While we're still reeling from another disappointing Syracuse football loss, we can take some solace in knowing that plenty of former Orange players are making the program proud in the NFL. It was a relatively quiet week for former Syracuse players. But there are still some performances worth mentioning.
Sean Tucker, Buccaneers
The Buccaneers finally got a win, pulling off a surprise road upset over the Cowboys on Thursday night. Tucker didn’t play a major role, but he did get five carries, a season-high for him. He gained 18 yards on those five carries, so the playing time between him and Kenneth Gainwell is evening out a little.
Riley Dixon, Buccaneers
Dixon played his role in Tampa’s victory as well. He had four punts, including a long of 49 yards. Two of his four punts, Dixon was able to land inside the 20, helping him contribute to Tampa’s special teams dominance in the game.
Justin Barron, Cowboys
It’s worth mentioning that Barron was elevated to the active roster from the practice squad and has been largely a special teams contributor for the Cowboys over the last few weeks. He had just one tackle against the Bucs, although Barron is getting a chance to prove he belongs on the roster full-time.
Andre Szmyt, Browns
The Syracuse kicking woes are so bad that they might actually be having a negative impact on Szmyt. On a rainy day at MetLife Stadium, Szmyt missed his first PAT of the season. On the bright side, it didn’t come back to haunt the Browns, who found a different way to lose to the Jets 17-12. Also, before his missed PAT, Szmyt made two field goals, so he’s still 10-for-10 on field-goal attempts this year.
Zaire Franklin, Packers
After a couple of rough games, Franklin and the Green Bay defense have bounced back in a big way over the last couple of weeks. In a 31-7 win over the Bears, Franklin racked up nine tackles, one tackle-for-loss, and one defended pass. He also had strong words for Green Bay’s division rival after the game.
Zaire Franklin on the Bears: “They do a whole lot of weird stuff. Since I been here, they do a whole lot of stuff that they worried about us. We worried about ourselves. Hopefully they learn to stop dissing us. Real talk.” pic.twitter.com/7E1VbVkX0S
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) October 11, 2026
Oronde Gadsden, Chargers
Gadsden and the Chargers are still winless on the season after giving up 13 unanswered points in the fourth quarter in their loss to the Broncos. Even worse, Gadsden was a non-factor with no catches on just one target. His involvement in the offense seems to change every week, and not always in a good way.
Marlowe Wax, Chargers
Wax isn’t seeing a ton of playing time for the Chargers, but he’s making the most of it. He had two tackles in the 23-17 loss to the Broncos, both solo tackles.
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