NFL Dawgs Week 9: Thompson Returns From Injury, Goldson Shines For 'Skins

Thompson back, other former Huskies remain out

The injury bug has bitten several former Huskies in recent weeks, but at least one of the former Dawgs received good news on Sunday. Linebacker Shaq Thompson returned for Carolina after being ruled out for consecutive weeks while recovering from an MCL injury. Thompson had one tackle in the Panthers (8-0) 37-29 victory over the Green Bay Packers (6-2).

Still waiting on a clean bill of health is Tampa Bay tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins who was again held out Sunday with a shoulder injury suffered earlier in the season. The Bucs (3-5) fell to the New York Giants (5-4) 32-18 in Seferian-Jenkins absence. The tight end is listed as questionable for the Bucs game against the Dallas Cowboys next Sunday.

Also missing action on Sunday was Hau'oli Kikaha, linebacker for the New Orleans Saints. Kikaha suffered an ankle injury in last weeks contest, and was not able to play in the Saints (4-5) surprising 34-28 home loss to the Tennessee Titans (2-6) this week.

Goldson shines, Redskins sputter

The Washington Redskins (3-5) couldn't avoid being the New England Patriots (8-0) eighth straight victim to open the season, falling 27-10 Sunday, despite a solid effort from veteran safety Dashon Goldson. Goldson lead the Redskins defense with 10 tackles in the loss, and now leads Washington this season with 66 total tackles (44 solo).

Sankey remains in Titans doghouse

Following a less than stellar effort in the backfield in the first half of the season and a costly fumble on special teams a week ago running back Bishop Sankey's tenure with the Tennessee Titans reached an all time low Sunday. Sankey didn't see a snap in the Titans victory Sunday, continuing the quick fall from grace for a player who was the first running back selected in the NFL draft just a season ago. Former coach Ken Whisenhunt announced that Sankey would not see action on special teams in week 9, and interim coach Mike Mularkey seems to have taken it a step beyond this.

Around the NFL

• Rookie Danny Shelton had a pair of tackles and kicker Travis Coons converted an extra point and a field goal in the Cleveland Browns (2-7) 31-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals (8-0) last Thursday.
• Greg Ducre recorded a tackle for the San Diego Chargers after being brought back up to the team for the first time this season earlier in the week. Donald Butler also added a tackle in the Chargers (2-7) loss to the Chicago Bears (3-5) on Monday.
• Oakland Raiders (4-4) fullback Marcel Reece continued his solid 2015 season, picking up 21 rushing yards on three attempts in the teams narrow 38-35 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-4).
• Desmond Trufant recorded four tackles for the Atlanta Falcons (6-3) in their 17-16 loss Sunday to the San Francisco 49ers (3-6).
• Marcus Peters (Chiefs), Chris Polk (Texans) and Jermaine Kearse (Seahawks) all had byes this week.