Blue and Gold Illustrated

IRISH IN THE PROS Now, Te'o hopes to have a similar effect on the Chargers defense that he did during his senior year at Notre Dame. NFL NOTES For games played Oct. 1-5 • The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released kicker Kyle Brindza (2011‑14) following another subpar perfor‑ mance, this time in a 37‑23 loss to the Carolina Pan‑ thers. After making 4 of 5 field goal attempts with a long of 58 yards in the first two weeks, Brindza converted only 2 of 7 attempts in the next two games while also missing a pair of extra points. According to kicking expert and Brindza mentor Brandon Kornblue, the former Irish kicker worked out for the New Orleans Saints Oct. 7. • Minnesota Vikings defensive back Robert Blanton (2008‑11) recorded five tackles and one pass broken up in a 23‑20 loss to the Denver Broncos. • Denver Broncos safety David Bruton (2005‑08) recorded four tackles in a 23‑20 win over the Min‑ nesota Vikings. • After starting one game in place of the injured Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears quarterback Jimmy Clausen (2007‑09) returned to the bench for the team's 22‑20 win over the Oakland Raiders. • Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert (2009‑12) caught three passes for 69 yards in a 36‑21 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. • Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (2008‑11) notched five receptions for 59 yards in a 24‑22 loss to the St. Louis Rams. • Miami Dolphins running back Jonas Gray (2008‑11) rushed one time for zero yards in a 27‑14 loss to the New York Jets. • Detroit Lions wide receiver TJ Jones (2010‑13) has returned four punts for 57 yards in two games for the team this season since taking over those duties. • Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Kapron Lewis‑Moore (2008‑12) played in a 23‑20 overtime win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, but did not record any statistics. • Arizona Cardinals tight end Troy Niklas (2011‑13) has participated in each of the team's first four games, but has yet to record a reception. • New York Giants defensive lineman Louis Nix (2010‑13) has played in the past three games without recording any statistics. • Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (2009‑12) caught five passes for 31 yards in a 13‑10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football. • Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (2008‑10) amassed two receptions for seven yards in a 23‑20 loss to the Denver Broncos. • Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (2007‑11) notched three tackles and one interception in a 23‑20 loss to the Denver Broncos. • Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (2007‑09) finished with three receptions for 29 yards in a 13‑10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. • Oakland Raiders defensive end Justin Tuck (2001‑04) recorded a pair of tackles in a 22‑20 loss to the Chicago Bears. • Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt (2011‑13) registered 10 tackles in a 23‑20 overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens, giving him 21 on the season with 2.5 sacks. • Buffalo Bills running back Cierre Wood (2009‑12) made his professional debut and caught one pass for negative‑six yards in a 24‑10 loss to the New York Giants. ✦ Robert Blanton (2008‑11) DB Minnesota Vikings Sergio Brown (2006‑09) S Jacksonville Jaguars IRISH IN THE NFL Through Oct. 7 Name (Years At Notre Dame) Pos. Current Team

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