Stanford in the NFL: Week 15Stanford in the NFL: Week 15
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Stanford in the NFL: Week 15

A summary of how Cardinal alums fared around the league

RAMS KICKER Joshua Karty and Jets defensive tackle Solomon Thomas were among Stanford alums that stood out in NFL action last week, as the playoff picture continues to take shape with three weeks of regular-season play left.

The following is a summary of how former Cardinal fared in Week 15 of the NFL season:

Los Angeles Rams kicker Joshua Karty made all four field-goal attempts to account for all the scoring in a 12-6 victory over San Francisco in Santa Clara on Thursday night. The Rams (8-6) moved into first in the NFC West with the victory and are No. 4 in the conference playoff race, with Karty making kicks from 48, 23, 27, and 29 yards. His final three field goals came in the fourth quarter and rallied Los Angeles from a 6-3 deficit. Colby Parkinson started at tight end for the Rams and caught two passes for 21 yards. Both catches came on the Rams’ final scoring drive, including a 14-yarder on third down. Parkinson played 32 offensive snaps and six on special teams.

New York Jets defensive tackle Solomon Thomas had a sack, tackle for loss, and quarterback hurry in a 32-25 victory at Jacksonville. Thomas had three solo tackles while playing 37 defensive snaps and five on special teams. His two-yard fourth-quarter sack of Mac Jones on second-and-9 helped stall a Jaguars’ drive, leading to a punt and the Jets’ go-ahead touchdown drive. Jacksonville starting offensive left tackle Walker Little played all but one offensive snap, plus five on special teams.

Washington starting tight end Zach Ertz made a great one-handed catch to give the Commanders a first-and-goal from the three-yard line in the second quarter. However, Ertz landed hard on the ground and slowly got up before entering the medical tent. He did not return because of a concussion. Ertz had two catches for 25 yards in the 20-19 victory at New Orleans. His 19-yard catch set up a touchdown that gave the Commanders a 14-0 lead. Ertz played 18 offensive snaps. Houston starting tight end Dalton Schultz had two catches for 13 yards during the Texans’ 20-12 victory over visiting Miami that clinched the AFC South title for the Texans. Schultz played 47 offensive snaps and two on special teams. The Dolphins’ Jake Bailey averaged 60.3 yards on three punts, with a 45.3 net. Bailey’s punts went for 58, 59, and 64 yards. Bailey also was the holder on placekicks. Bailey is 17th in the NFL in punting average, at 48.0.

Kansas City starting strong safety Justin Reid made four defensive tackles and another on special teams in the Chiefs’ 21-7 victory at Cleveland. Reid, who also handled kickoffs for the 13-1 Chiefs, broke up a pass and played every defensive snap.

Minnesota starting nose tackle Harrison Phillips had two tackles in the Vikings’ 30-12 victory over  visiting Chicago. Phillips played 30 defensive snaps as the Vikings (12-2) clinched a playoff spot and pulled into a tie for first in the NFC North.

Atlanta starting center Drew Dalman helped the Falcons rush for 168 yards in a 15-9 victory at Las Vegas on Monday night. Dalman played every offensive snap as the Falcons (7-7) remained in the hunt for a playoff berth.

Arizona starting receiver Michael Wilson had two catches for nine yards in the Cardinals’ 30-17 victory over visiting New England that kept their faint playoff hopes alive. Wilson played 52 offensive snaps and one on special teams. Arizona tight end Elijah Higgins had one catch for five yards. He played 24 offensive snaps and eight on special teams. For the Patriots, starting tight end Austin Hooper had three catches for 38 yards. Hooper’s 26-yard gain to the 5, set up a fourth-quarter Patriots’ touchdown. Hooper played 31 offensive snaps and four on special teams.

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Tucker Fisk had one catch for seven yards in a 40-17 loss to visiting Tampa Bay. Fisk played 14 offensive snaps and 12 on special teams. Teammate Foster Sarell, an offensive tackle, played three downs on special teams.

Philadelphia defensive tackle Thomas Booker played one defensive snap and three on special teams in the Eagles’ 27-13 victory over visiting Pittsburgh. The Eagles (12-2), who lead the NFC East, clinched a playoff spot and are No. 2 in the NFC playoff picture.

Houston quarterback Davis Mills did not play.

Miami cornerback Ethan Bonner, Philadelphia quarterback Tanner McKee, New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke, Las Vegas offensive guard Andrus Peat, and Buffalo defensive end Casey Toohill were inactive.

Denver offensive tackle Cameron Fleming, Las Vegas cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly, Washington receiver Brycen Tremayne, and Los Angeles Chargers safety Kendall Williamson were on practice squads.

New Orleans cornerback Paulson Adebo, Los Angeles Chargers receiver Simi Fehoko, Pittsburgh offensive guard Nate Herbig, and San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey and linebacker Curtis Robinson were on injured reserve.