It wasn't the busiest weekend for former Syracuse football players in the NFL. Zaire Franklin is still absent due to injury, Kevin Jobity had a bye, and the Jaguars continue to refuse to give LeQuint Allen touches. Nevertheless, a few former Orange players found a way to make an impact, including one of our favorite linebackers. Here's a recap of Orange in the NFL for Week 8.
Andre Szmyt, Browns
The Browns may have come up short on a two-point conversion, but Szmyt helped to put them in a position to win. With backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders starting, the Cleveland offense frequently settled for field goals, and Szmyt converted all three, including a 51-yarder. He scored 10 of Cleveland’s 22 points, although it wasn’t enough to get the Browns a win.
Oronde Gadsden, Chargers
Are the Chargers going to win a game this season? Week 8 might have been the worst defeat of the season, falling 44-22 to the 3-5 Texans. Gadsden’s involvement was minimal in what has become a topsy-turvy season for him. On three targets, he had just two catches for 17 yards.
Marlowe Wax, Chargers
Despite the Los Angeles defense being a disaster, Wax got more playing time than he’s ever had in his pro career, making the most of it. Wax finished with eight tackles, which was the second-most on the team, and one defended pass that led to a Daiyan Henley interception. This could potentially be the type of game that leads to more playing time for Wax.
marlowe 🤝 daiyan pic.twitter.com/hv3oOUT7TN
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) November 8, 2026
Sean Tucker, Buccaneers
Once again, it was nothing but kickoff duty for Tucker. He returned four kicks for 92 yards. Even with Kenneth Gainwell only gaining 16 yards on five carries, the Bucs refuse to give Tucker any touches on offense.
Riley Dixon, Buccaneers
Dixon did his part in Tampa’s attempted comeback in Sunday night’s 27-24 loss to the Bears. He punted six times, averaging 48.8 yards per punt, including one for 54 yards. On two of Dixon’s six punts, he was able to drop inside the 20.
Ifeatu Melifonwu, Buccaneers
Despite still being listed as a backup on the depth chart, Melifonwu was one of Tampa’s more productive defenders against the Bears. He finished the game with four tackles, all solo tackles, with one defended pass and a fumble recovery. While he hasn’t always been a key part of the Tampa defense, Melifonwu has performed when given a chance.
Garrett Williams, Cardinals
Williams played just one snap in Arizona’s loss to the Seahawks on Sunday. After recovering from an injury, Williams seems to have lost his starting job to Kalen King. There are also rumors that he could be traded before the deadline, perhaps giving Williams a fresh start with a new team.
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