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Nittany Lions In The NFL: Week 5 Roundup

Another week of NFL action wrapped up Monday night, and with it, another week of Nittany Lions showcasing their talent.

Penn State didn’t get the result it hoped for in the White Out against USC, but the same isn’t true for many Penn State alumni who put in solid weeks and helped lead their teams to victory in the professional ranks.

While some former Penn State standouts, such as Saquon Barkley and Micah Parsons, were sidelined with injuries, here’s a recap of how other notable former Penn State players performed in Week 5.

Parker Washington, Jacksonville Jaguars

Parker Washington’s career-best performance helped propel the Jaguars to a thrilling 19-17 victory over the Eagles in London.

The Jags’ wide receiver snagged six receptions on nine targets for 124 yards and two touchdowns, including a 51-yard touchdown. It was his first multi-touchdown game of the season as he continues his breakout 2026.

Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts

Tyler Warren led the Colts with seven receptions on nine targets for 83 yards in a 34-22 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Warren also added a rushing touchdown on his lone carry.

Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers

On the winning side of the Steelers-Colts contest, Pat Freiermuth hauled in five receptions on seven targets for 44 yards and two touchdowns, including a 17-yard touchdown reception.

Through Week 5, the tight end leads the Steelers’ receiving corps with four touchdowns.

Dani Dennis-Sutton, Green Bay Packers

Dani Dennis-Sutton was all over the field in Week 5, giving the Bears’ offense nightmares as the Packers beat their rival 31-7.

The rookie totaled three tackles, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, one sack, a pass deflection, and a fumble recovery.

Ji’Ayir Brown, San Francisco 49ers

Like Dennis-Sutton, Ji’Ayir Brown played lockdown defense in Week 5, recording seven tackles to help the 49ers squeeze out a tight 32-29 win over the Seahawks.

Jaquan Brisker, Pittsburgh Steelers

Continuing the hard-nosed defense theme, Jaquan Brisker also logged seven tackles with two passes defended to help the Steelers beat the Colts 34-22.

Jordan Stout, New York Giants

Punter Jordan Stout stepped up when his number was called in the big moments in a 27-27 tie with the Commanders.

Stout punted twice, averaging 56 yards, and both punts pinned the Commanders inside their own 20-yard line.

Chris Godwin Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Chris Godwin helped the Bucs upset the Cowboys on Thursday night, catching three balls for 37 yards and adding a 3-yard rush.

The veteran has been a reliable safety valve for undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels as Baker Mayfield recovers from injury.

Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints

It was a quieter day for Juwan Johnson in the Saints’ 23-13 loss to the Vikings, catching four of five targets for 16 yards. However, he tied Chris Olave and Devaughn Vele for the team lead in receptions.

Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals

Mike Gesicki maximized his opportunities against the Dolphins, catching one of two targets for a 4-yard touchdown catch on the first drive to help the Bengals beat Gesicki’s former team 31-24.

Abdul Carter, New York Giants

In the first tie of the 2026 NFL season, a 27-27 contest between the Giants and Commanders, Abdul Carter recorded five combined tackles, one quarterback hit, one sack, and a forced fumble.

Carter was a focal point of a Giants defense that helped get the offense back on the field to overcome a 17-point deficit with eight minutes left in regulation.

Other Notable Performances:

  • Jahan Dotson caught two of four targets for 54 yards as the Falcons lost to the Ravens in overtime Sunday night, 30-23.
  • Olu Fashanu started his fifth straight game at left tackle, helping the Jets win a gritty 17-12 game over the Browns and snap their three-game losing streak.
  • Blake Gillikin had a busy day as his Cardinals fell to the Lions 45-21, punting five times for 234 total yards. He failed to pin a single punt inside the Lions’ 20-yard line.
  • Arnold Ebikeite totaled three tackles and two QB hits in the Eagles’ loss to the Jaguars, 19-17.
  • Conor McGovern lined up at center for the Bills on Monday night, helping Josh Allen propel the Bills to a dramatic 37-34 overtime win against the Rams.

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About the Author

Jake Speicher

Jake is a third-year photojournalism student from Wilkes-Barre, PA. Whether writing or photographing, loves basketball over anything. Probably listening to Freddie Gibbs somewhere. Follow @speichermedia on Instagram for photo projects!

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