K-State football alumni made notable contributions across the NFL during Week 16, with 17 former Wildcats currently playing at various levels in the league.
Here’s a recap of their performances: Felix Anudike-Uzomah (Kansas City Chiefs, DE): A first-round pick last year, Anudike-Uzomah participated in six defensive plays as the Chiefs secured a 27-19 victory over Houston. Kansas City remains in contention for home-field advantage in the AFC playoffs with a 14-1 record.
Cooper Beebe (Dallas Cowboys, OL): Beebe returned to the field after missing a game due to injury, playing all 60 offensive snaps in the Cowboys’ 26-24 win over Tampa Bay. The rookie has started 14 games this season, though Dallas has been eliminated from playoff contention.
JuJu Brents (Indianapolis Colts, CB): After being on injured reserve since September, Brents returned to practice last week. The Colts kept their playoff hopes alive with a 38-10 win over Tennessee and will face the Giants next.
Ekow Boye-Doe (New York Giants, CB) signed to the Giants’ practice squad earlier this month, Boye-Doe did not see action in the Giants’ 34-7 loss to Atlanta.
Khalid Duke (Tennessee Titans, OLB): Duke made his NFL debut, playing on special teams in Tennessee’s 38-30 loss to Indianapolis.
Josh Hayes (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, DB): Hayes participated in 19 special teams plays during the Buccaneers’ narrow loss to Dallas. Tampa Bay, tied for the NFC South lead, will face Carolina next.
KT Leveston (Los Angeles Rams, OL): Leveston’s season ended on injured reserve. The Rams are leading the NFC West and will host Arizona this week.
Tyler Lockett (Seattle Seahawks, WR): Lockett caught two passes for 19 yards in Seattle’s 27-24 loss to Minnesota. The Seahawks are a game behind the Rams in the NFC West.
Cornelius Lucas (Washington Commanders, OL): Lucas contributed 10 offensive and four special teams snaps in Washington’s dramatic 36-33 win over Philadelphia. The Commanders hold the final NFC playoff spot.
Adrian Martinez (New York Jets, QB): Martinez remains on the Jets’ practice squad. New York suffered a 19-9 loss to the Rams.
D.J. Reed (New York Jets, DB): Reed recorded four tackles, including one for a loss, in the Jets’ defeat.
Dalton Risner (Minnesota Vikings, OL): Risner started for Minnesota, playing all 66 offensive snaps in the Vikings’ victory over Seattle. The win keeps Minnesota tied for the NFC North lead.
Ben Sinnott (Washington Commanders, TE): Sinnott saw action on offense and special teams during Washington’s win.
Skylar Thompson (Miami Dolphins, QB): Thompson remains on Miami’s practice squad. The Dolphins improved to 7-8 with a win over San Francisco.
Deuce Vaughn (Dallas Cowboys, RB): Vaughn was inactive for the Cowboys’ victory.
Cody Whitehair (Las Vegas Raiders, OL): Whitehair played limited snaps as the Raiders snapped a 10-game losing streak with a win over Jacksonville.
Russ Yeast (Houston Texans, S): Yeast, on Houston’s practice squad, did not participate in the Texans’ loss to the Chiefs.
As the NFL season approaches its conclusion, former Wildcats continue to make an impact, whether on active rosters or as practice squad contributors.
