Multiple NFL Owls are in the playoff hunt. Which former Rice football alums got a step closer to the postseason in Week 16?
There are former Rice football players scattered across the NFL. Stay tuned each week for their game results and notables from each player.
Week 16 results
Broncos 27 (Anderson, Callahan) – Lions 17
Eagles 17 – Cowboys 9 (Covington)
Cardinals 27 – Seahawks 13 (Ellerbee, Willson)
Jets 16 – Steelers 10 (Boswell, McDonald)
Texans 23 (Gaines) – Bucs 20
Packers 23 – Vikings 10 (Sendejo)
Calvin Anderson, OT, Broncos
Anderson has yet to appear in a game for the Broncos this season. He was inactive again this week. The Broncos host the Raiders in Week 17.
Bryce Callahan, CB, Broncos
Callahan was placed on injured reserve earlier this season, never playing for the Broncos in 2019. He will be sidelined for the remainder of the year. The Broncos host the Raiders in Week 17.
Christian Covington, DE, Cowboys
Covington was limited to one tackle in the Cowboys’ Week 16 defeat to the Eagles. The Cowboys host the Redskins in Week 17. They can clinch a playoff birth with a win next week and an Eagles’ loss to the Giants.
Andrew Sendejo, Saf, Vikings
Sendejo made one tackle in the Vikings’ Monday Night Football loss to the Packers. The Vikings host the Bears in Week 17.
Emmanuel Ellerbee, LB, Seahawks
Ellerbee was placed injured reserve prior to the start of the season. The Seahawks host the 49ers on Sunday Night Football in Week 17.
Luke Willson, TE, Seahawks
Willson was eased back into the offense after missing the previous four weeks with a hamstring injury. He played on 22 snaps and was not targeted. The Seahawks host the 49ers on Sunday Night Football in Week 17.
Chris Boswell, K, Steelers
Boswell continues to be one of the most reliable players for the Steelers this season. He made his only field goal attempt Sunday, a 49-yard try, as well as his sole extra point. The Steelers visit the Ravens in Week 17 who could be resting multiple starters. They can clinch a playoff birth with a win next week and a Titans’ loss to the Texans.
Vance McDonald, TE, Steelers
McDonald hauled in three passes on six targets, tallying nine reciving yards against the Jets. The Steelers visit the Ravens in Week 17 who could be resting multiple starters. They can clinch a playoff birth with a win next week and a Titans’ loss to the Texans.
Phillip Gaines, CB, Texans
Gaines was placed on injured reserve following an ankle injury suffered during the Texans’ Week 8 game against the Colts. The Texans host the Titans in Week 17.
More Owls in the NFL
From practice squads to current free agents, there are others Owls on the cusp of returning to active rosters. Find more detail on current contractual agreements and former Rice football players waiting for their next opportunity here.
