Week 7 of the NFL regular season came to a close with 15 Maryland football alumni seeing the field.
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Sam Okuayinonu had a strong game on Sunday Night Football against the
Atlanta Falcons. The third year edge rusher made three tackles and recorded a second quarter sack against Michael Penix.
It was his first sack of the season and a bounce back performance after a disappointing loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers two weeks ago. Okuayinonu played 44 snaps and was given an overall defense grade of 79 by Pro Football Focus. He forced three quarterback hurries on Sunday against Penix.
“It [was] the whole defensive line, this week we put it upon ourselves to take over this game,” said Okuayinonu. “I feel like we really did [that]. We stopped the run, had a chance to rush the passer and we took advantage of opportunities.”
The 49ers defense limited the strong running duo of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier to just 56 yards on 18 carries with no touchdowns.
With injuries plaguing the 49ers defense through seven weeks of the season, players like Okuayinonu have been called upon to step up. The former Terp did just that, as the 49ers advanced to 5-2 and a tie atop the NFC West with the Los Angeles Rams.
“To play on Sunday Night Football is a big opportunity and to win at home feels great and amazing.”
The 49ers hit the road to take on the Houston Texans in a Week 8 matchup on Oct. 26.
2025 rookies
- Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Jordan Phillips made one tackle against the Cleveland Browns.
- Miami Dolphins safety Dante Trader Jr. played 14 special teams snaps against the Cleveland Browns.
- Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Tai Felton played 16 special teams snaps against the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Chicago Bears linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II was inactive for Week 7.
- Center Josh Kaltenberger was released from the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad on Oct. 15.
- Defensive tackle Tommy Akingbesote remained unsigned. He had a workout with the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 7 and was most recently a member of the Carolina Panthers practice squad in September.
- Safety Glen Miller and wide receiver Kaden Prather remain unsigned.
Other players
- New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs caught seven passes for 69 yards against the Tennessee Titans.
- Chicago Bears wide receiver D.J. Moore caught three passes for 43 yards against the New Orleans Saints.
- Washington Commanders safety Darnell Savage made three tackles and defended a pass against the Dallas Cowboys.
- New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks made three tackles against the Denver Broncos.
- Chargers cornerback Tarheeb Still made three tackles against the Indianapolis Colts.
- Las Vegas Raiders right tackle DJ Glaze played 35 offensive snaps against the Kansas City Chiefs.
- Atlanta Falcons linebacker Josh Woods played 18 special teams snaps against the San Francisco 49ers.
- Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland made three field goals, including a long of 40 yards, against the Green Bay Packers.
- Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Spencer Anderson played 12 snaps against the Cincinnati Bengals.
- New York Giants safety Beau Brade played 12 special teams snaps against the Denver Broncos.
- Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo did not catch a pass against the New England Patriots.
- Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson was on bye week.
- Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Corey Bullock was on bye week.
- Defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson remained on the Detroit Lions practice squad for Week 7.
Other News
- Offensive lineman Michael Dunn was released from the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad on Oct. 7. Dunn previously spent time with the San Francisco 49ers during the late portion of preseason.
- Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Jakorian Bennett remained on injured reserve. He is eligible to return in Week 8 against the New York Giants.
- New York Jets defensive tackle Byron Cowart remained on injured reserve with an ankle injury. Due to not being designated to return from IR prior to roster cut day in August, his season is over unless he and the Jets reach a settlement.
- Wide receiver Rakim Jarrett remained unsigned. He last had a tryout with the New York Giants on Oct. 3 and New England Patriots on Sept. 24. He was previously a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad.
- Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jeshaun Jones remained on the practice squad for Week 7.
- Defensive end Durrell Nchami remained on the Indianapolis Colts practice squad for Week 7.
Week 8 of the NFL season kicks off with the Vikings and Chargers playing Thursday Night Football on Oct. 23.
