into the thick of things. Smith has been nothing short of explosive on the field even in the spurts we have gotten to see, and with a losing record looming, the time is now.

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 and now it’s very clear Smith is an SMU player in the NFL to keep an eye on in the Chiefs backfield and otherwise.

Brandon Stephens, CB, New York Jets

Oct 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue (23) is tackled by New York Jets cornerback Brandon Stephens (21) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Oct 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue (23) is tackled by New York Jets cornerback Brandon Stephens (21) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The cornerback continues to show production in Week 4, but is just slightly down from last week’s numbers, with six total tackles, five being solo. But again, don’t let the numbers fool you.

Stephens is getting his steam back and it’s showing.

Keep an eye on Stephens stepping up into more of a role in the Jets D, especially as a veteran.

Kelvin Beachum, LT, Arizona Cardinals

September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum (68) during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA. Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum (68) during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Kelvin Beachum was back in full production for the Cardinals and suited up on the line. In fact, he even saw some placement for other opportunities.

No looks or passes that way though but the lineman is healthy and back on the line ready to protect QB Kyler Murray. And with the Cardinals tight loss 22-21 to the Tennessee Titans last week, expect Arizona to be hungry for a win.

Grant Calcaterra, TE, Philadelphia Eagles

Sep 28, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Haason Reddick (5) breaks up a pass intended for Philadelphia Eagles tight end Grant Calcaterra (81) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Sep 28, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA. Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Haason Reddick (5) breaks up a pass intended for Philadelphia Eagles tight end Grant Calcaterra (81) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

It was another double-digit Sunday for Calcaterra, despite it being cut short with a potential injury. The TE snagged 2-2 targets for 18 yards, averaging 9 yards on each reception, after being ruled out with an oblique injury.

Calcaterra is still listed as a DNP for practice and his status for Week 6 has not been finalized though he is unlikely to be ready for Thursday’s game vs. the Giants, per Jeff McLane.

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

Roberts joined the stat board Sunday with a single tackle in the Bucs win over Seattle seeing 20% of snaps.

Head Coach Todd Bowles said promising things about the DE last week and it would appear he is continuing his production.

Evan Brown, G, Arizona Cardinals

September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals guard Evan Brown (63) during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals guard Evan Brown (63) during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Brown did not fare as well as his fellow pony on the Cards line injury-wise, as he sat out of Sunday’s matchup. Now he is listed back at questionable for Week 6 vs. the Colts with his hamstring still giving him grief.

Kylen Granson, TE, Philadelphia Eagles

Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Kylen Granson (83) runs with the ball against Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook (6) during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Kylen Granson (83) runs with the ball against Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook (6) during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Unfortunately, it was another goose egg for Granson this week. Though if there was anything to be seen this week from him, it is that his blocking skills may outweigh his Pony counterpart on the Eagles whoo has been getting more looks as of late.

Charles Woods, CB, New England Patriots

Sep 21, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Charles Woods (22) before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

After a friendly fire incident last week, Woods is now healthy but did not see any production in Week 6.

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 4 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’s production was on high courtesy of a 26-23 OT win over the Rams. He kicked off Week 5 with 4 punts for an average of 42 yards, with his highest being 50 yards for a total of 168 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.

Practice Squad SMU players in the NFL:

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. Still, Harrison-Hunte is on the practice squad for the Panthers currently.

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 falls from the regular roster for the Raiders and is on the practice squad.

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

The Titans WR also has fallen to the practice squad. 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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