The NFL regular season is officially in full gear, and several former LSU Tigers have already seen some action in it. LSU continues to hold the record of most players in the NFL, with 50 athletes on a roster.
Bennie Logan was the first LSU alum to hit the field in Week 1, starting at nose guard for the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday. He totaled five tackles and three assists in the team’s 42-27 victory over the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Logan is expected to be a key piece in the Chiefs’ defense, if not the most impactful player on that side of the ball for Kansas City this year.
A number of other past Tigers made their debut Sunday:
Running back Leonard Fournette had a very impressive first regular season outing as a rookie, rushing 26 times for 100 yards and a touchdown. He and the Jags’ stout defense played an essential role in the team’s 29-7 victory over Houston. Given the fact backup Chris Ivory got only 9 carries suggests Fournette will be Jacksonville’s workhorse running back moving forward.
Fournette wasn’t the only rookie to get his first shot at a real NFL game. Former teammate and safety Jamal Adams made his NFL debut when the New York Jets took on the Buffalo Bills. Cornerback Morris Claiborne was also in green and white, and came up with three total tackles.
On the opposite sideline was long snapper Reid Ferguson, rookie cornerback Tre’Davious White and veteran defensive tackle Kyle Williams. White recorded four tackles and two pass deflections. Williams had 2 tackles in the Bills’ 21-12 home win.
In Detroit, Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson posted just a single tackle, while defensive back Tyrann Mathieu recorded 3 tackles. The Cardinals fell to the Lions 35-23.
The Atlanta Falcons paid a visit to the Chicago Bears, with linebacker Deion Jones making seven tackles and linebacker Duke Riley coming up with three. The Falcons defeated the Bears 23-17.
In Cincinnati, Bengals running back Jeremy Hill had six carries for a total of 26 yards. Wide receiver Brandon LaFell posted three receptions for 24 yards. On defense, linebacker Kevin Minter recorded a total of four tackles. The Bengals were shut out by the Ravens, 20-0.
Punter Donnie Jones punted four times for 170 yards for the Philadelphia Eagles when they took on the Washington Redskins. Teammate and free safety Jalen Mills had a successful game, recording 8 tackles and his first career interception. The Eagles were victorious the Redskins, winning 30-17.
At Los Angeles Coliseum, Indianapolis Colts linebacker Barkevious Mingo failed to make a tackle, coming up with just one assist. Defensive tackle Al Woods posted two tackles. For the Rams, defensive tackle Michael Brockers posted three tackles. Offensive guard Andrew Whitworth started the game as well. The Colts were dominated by the Rams, and lost 46-9.
In San Francisco, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Russell Shepard shined when he racked up two receptions for 53 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown. Offensive guard Trai Turner also started for the team, fresh off his big contract extension. For the 49ers, safety Eric Reid posted three tackles, while cornerback Rashard Robinson had two tackles. The Panthers emerged with the win, 23-3.
Sunday night, Brad Wing punted four times for a total of of 269 yards for the New York Giants. Offensive tackle La’el Collins was in for the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys went on to win at home 19-3.
Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., Texans running back Alfred Blue and Steelers offensive tackle Jerald Hawkins were all listed as inactive in their respective contests.
More former LSU players will make their 2017 regular season debut when the Saints take on the Vikings at 6:10 p.m. CT, and the Chargers face the Broncos at 9:20 p.m. CT. Danielle Hunter will start for the Vikings, with Tashawn Bower making the roster as well.