Week 9 of the NFL regular season came to a close with 18 Maryland football alumni seeing the field.
Miami Dolphins safety Dante Trader Jr. had the best game of his young career against the Baltimore Ravens.
The 2025 fifth round selection made 13 tackles — including one tackle for loss — on Thursday Night Football, despite a 28-6 defeat.
The 22-year-old had just 16 tackles entering Week 9, and against the Ravens he nearly matched that total, leading all players in tackles during the game. The rookie also played a career high in snaps with 69 total, spending time at box safety and back deep in pass coverage.
Pro Football Focus gave his tackling a grade of 85 between defense and special teams.
Trader has continued to steadily develop with increased snap counts during a rough 2-7 Dolphins season. When given the opportunity to play, he wraps up well. Trader sits second amongst safeties on the team and sixth overall with 29 total tackles.
As the Dolphins struggle with injuries and a rough season, expect to see more from the former Terp against the Buffalo Bills. The teams play in Miami on Nov. 9 in a Week 10 matchup.
2025 rookies
- Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Jordan Phillips made one tackle against the Baltimore Ravens.
- Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Tai Felton played 20 snaps on special teams against the Detroit Lions.
- Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Tommy Akingbesote remained on the practice squad for Week 9.
- Chicago Bears linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II was inactive for Week 9.
- Center Josh Kaltenberger was released from the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad on Oct. 15.
- Safety Glen Miller and wide receiver Kaden Prather remain unsigned.
Other players
- Chicago Bears wide receiver D.J. Moore caught four passes for 72 yards. He also rushed for 17 yards and a touchdown. Additionally, Moore threw a touchdown pass to quarterback Caleb Williams.
- New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs caught three passes for 38 yards and a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons.
- Indianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross made six tackles against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- San Francisco 49ers defensive end Sam Okuayinonu made four tackles and recorded a sack against the New York Giants.
- New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks made four tackles against the San Francisco 49ers.
- Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson had two carries for eight yards and a touchdown. In the pass game he had two catches for 12 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs.
- Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo caught two passes for 10 yards against the Los Angeles Chargers.
- Washington Commanders safety Darnell Savage made two tackles against the Seattle Seahawks.
- Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Spencer Anderson played 26 snaps between offense and special teams.
- Atlanta Falcons linebacker Josh Woods played 22 snaps on special teams against the New England Patriots.
- New York Giants safety Beau Brade played 16 special teams snaps against the San Francisco 49ers.
- Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Corey Bullock played four snaps on special teams against the Miami Dolphins.
- Las Vegas Raiders right tackle DJ Glaze played 68 offensive snaps against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
- Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland went two for two on field goal attempts, including a long of 48 yards, against the Dallas Cowboys.
- Detroit Lions defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson was inactive for Week 9.
- Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jeshaun Jones remained on the practice squad for Week 9.
- Defensive end Durrell Nchami remained on the Indianapolis Colts practice squad for Week 9.
Other news
- Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Tarheeb Still did not play in Week 9. He is expected to miss two to four weeks after suffering a knee injury against the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 23.
- Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Jakorian Bennett was sidelined due to a pec injury in Week 8. He could return in Week 10 against the Green Bay Packers.
- 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 Jets on Oct. 29. He was previously a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad.
Week 10 of the NFL season kicks off with the Raiders and Broncos playing Thursday Night Football on Nov. 6.
