NFL Dawgs: Desmond Trufant stars in hometown

The headliner among Dawgs in the NFL came in the last game of the week, with Desmond Trufant having a standout game for the Atlanta Falcons during an otherwise lackluster performance from their secondary on Monday Night Football.

Trufant was in the right position at the right time on an off-target pass from Russell Wilson and the youngest Trufant took advantage after he allowed the pass into his chest and bobbled it. He also had several key pass breakups throughout the game as well, returning to his place among the top corners in the league.

In the Lions vs. Bears matchup, John Timu worked his way back into the rotation at linebacker for eight snaps and also was a key special teams player. Dwayne Washington is now dealing with a hip injury and was out for the Lions.

Kasen Williams was released by the Browns recently but did sign back onto their practice squad this week. Danny Shelton continued being a run anchor for the Browns. Jaydon Mickens lost and recovered his own fumble on a punt return, likely a muff but I wasn’t able to see. He had four returns for nine yards.

Kevin King missed the Packers game against the Ravens with a shoulder injury. Cory Littleton continued as a special teamer and reserve linebacker for the Rams. John Ross was a healthy scratch for Cincinnati.

Budda Baker has been asked to do a whole lot more for the Cardinals after their secondary was depleted by injury and he is showing why he was an early draft pick as a nickel. He led the Cardinals in tackles for the second straight week and also had a sack on a blitz. His impact didn’t stop there as he also forced a pair of fumbles. Baker was everywhere for the Cardinals and it’s why the Bellevue grad didn’t leave the field for a single of their 70 snaps on defense.

Hau’oli Kikaha was active for the Saints but logged only a single snap. It seems that he will be counted on to play a big role in the coming weeks with Alex Okafor going down to injury ahead of him. Senio Kelemete only played on special teams, continuing as a backup lineman for New Orleans.

Marcus Peters didn’t really have a top receiver to go up against facing the New York Giants, and he was in on a handful of tackles.