Just as the Syracuse football team has gotten off to a slow start this season, the former Orange players in the NFL have also been a little sluggish in opening the 2026 campaign. Garrett Williams is hurt, both Sean Tucker and Marlowe Wax can’t get on the field despite their teams needing them, and the Dolphins are sticking with Malik Willis, with Kyle McCord ready and available.
The good news is that half a dozen former Syracuse players got on the field in Week 2, and most of them made a positive impact.
Andre Cisco, Jets
With Minkah Fitzpatrick still out after getting hurt last week, Cisco once again had a big role to play for the Jets and put together a strong game. He had five tackles, including one for a loss, as well as a forced fumble and a defended pass. Cisco also put a nice hit on Jordan Love while coming on a safety blitz. In the end, the Jets lost, but Cisco did his part to give them a chance.
Andre Cisco having himself a heck of a game. Gets through on the blitz for the hit/hurry, forcing an incomplete pass and GB punt.
— Glenn Naughton (@JNRadio_Glenn) September 20, 2026
The @nyjets need to get something going on offense here. pic.twitter.com/F9X3261LYs
Zaire Franklin, Packers
Franklin was playing for the Packers, who eked out a 20-17 overtime win over Cisco and the Jets. He racked up seven tackles and displayed clear signs of leadership for the Green Bay defense, helping the Packers avoid starting the season 0-2.
Andre Szmyt, Browns
The Browns scored a shocking win over the Bucs on Sunday, and Szmyt was a big reason why. He made all three of his field goal attempts, including one from 50 yards out. Szmyt also made both of his PATs, accounting for 11 of Cleveland’s 23 points in a 23-19 win.
Riley Dixon, Buccaneers
Of course, Dixon was on the losing end of Szmyt’s big day. After the Bucs didn’t require his services in Week 1, Dixon punted four times on Sunday, with a long of 55. He pinned the Browns inside the 20 once, while averaging 46.5 yards per punt.
Oronde Gadsden, Chargers
The early part of the season has been an utter disaster for the Chargers, who are 0-2, losing both games at home. On the bright side, Gadsden scored his first touchdown of the season on Sunday. While he had just two catches for 18 yards in the game, one was a 10-yard touchdown that gave the Chargers the lead in the third quarter. They just couldn’t hold the lead that Gadsden gave them.
that's 6 for the OG !! pic.twitter.com/09WwekA7Me
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 20, 2026
LeQuint Allen, Jaguars
Unfortunately, Allen didn't have a great day in Jacksonville’s road loss to the Broncos. His snaps have been limited over the first two weeks, and on the only play in Week 2 that the Jaguars tried to give him the ball, Allen dropped a pass at the 1-yard line. The Jaguars ended up settling for a short field goal on that drive rather than scoring a touchdown, an event that loomed large in a 20-13 loss.
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