Pokes In the Pros: NFL Week 7

In another wild week of NFL action, several former Cowboys made an impact while the injury bug struck again for others.

Emmanuel Ogbah (Browns) — The Browns keep losing, but the defense continues to deliver thanks to Ogbah and the rest of the young and aggressive defensive line. Ogbah registered five tackles in Cleveland’s 12-9 kicking fest loss against the Titans. On a winless team, there are opportunities to shine, and Ogbah continues to demonstrate the skills that made Cleveland select him in the 2016 draft.

Brandon Weeden (Titans) — Marcus Mariota continued in his return to the starting lineup, but Tennessee looks to keep Weeden on the roster in case of another injury to its franchise QB. Until then, don’t expect to see any playing time for him, even with the Titans struggling to find the endzone.

Tyler Patmon (Jaguars) — In a great defensive game for the Jaguars, Patmon played but did not record any stats in Jacksonville’s shutout of the Colts.

Russell Okung (Chargers) — Once again, Okung anchored Philip Rivers’ blind side, helping the Chargers to a third consecutive victory after an 0-4 start.

Lane Taylor (Packers) — Taylor was ruled out prior to Sunday’s loss, and there hasn’t been much clarity on the severity of his ankle injury. The good news for Green Bay—and Taylor—is it has two weeks to rest, recover and prepare for a Monday night showdown with Detroit on November 6.

Lenzy Pipkins (Packers) — A week after having a stellar game for the Packers, Pipkins played but did not log any stats. Like Taylor, Pipkins will have a week off as Green Bay enjoys its bye week near the midpoint of the season.

Dez Bryant (Cowboys) — Coming off a bye week, Dallas needed to have its key playmakers step up, especially with the winless 49ers as the weekend’s opponent. Bryant certainly aided in the 40-10 stomping with seven catches for 63 yards and a toe-tapping touchdown early in the fourth quarter. The game was in hand, but it showed things for the Cowboys may be on the verge of a return to last year’s excellence.

The touchdown tied a Dallas record.

Dan Bailey (Cowboys) — Another former Cowboy goes down to injury. Bailey kicked a pair of extra points in the first quarter before suffering a right groin injury that is likely to keep him out for the next few games. Dallas substituted safety Jeff Heath—who made two of his three attempts—for Bailey, and is expected to sign a more capable replacement to handle kicking duties until Bailey return.

Vincent Taylor (Dolphins) — For the first time in his young career, Taylor did not play Sunday in Miami’s 31-28 win over the Jets. He was listed as inactive before the game but no information was listed to indicate why.

Michael Hunter, Jr. (Giants) — The Giants are surprisingly at the bottom of the NFC East and suffered another loss Sunday to Seattle. Hunter, Jr. did not play and was subsequently waived by the team on Monday after seeing limited action this season. A surprise addition to New York’s 53-man roster, Hunter, Jr. can now pursue his professional career elsewhere.