Penn State in the NFL: Week 5

Several matchups put former Nittany Lions head to head – here’s a recap of how they fared.

Joey Porter Jr., CB, Pittsburgh Steelers

In an AFC North showdown between the Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, Porter added to the highlight reel with an interception in the endzone.

The first pick in his NFL career couldn’t have come at a better moment: on third and goal, Lamar Jackson tried to connect with Odell Beckham Jr., but the off-target throw found the arms of the rookie cornerback.

Celebrations ensued on the sidelines as the momentum swing propelled the Kenny Pickett-led offense on the go-ahead touchdown drive to ultimately win 17-10.

Porter has played on limited snaps to start the season, but in the second half against Baltimore, he was put in as a starter and definitely rose to the occasion. Next week, the Steelers have their bye before heading to Los Angeles to face the Rams.

Kevin Givens, DT, San Francisco 49ers

In what was considered to be one of the season’s greatest matchups, the San Francisco 49ers put the Dallas Cowboys to bed early on Sunday Night Football.

The entire 49ers defense prevented Dallas from producing much of an offensive spark, and Givens got in on the action with a fumble recovery and a sack on Cooper Rush — his first of the season.

In total, the defensive tackle finished with two tackles and 0.5 tackles for a loss.

Jaquan Brisker, S, Chicago Bears

Thursday Night Football’s NFC battle saw the Bears’ first win of the season against the Washington Commanders, who had previously won four of the past five matchups.

After worries that a hamstring issue would prevent Brisker from playing, a final game time decision showed he would be eligible to play.

The safety recorded six total tackles — two solo and four assisted in the 40-20 road victory.

Last season as a rookie, Brisker put up strong numbers and is already off to a decent start for his second year with 13 solo tackles.

Parker Washington, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

It’s been a rough sledding for the rookie wide receiver who was placed on the injured reserve because of a knee injury. Washington will be out for at least the next four games.

The move was made before the Jaguars’ 25-20 victory over the Buffalo Bills in London.

The win propelled Jacksonville to No. 1 in the AFC South, and the team returns from its two-game London trip to the States to play the Colts next weekend.

Amanda Vogt is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email amandaevogt@gmail.com.