Syracuse Football in the NFL: Former Orange standouts play well during week 5

Learn what former Syracuse football players did during Week 5 of the current NFL season. Several Orange alums played well.
Learn what former Syracuse football players did during Week 5 of the current NFL season. Several Orange alums played well. | Stacy Revere/GettyImages

Even if Saturday’s loss was tough to swallow, Sunday was full of Orange with more than half a dozen former Syracuse players in action, including one making his NFL debut. We also saw another former Orange in action on Monday night. If you missed anything, here is a recap of what former Syracuse players did during Week 5 of the NFL season.

Alijah Clark, Cowboys

Clark was signed off the practice squad onto the active roster earlier in the week and made his NFL debut on Sunday against the Jets. While still a backup safety, Clark made a nice open-field tackle on special teams for his first NFL tackle.

Andre Cisco, Jets

Facing Clark and the Cowboys, it was yet another brutal day for Cisco and the Jets’ secondary, which gave up four passing touchdowns to Dak Prescott in a 37-22 loss. Cisco continues to be a starter, but he didn’t make much of an impact with just two tackles for the 0-5 Jets.

Zaire Franklin, Colts

It was an easy win for the Colts on Sunday, with Franklin having a big game. He finished with seven tackles, including a sack in the fourth quarter, making up for a personal foul penalty.

LeQuint Allen, Jaguars

Allen stood out during Jacksonville’s win over the Chiefs on Monday night with four kick returns for a total of 117 yards, including one that went for 38 yards. Offensively, Allen didn’t have any touches rushing or receiving. However, he continues to get snaps on third down and in two-minute situations, impressing with physicality and blocking.

Andre Szmyt, Browns

The Browns suffered a loss in London, but they don’t have Szmyt to blame. The former Syracuse kicker made both of his PATs, as well as a 31-yard field goal.

Oronde Gadsden, Chargers

Gadsden didn’t get much time on the field until late in the Chargers’ 27-10 loss to the Commanders when he caught a 14-yard pass from backup quarterback Trey Lance. That was Gadsden’s only target of the game.

Sean Tucker, Buccaneers

Unfortunately, the injury to Bucky Irving didn’t result in a significant uptick in touches for Tucker. He got just three carries for three yards, while catching three passes, only to lose four yards on those plays. Irving should be out multiple weeks, so Tucker could get more opportunities to touch the ball next week.

Riley Dixon, Buccaneers

With the Buccaneers scoring 38 points, Dixon was only asked to punt the ball twice. One of those went for 51 yards, as he did his part in Tampa’s 38-35 win.

Ifeatu Melifonwu, Dolphins

After dealing with an injury, Melifonwu has started the past two weeks. He didn’t have any tackles last week, but he did have five tackles in Miami’s loss to the Panthers on Sunday. Of course, the Dolphins let a lead get away from them, losing 27-24 to fall to 1-4.

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