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Locals in the NFL, Week 3: Tory Horton makes NFL history three games into his career

Locals in the NFL, Week 3: Tory Horton makes NFL history three games into his career


Thirteen players with local ties are on NFL rosters this season, including seven on active rosters. Here is a look at how each player fared this week. Players are listed in alphabetical order.

* OG Joel Bitonio (Nevada Wolf Pack), Cleveland Browns: The Browns were held scoreless for the first 56 minutes of its game against Green Bay before scoring 13 points in the final 3:38 to score a shocking 13-10 victory capped by Andre Szmyt's game-winning 55-yard field goal as time expired. Bitonio played all 66 offensive snaps and two on special teams in a penalty-free game as Cleveland won its first game of the season.

* DB Kitan Crawford (Nevada Wolf Pack), Arizona Cardinals: In a 16-15 loss to the 49ers, Crawford played 20 snaps on special teams and saw his first action on defense with six snaps. The rookie had two tackles, one on a third-quarter kick return and the other on a fourth-quarter punt return.

* WR Romeo Doubs (Nevada Wolf Pack), Green Bay Packers: In a 13-10 loss to the Browns, Doubs caught two of two targets for 25 yards with a long of 16. Doubs played 58 offensive snaps (89 percent of the plays). He also was called for an illegal offensive block, a 10-yard penalty, and drew a 20-yard pass interference call. Green Bay's offense posted just 10 points. The last time it scored fewer was Nov. 6, 2022 in a 15-9 loss at Detroit.

 
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* LB Daiyan Henley (Nevada Wolf Pack), Los Angeles Chargers: Still battling an illness, Henley had four tackles on 52 defensive snaps in the Chargers' 23-20 win over the Broncos. Those four tackles were tied for the second fewest in the last two seasons for Henley, who became a full-time starter in 2024.

* WR/PR Tory Horton (Nevada Wolf Pack), Seattle Seahawks: Horton's third NFL game was a special one as he returned a punt 95 yards for a touchdown and also caught a 14-yard score in Seattle's 44-13 win over New Orleans. The rookie caught three of four targets for 32 yards and added three punt returns for 114 yards. He played 28 offensive snaps and six on special teams with six touches on 35 total plays. Horton is only player in Super Bowl era with multiple receiving touchdowns and a punt return score in his first three NFL games. The fifth-round pick also set the Seahawks' record for longest punt return for a touchdown, a mark previously held by Nevada alum Nate Burleson and Charlie Rogers (94 yards each).

* LB Ale Kaho (Reno High), Washington Commanders: Kaho made his regular-season debut in the NFL in Washington's 41-24 win over the Raiders. He played 17 special teams snaps and did not record a stat.

* OLB Kyle Van Noy (McQueen High), Baltimore Ravens: Van Noy has been ruled out of Monday Night Football's game against the Lions with a hamstring injury.

Injured reserve: WR Brandon Aiyuk (San Francisco 49ers); OL Austin Corbett (Carolina Panthers)

Practice squad players: WR Elijah Cooks (Philadelphia Eagles); LB Emany Johnson (Los Angeles Chargers); TE Keleki Latu (Buffalo Bills); LB Nephi Sewell (New Orleans Saints)

 

 

Legendary Drew Brees Praises the Performance of the Saints' Rookie RB, the Perfect Replacement for Alvin Kamara
Can you believe it? The 2025 season is turning into a nightmare for the New Orleans Saints' running back corps, with superstar Alvin Kamara suffering a severe injury to his knee and ankle right in Week 12! Kendre Miller is also out for similar reasons, leaving Saints fans in a panic: Who will save the offense? But don't worry, a "hidden gem" rookie from the 6th round of the draft has stepped into the spotlight, turning Kamara's absence into a golden opportunity to shine brilliantly – and he's even received "high-flying" praise from legendary Drew Brees! Things didn't go as planned: Kamara was expected to "revive" under head coach Kellen Moore, while Miller awaited an explosive season. But injuries struck, opening the door for this young guy – a former college star with all-time records in rushing yards and touchdowns at Kansas. Initially, he was predicted to just sit on the bench, even being a "healthy scratch" in the first few weeks of the season. But when Kamara went down, he was thrust into the lead role, and oh boy, his performance is making the entire NFL take notice! It took a few weeks to "warm up," but this rookie has improved day by day, earning trust from Moore. His career-best game? A sweet 84 scrimmage yards and a touchdown against the Buccaneers! His touches skyrocketed: 12 times against the Falcons (7 rushes, 5 receptions), 17 times against the Dolphins (14 rushes, 3 receptions), then exploding with 20 opportunities in the upset win over the Buccaneers (19 rushes, 1 reception). Not only an efficient rusher, he's also a "golden shield" in the passing game – catching 16/18 targets for 100 yards this season, and spectacular blocks that save quarterback Tyler Shough from pressure! And now, the "blockbuster" reveal: That's Devin Neal, the rookie RB who's turning the Saints into a "youth whirlwind"! The Saints' 2025 draft class is truly a "gold mine," with Neal emphasizing that through his impressive performance. With no timeline for Kamara's return, Neal will continue to be used more – which isn't a bad thing at all, as he's making the most of the opportunity that Miller never got! But the peak? Legendary Drew Brees, the icon of the Saints, has lavished praise on Neal during a Netflix broadcast! Brees emotionally shared: "Devin Neal has shown incredible consistency in his rookie season, and he's proving himself to be an important part of the Saints' future – a true talent that reminds me of the golden days!" Praise from "King" Brees not only elevates Neal but also ignites hope for Saints fans: Could this guy be the "perfect replacement" for Kamara? With his role growing larger, Neal is the shining bright spot, turning opposing defenses into a "joke" and pushing the Saints closer to the playoffs! Don't miss out – the Saints are "transforming" thanks to the new generation, and Neal is the "explosive trigger"! Follow now for the next drama in the 2025 NFL!