South Dakota NFL Players Shine in Week 17 Action

In Week 17 of the NFL season, South Dakota’s professional football players made notable contributions on the field. Among them, tight end Dallas Goedert of the Philadelphia Eagles made headlines by breaking a team record. During a matchup against the Buffalo Bills, Goedert caught his 11th touchdown pass of the season, surpassing the previous record for a tight end held by former player Pete Retzlaff. Renowned quarterback and analyst Tom Brady humorously noted, “It seems like that’s Goedert’s 75th touchdown this season!” while celebrating the achievement.

Goedert’s success comes as the Eagles prepare for the playoffs, with one game remaining in the regular season. His record-setting performance adds to the excitement surrounding South Dakota’s representation in the NFL.

Highlights from Other South Dakota Players

Several other South Dakota natives also showcased their skills over the holiday week. Jack Cochrane, a linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs, played a limited role, participating in one defensive snap and 18 special teams snaps during the Chiefs’ loss to the Denver Broncos.

Running back Isaiah Davis of the New York Jets had three carries for 11 yards and one catch for nine yards in the Jets’ defeat against the New England Patriots. Meanwhile, linebacker Dennis Gardeck of the Jacksonville Jaguars did not record any statistics in his team’s victory over the Indianapolis Colts, appearing on 16 defensive snaps.

In a victorious performance, Goedert recorded three catches for eight yards in addition to his touchdown against the Bills. The Eagles’ win solidifies their postseason position.

The Minnesota Vikings secured a vital 23-10 win over the Detroit Lions, with CJ Ham, a running back from Augustana, contributing by playing 26 offensive snaps and making three tackles on special teams. This victory eliminated the Lions from playoff contention.

Noteworthy Performances and Injuries

On the defensive side, Myles Harden, a cornerback for the Cleveland Browns, was inactive due to a shoulder injury during the Browns’ win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Offensive lineman Mason McCormick of the Steelers played all 66 snaps in the game, though the team ultimately fell short.

Quarterback Chris Oladokun of the Chiefs made his first NFL start, completing 13 of 22 passes for 66 yards and one touchdown while also rushing for 11 yards. Trey Pipkins, an offensive lineman for the Los Angeles Chargers, returned from injury to play all 63 offensive snaps in the Chargers’ loss to the Houston Texans.

Linebacker Christian Rozeboom of the Carolina Panthers had a strong outing, recording 10 tackles and recovering a fumble during the Panthers’ loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Meanwhile, linebacker Isaiah Stalbird contributed on special teams for the New Orleans Saints, playing 26 snaps in their win over the Tennessee Titans without recording any statistics.

On the offensive line, Grey Zabel of the Seahawks started at guard and played all 66 offensive snaps, contributing to the team’s victory.

Several players from South Dakota are currently on injured reserve, including Tucker Kraft, a tight end for the Green Bay Packers, and Tip Reiman, a tight end for the Arizona Cardinals. Additionally, a number of South Dakota athletes are on practice squads, such as Nash Hutmacher of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dalys Beanum of the New Orleans Saints.

As the NFL season progresses towards the playoffs, South Dakota’s representation continues to make a significant impact on the league. The performances of these athletes not only highlight their individual talents but also bring attention to the football programs in their home state.