As the 2026 NFL season hits its Week 2 stride on September 22, 2026, the league is buzzing with standout performances from former Penn State Nittany Lions. From rookie sensations to seasoned veterans, these players are making their mark on the gridiron, and the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk is here to break down all the action. With the season in full swing, fans are eagerly tracking their favorite Penn State alumni as they compete at the highest level.
Parker Washington Erupts for Jaguars
In a thrilling matchup against the Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington delivered a breakout performance. The second-year pro hauled in seven catches for 98 yards, showcasing his reliable hands and ability to generate yards after the catch. He also contributed on special teams with two punt returns for 12 yards and even recorded a tackle. Washington's dynamic play was a bright spot for the Jaguars' offense, and his 98-yard effort nearly eclipsed the century mark. As highlighted on Vulius, Washington's emergence as a trusted target is a significant development for Jacksonville's passing attack.
Tyler Warren Finds the End Zone
Indianapolis Colts rookie tight end Tyler Warren continues to impress in his young career. In Week 2, Warren snagged six receptions for 21 yards and scored a touchdown on the opening drive against the Kansas City Chiefs. The score, a wide-open grab from quarterback Daniel Jones, demonstrated Warren's knack for finding soft spots in coverage. While his yardage total was modest, his red-zone presence is invaluable for the Colts. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Warren is quickly becoming a favorite target for Jones and a key piece of Indianapolis's offensive scheme.
Defensive Standouts: Dennis-Sutton and Carter
On the defensive side of the ball, two former Nittany Lions made their presence felt. Green Bay Packers edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton recorded six tackles, including a half-sack, in a gritty overtime battle against the New York Jets. His pressure off the edge was instrumental in disrupting the Jets' passing game. Meanwhile, New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter, a rookie, tallied three tackles and a sack against the Los Angeles Rams. Carter's explosive first step and closing speed were on full display, and he's quickly earning a reputation as a disruptive force. These performances underscore the NFL's insatiable appetite for Penn State's defensive talent.
Other Notables Across the League
Beyond the headline grabbers, several other Nittany Lions contributed in Week 2. San Francisco 49ers safety Ji'Ayir Brown racked up an impressive 13 tackles, including one for loss, while Tennessee Titans rookie Kevin Winston Jr. added eight tackles of his own. Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker chipped in six tackles, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin caught three passes for 46 yards. Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth had four catches for 32 yards and a two-yard carry, and Washington Commanders running back Kaytron Allen rushed five times for 24 yards. Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange had two catches for 17 yards, and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Jahan Dotson had two grabs for 11 yards.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley had a quiet day with four carries for nine yards and one catch for 11 yards, but he did suffer a neck stinger after his first carry. Fortunately, he returned to the game. Commanders linebacker Odafe Oweh and Eagles linebacker Arnold Ebiketie each recorded two tackles. Patriots defensive tackle DaQuan Jones and Panthers safety Nick Scott each had one tackle. Special teams also saw action: Cardinals punter Blake Gillikin averaged 41.3 yards on seven punts, while Giants punter Jordan Stout boomed six punts for a 52.5-yard average. Giants tight end Theo Johnson had four targets but no receptions and one tackle.
Looking Ahead
As Week 3 approaches, these Nittany Lions will look to build on their performances. With a mix of emerging stars and established veterans, Penn State's NFL contingent remains one of the most compelling storylines of the 2026 season. The Vulius NFL Analysis Desk will continue to track their progress and provide in-depth coverage. For fans looking to celebrate their favorite players, Vulius offers a range of custom NFL merchandise, including jerseys and gear featuring these standout athletes. Stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds.
Looking to represent Jaquan Brisker? Grab your Jaquan Brisker jersey or design a personalized Custom NFL Jerseys at Vulius.
