Pokes In the Pros: NFL Week 8

A number of former Oklahoma State Cowboys enjoyed the weekend off thanks to the NFL’s bye week scheduled for Green Bay, Jacksonville, Tennessee and three other teams. But those who did see the field didn’t shy away from the limelight.

Russell Okung (Chargers) — Los Angeles entered Foxboro on a three-game winning streak—after an 0-4 start—but suffered another loss at the reigning champs. Okung and his mates on the Chargers’ offensive line helped spring Melvin Gordon on an 87-yard touchdown scamper that gave LA the early lead, but the Patriots ran off 18 straight points to keep the game out of reach.

Emmanuel Ogbah (Browns) — The defensive lineman continues to make an impact for the lowly Cleveland franchise. Though he didn’t make any tackles, Ogbah was credited with a pass defensed and a blocked kick in the Browns latest loss to Minnesota.

Dez Bryant (Cowboys) — Passing yards were limited in soggy weather conditions in Washington, and Bryant was only targeted on six of Dak Prescott’s pass attempts. Dez caught four for just 39 yards, though Dallas picked up a huge divisional road win over the Redskins.

Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images

Dan Bailey (Cowboys) — After suffering a groin injury against the 49ers last Sunday, Bailey will be out several more weeks. He is expected to make a full recovery and return to the field immediately afterward. Mike Nugent was signed as a short-term replacement.

Blake Jarwin (Cowboys) — It’s fitting that our favorite cowboy back in the NFL now plays in Big D. Added to the active roster from Dallas’ practice squad last week, Jarwin took Kellen Moore’s spot. However, with three tight ends ahead of him on the depth chart, it’s difficult to see Jarwin making a massive impact in the Cowboys’ offense.

Vincent Taylor (Dolphins) — Miami had a very poor showing on Thursday night in Baltimore, but Taylor was able to create a highlight by channeling his junior season exploits in Stillwater by blocking Justin Tucker’s field goal attempt. Taylor also had a tackle in the game playing as the primary backup for Ndamukong Suh.

Here’s a good look at Taylor getting his paw on the kick:

Former Pokes benefiting from rest this weekend:

Lenzy Pipkins and Lane Taylor (Packers) — This former Cowboy duo enjoyed a week off thanks to Green Bay’s bye. The extra time off should help both recover from injuries sustained earlier this season.

Tyler Patmon (Jaguars) — Jacksonville has been a bit of a surprise this year, and Patmon hopes to break through more often in the weeks to come. He’s played in three games and recorded only a pair of tackles thus far.

Brandon Weeden (Titans) — Having him back in the league is encouraging to his many Pokes fans, but Weeden remains buried on the depth chart behind young starter Marcus Mariota and seasoned veteran Matt Cassel. Hopefully, he put some of the extra down time into learning the Titans’ system in the event he’s called into duty in the weeks to come.