Knights in the NFL Update

News and notes around the NFL regarding former UCF Knights who have made it to the big stage.

The supposed clash between former Knights receivers Mike Walker and Brandon Marshall didn’t come to fruition, as Walker was inactive with an MCL sprain for the Jacksonville-Denver game. Walker’s former college teammate Brandon Marshall made his presence known, as the star receiver caught nine passes for 98 yards in a losing effort. On the season, Marshall currently leads the NFL with 43 receptions despite missing the Broncos season opener. Marshall is currently fourth in the NFL in receiving yards with 521.

Former UCF kicker Matt Prater continued his fine season, as he connected on his only field goal attempt from 39 yards, and hit both extra point attempts. Prater also boomed his 12th touchback of the season, which ties him for the NFL lead.

There were a couple of other Knights in action Sunday, most recently and notably record-setting running back Kevin Smith. Although Smith is under-utilized in the Lions offense, he still led the team in rushing with 62 yards on just five attempts, including a 50 yard scamper. Starting running back Rudi Johnson’s day was less than productive as he had 17 carries for just 38 yards.

Detroit’s offensive game plan is to give the guy averaging 12.4 yards per carry, just five carries, while feeding the guy who barely gets more than two yards per carry. I wonder why these guys are winless? In other notes, Lions tight end Michael Gaines had two catches for 24 yards.

The wealthiest former Knight in the NFL, Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel registered two tackles in Philadelphia’s 40-26 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Samuel has 14 tackles on the season and two interceptions, while starting each of the Eagles six games.

Former UCF Knight and current Green Bay Packers rookie guard Josh Sitton played in his first NFL game Sunday in the Packers 27-17 victory in Seattle. His teammate, safety Atari Bigby did not play, and has played in just two games this season and he has four tackles and one interception.