With Penn State football on its bye week over the weekend, it was a perfect opportunity to catch up on the NFL season in week five.

Overall, it was a quiet weekend for most of the Nittany Lions in the league as many didn’t make significant impacts for their teams.

However, one blue-and-white alum changed the trajectory of his team’s outing with a game-altering interception.

In case you missed the weekend’s action, here’s how the Nittany Lions fared in week five of the NFL.

Joey Porter Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers

After a slow start to his NFL career, Joey Porter Jr. finally had his big moment this year for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The rookie registered two assists on tackles, one pass defended, and an interception in the Steelers’ 17-10 victory over the Ravens.

His interception couldn’t have come at a better time for the Steelers, and with about four minutes left in the fourth quarter, Porter intercepted a third-and-goal attempt from Lamar Jackson to force a touchback.

JOEY. PORTER. JR. pic.twitter.com/BmImbp9PnG

— Onward State (@OnwardState) October 8, 2023

His interception had a significant impact on the game as the Steelers went down the field after his interception and scored a touchdown to take the lead against the Ravens with one minute and 17 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

Jahan Dotson, Washington Commanders

After scoring a touchdown against the Eagles in week four, Jahan Dotson had a quiet game for the Washington Commanders in their 40-20 loss to the Chicago Bears on Thursday night. He only caught three of his five targets for 30 yards, with his longest play going for 14 yards.

Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys

Micah Parsons had another slow game as the 49ers silenced him throughout the entire game in the Cowboys’ 42-10 blowout loss to San Francisco. Parsons couldn’t make an impact on the game as he only had four tackles, three of which were assisted.

Despite this quiet game, Parsons has registered 18 total tackles, four sacks, one forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in five games so far this season.

Jaquan Brisker, Chicago Bears

Jaquan Brisker had two solo tackles through six total tackles for the Chicago Bears in his team’s 40-20 stomping of the Washington Commanders to tally a 1-4 record.

Nick Scott, Cincinnati Bengals

After having a huge game last week against the Tennessee Titans, Nick Scott fell off for the Cincinnati Bengals in their 34-20 win against the Arizona Cardinals. He only tallied two solo tackles and one assist as the Bengals improved to 2-3 on the season.

Miles Sanders, Carolina Panthers

In the Carolina Panthers’ 42-24 loss to the Detroit Lions, Miles Sanders recorded seven carries for 32 yards, lost a fumble, and wasn’t targeted in the team’s passing game. With this loss, the Panthers fell to 0-5 and are the only winless team left in the NFL.

Yetur Gross-Matos, Carolina Panthers

Just like Miles Sanders, Yetur Gross-Matos struggled in the Panthers’ 42-24 loss to the Detroit Lions. He only tallied two tackles and one of the two tackles was assisted. Despite this, Gross-Matos has had a great season for the Panthers as he’s registered 11 tackles and 2.5 sacks through five games.

Other Notables

• Ji’Ayir Brown got the opportunity to play during garbage time of the Cowboys-49ers game and build on his stats from last week. The 49ers rookie registered one assisted tackle and half a run stuff.
• Allen Robinson was very involved in the Steelers’ passing game as he caught five of his nine targets for 29 yards.
• Just like the Patriots’ offense, Mike Gesicki couldn’t produce anything impactful for New England in its 34-0 blowout loss to the New Orleans Saints. He only had two receptions on four targets for 17 yards.