{
  "id": 11145471,
  "title": "Indiana connections in the NFL: How did they do in Week 3? Appearances, stats",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/indiana-connections-in-the-nfl-how-did-they-do-in-week-3-appearances",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-01T08:20:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/indiana-connections-nfl-did-week-082032238.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Indiana connections in the NFL: How did they do in Week 3? Appearances, stats\n\nWeek three of the NFL regular season saw several players with ties to Indiana making notable appearances and contributing stats. Michael Penix Jr., quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, recorded 18 completions on 25 passes for 256 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and -2 rushing yards on two carries. His Indiana University connection shone through as he performed well in his first start.\n\nIn the same game, Jessie Bates III, a safety for the Atlanta Falcons, recorded four tackles and a pass defense. His ties to Fort Wayne's Snider High School added to the local interest. Another notable appearance in Week 3 came from Xavier Watts, a linebacker for the Falcons, who logged five tackles and a pass defense.\n\nTerry McLaurin, a wide receiver for the Washington Commanders, had six catches for 77 yards and a touchdown, proving his prowess in the passing game. His Indianapolis Cathedral High School background was celebrated by fans. Drue Tranquill, an outside linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs, tallied seven tackles and a tackle for loss, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.\n\nBen Skowronek, a wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, had one catch for 23 yards and a touchdown, adding to his impressive season. His connections to Notre Dame and Homestead High School in Fort Wayne were well-received. Alohi Gilman, a safety for the Chiefs, recorded six tackles, contributing to the team's defensive efforts.\n\nIn another highly-anticipated matchup, the Las Vegas Raiders faced the New Orleans Saints. Michael Mayer, a tight end for the Raiders with a Notre Dame connection, had three catches for 32 yards and a touchdown. Kyren Williams, a running back for the Rams linked to Notre Dame, added 88 rushing yards on 15 carries and contributed with six catches for 70 yards.\n\nSpencer Shrader, a kicker for the Indianapolis Colts, was instrumental in the team's win, making four successful field-goal attempts and one extra-point attempt. Kyren Williams also contributed for the Rams with 88 rushing yards on 15 carries and 70 receiving yards.",
  "summary": "How did players with Indiana connections do in the third week of NFL regular season football.",
  "key_points": [
    "Michael Penix Jr. recorded strong stats in his first start for the Falcons",
    "Jessie Bates III contributed with four tackles and pass defense",
    "Xavier Watts logged five tackles and a pass defense for the Falcons"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Indiana connections in the NFL: How did they do in Week 3? Appearances, stats",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/indiana-connections-in-the-nfl-how-did-they-do-in-week-3-appearances-11145472",
        "published": "2026-10-01T08:20:32.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}