Northwestern in the NFL, Week 8: JJTBC shines in new starting role

Following Northwestern’s impressive victory at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, seven Pro ‘Cats saw the field the next day.

Justin Jackson: Los Angeles Chargers, RB

After a relatively quiet Week 7 in the backfield, JJTBC rushed for 89 yards on 17 carries while recording three catches for 53 yards. This performance further cemented Jackson’s role as a starter in the absence of Austin Ekeler, but, unfortunately for him and his teammates, the Chargers could not hold off a Drew Lock-led comeback from the Denver Broncos.

Joe Gaziano remains on the Chargers active roster but did not see any snaps on Sunday.

Week 9 matchup: vs. Las Vegas Raiders, 3:05 p.m. CT

Dean Lowry: Green Bay Packers, DE

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Lowry played in 71% of the Packers’ snaps in their 28-22 loss to their division rivals. He recorded three solo tackles, including one sack of Kirk Cousins. Green Bay’s run defense hasn’t been great this season, to say the least, and rumors are swirling that the Pack could make a deal for a defensive lineman to usurp the former Wildcat, who hasn’t been his best this season.

Week 9 matchup: at San Francisco 49ers, 7:20 pm CT, Thursday

Tyler Lancaster: Green Bay Packers, DE

After missing last week’s contest with a shoulder injury, Lancaster played in over half of Green Bay’s defensive snaps and even out-tackled fellow Wildcat Lowry.

Week 9 matchup: at San Francisco 49ers, 7:20 pm CT, Thursday

Ifeadi Odenigbo: Minnesota Vikings, DE

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The Minnesota defensive end came out on top over his two former teammates. He played a solid game with four tackles as the Vikings’ defensive front limited the effectiveness of the Packers’ offensive weapons, despite Aaron Rodgers’ complains of pass interference.

Week 9 matchup: vs. Detroit Lions, 12:00 p.m. CT

Austin Carr: New Orleans Saints, WR

After his activation from the practice squad ahead of the Saints’ victory over Carolina last week, Carr made a homecoming to the Chicagoland area, recording one catch for 10 yards as New Orleans prevailed over the Bears in overtime. The Saints are still bereft of Michael Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, meaning that Carr could keep getting a look over the next few weeks.

Week 9 matchup: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 7:20 p.m. CT

Anthony Walker, Jr.: Indianapolis Colts, LB

The Colts starting linebacker had a quiet day, recording a single tackle for loss in his squad’s victory over the Detroit Lions.

Week 9 matchup: vs. Baltimore Ravens, 12:00 p.m.

Sherrick McManis: Chicago Bears, DB

The longest-tenured Bear returned from the inactives list to make his first appearance since October 18, primarily on special teams.

Week 9 matchup: at Tennessee Titans, 12:00 p.m.