The 49ers' Christian McCaffrey edged closer to an NFL record and Cincinnati's Trenton Irwin was among Stanford alums to have big performances over the weekend. Overall, 12 former Stanford players started this weekend around the league. Here is the summary of performances from former Cardinal in Week 5:
Cincinnati starting receiver Trenton Irwin had eight catches for 60 yards and returned four punts for a 17.0 average, including a 28-yard return, in the Bengals' 34-20 victory at Arizona. Irwin was named to Pro Football Focus's Team of the Week as a kick returner, grading at 70.0 on punt returns. Irwin entered the game with one catch through the first four games but had five catches in the first half alone. Irwin played 62 offensive snaps and was targeted 10 times.
Trenton Irwin. Photo by Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports.
For Arizona, starting tight end Zach Ertz had two catches for 10 yards, including a 4-yarder for a touchdown in the second quarter that gave the Cardinals a 14-10 lead. Arizona receiver Michael Wilson had one catch for 18 yards.
Zach Ertz. Photo by Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports.
Kansas City starting safety Justin Reid had eight tackles, including seven solo, forced a fumble, and defensed a pass in the Chiefs' 27-20 victory at Minnesota. Reid, who played on every Chiefs' defensive snap, forced a fumble on the game's first play from scrimmage, which led to a Kansas City touchdown. Reid was No. 7 in pass-rushing among NFL safeties, with a 74.6 grade from Pro Football Focus. Minnesota starting defensive tackle Harrison Phillips had six tackles on 46 defensive snaps.
Christian McCaffrey. Photo by Darren Yamashita/USA TODAY Sports.
San Francisco starting running back Christian McCaffrey scored a touchdown for the 14th consecutive game, including the playoffs, to extend his franchise record and close to within one of the NFL mark shared by Hall of Fame running backs Lenny Moore, O.J. Simpson and John Riggins. McCaffrey scored on a second-quarter 1-yard run to put the 49ers ahead by 14 in a 42-10 victory over visiting Dallas on Sunday night. McCaffrey carried 19 times for 51 yards and caught two passes for 27 as the 49ers remained undefeated. He continues to lead all NFL rushers, with 510 yards.
Dalton Schultz. Photo by Dale Zanine/USA TODAY Sports.
Houston starting tight end Dalton Schultz caught an 18-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud to put the Texans' ahead with 1:49 to go, but host Atlanta rallied on a last-second field goal to win, 21-19. Schultz caught seven passes for 65 yards and played 34 offensive snaps. Atlanta starting center Drew Dalman played all 77 of the Falcons' offensive snaps and had the No. 2 run-blocking grade among NFL centers, at 88.1.
Paulson Adebo. Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports.
New Orleans starting left cornerback Paulson Adebo had three tackles and two passes defensed in the Saints' 34-0 victory at New England. Patriots' receiver Ty Montgomery had one catch for five yards, one carry for zero yards, and two kickoff returns for a 21.0 average.
Bobby Okereke (left). Photo by Jim Rassol/USA TODAY Sports.
New York Giants starting middle linebacker Bobby Okereke intercepted a pass, had 10 tackles, and two passes defensed in a 31-16 loss at Miami. Dolphins' punter Jake Bailey averaged 34.5 yards on two punts, held on a field goal and four extra-points, and handled kickoffs.
Austin Hooper. Photo by Stephen R. Sylvanie/USA TODAY Sports.
Las Vegas tight end Austin Hooper had two catches for 11 yards in the Raiders' 17-13 victory over visiting Green Bay on Monday night.
Pittsburgh starting offensive right guard Nate Herbig played all 66 offensive snaps in the Steelers' 17-10 victory over visiting Baltimore.
Washington defensive end Casey Toohill played six defensive snaps and 27 special teams plays in the Commanders' 40-20 loss to visiting Chicago on Thursday.
New York Jets' defensive tackle Solomon Thomas played 22 defensive snaps and three special teams plays in the Jets' 31-21 victory at Denver.
Jacksonville starting offensive left guard Walker Little played 11 offensive snaps before leaving in the first quarter of the Jaguars' 25-20 victory at Buffalo.
Denver offensive tackle Cameron Fleming and Houston quarterback Davis Mills did not play.
Receiver Simi Fehoko and offensive tackle Foster Sarell of the Los Angeles Chargers, and cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly and tight end Colby Parkinson of Seattle had byes.
Arizona tight end Elijah Higgins, Philadelphia quarterback Tanner McKee, and New Orleans offensive lineman Andrus Peat were inactive.
Philadelphia defensive tackle Thomas Booker, Miami cornerback Ethan Bonner, Atlanta tight end Tucker Fisk, San Francisco linebacker Curtis Robinson, Washington receiver Brycen Tremayne, Cincinnati safety Michael Thomas, and Chicago defensive back Kendall Williamson were on practice squads.
Carolina defensive end Henry Anderson and Washington tight end Kaden Smith were on injured reserve.