Week 1 was something of an off-week for former Syracuse football players in the NFL. Sean Tucker and Garrett Williams were inactive with an injury, LeQuint Allen played limited snaps because of an injury, and the Bucs didn’t punt, so Riley Dixon didn’t have a big part to play. Nevertheless, there were a few former Orange players who got on the field and made meaningful contributions during the first week of the new NFL season. Let’s take a look.
Andre Cisco, Jets
The Jets played surprisingly well in their 23-10 win over the Titans, and Cisco was a part of that. He finished second on the team with six tackles, all solo tackles. Of course, Cisco didn’t start the game for the Jets. Rather, he was forced to step up when Minkah Fitzpatrick left with a groin injury, and Cisco filled the void admirably when the Jets needed him.
Andre Szmyt, Browns
Szmyt can hardly be blamed for the Browns getting embarrassed 34-10 in Week 1. He made his only field goal and his only PAT, making Szmyt responsible for four of Cleveland’s 10 points. If only the Browns could give him more chances to show how reliable he can be.
Zaire Franklin, Packers
Franklin’s tenure in Green Bay got off to a good start in Week 1, only for the Packers to collapse in the second half and lose 39-22 after leading 22-10 in the third quarter. Franklin finished the game with four tackles and one QB hit, which came when Kyler Murray threw an early interception. Unfortunately, he and the Green Bay defense didn’t do nearly enough to help the Packers maintain their lead.
Keisean Nixon interception!
— Lily Zhao (@LilySZhao) September 13, 2026
Zaire Franklin with the pressure on Kyler Murray's first pass.
What a start pic.twitter.com/UUCF8WymY2
Oronde Gadsden, Chargers
Gadsden had some involvement in the Chargers’ stunning loss to the Cardinals, but he didn’t make a huge impact. He caught just two passes for 32 yards. One of those catches went for 26 yards, which was the longest play the Chargers had all day. The bad news is that he was only targeted twice, while David Njoku had five targets, so it looks like Gadsden is behind the veteran on the depth chart right now.
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