The NFL season continues, and there are plenty of former Wisconsin Badgers players to keep tabs on throughout each season. With a strong football program and plenty of roster spaces to fill, you’ll find Badger alums on many rosters. We’ll take a look at the stand-out performances amongst the group for week 9 of the NFL season.
Jonathan Taylor and the Indianapolis Colts
First out of the gate is an offensive player who showed some versatility with the running game and the passing game as well for the Colts. Jonathan Taylor, while not putting up a stellar stat line, came through for the Colts with the first touchdown of the game that set a 27-13 win over the Panthers in motion.
.@JayT23 spins past the Panthers for his second TD of the season! #NFLBadgers x #ForTheShoe
(📽️ via NFL) pic.twitter.com/vqykmTCKaI
— NFL Badgers (@NFLBadgers) November 5, 2023
Taylor dropped 22 yards on five catches with his one touchdown and added 47 yards on eight carries. Punching this touchdown through gave him 38 touchdowns in his career, moving him into a tie with other former Wisconsin Badgers for 6th all-time in touchdowns by former Badgers players.
Jake Ferguson and the Dallas Cowboys
While the Cowboys couldn’t muster a win this week, Jake Ferguson did everything he could to get them close. With his 91 receiving yards and seven catches, he set a personal single-game career high, surpassed 50 career catches with 500 receiving yards, and put up the most yards by a TE for the Cowboys in a single game since 2018. He even had a touchdown that tied the game.
.@jqfergy11 hauls in his third TD reception of the season and we have a tie game in Philly!#NFLBadgers x #DallasCowboys
(📽️ via NFL) pic.twitter.com/1hHB4i11CP
— NFL Badgers (@NFLBadgers) November 5, 2023
Former Wisconsin Badgers Defensive Players Shine Bright
While TJ Watt continued to do TJ Watt things for the Pittsburgh Steelers with his four tackles and one sack, The best part is he completed the takedown without a helmet.
Sacking the QB is fun! 𝗡𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗺𝗲𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱. #NFLBadgers || @_TJWatt
(🎥 via NFL) pic.twitter.com/3D8O2caa3A
— NFL Badgers (@NFLBadgers) November 3, 2023
Leo Chenal helped the Kansas City Chiefs hold down the Dolphins with his seven tackles and one sack. He’s putting up a great season for the Chiefs with 41 tackles, three of which are sacks.
Jack Sanborn and TJ Edwards for the Chicago Bears did their part, with each of them reaching double-digit tackles, becoming the first Wisconsin Badgers teammates to do so. Sanborn had ten tackles on the day in their loss to the Saints, while Edwards had 15.
With his 15 tackles, TJ Edwards crossed the 100 tackles mark for the third straight season and became the fastest Wisconsin Badgers player to do so.
#StatTuesday @TJEdwards8 is the fastest #NFLBadgers player to reach 100 tackles in a season since at least 1987, doing so in just nine games.
Previous record: 12 games (D. Levy, ’14; J. Schobert, ’17; T.J. Edwards, ’22)
📊 via @Stathead (https://t.co/cExlwpHD3d)#DaBears
— NFL Badgers (@NFLBadgers) November 7, 2023
Other Wisconsin Badgers Notes
Dare Ogunbowale wasn’t at his usual spot as a runningback this week for the Houston Texans. He handled kickoff duties this week and was even able to become the first Wisconsin Badgers non-kicker to land a field goal.
What is even happening in this game 🤯 pic.twitter.com/7Ynjfmplt1
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) November 5, 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jonathan Taylor having surgery?
Yes, Jonathan Taylor underwent surgery on January 25. The procedure, known as a debridement, typically requires a four-week rehabilitation period. Taylor has started rehab at the team's facility post-surgery, as confirmed by a reliable source.
How long is Jonathan Taylor out?
Jonathan Taylor is initially out for a minimum of four games of the 2023 season due to his placement on the reserve/physically unable to perform list. His return will depend on passing a physical examination. If cleared, he may resume playing immediately after this period.
