University of Tennessee Athletics
Vols in the NFL - Week 16
December 26, 2023 | Football
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The holiday season capped off with exciting action around the National Football League, and former Volunteers were key playmakers in several of the matchups.
In a season of several milestones for the former Vol running back, New Orleans Saints star Alvin Kamara notched his 500th career reception during the Saints' 30-22 road loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The veteran became the 17th running back in league history to accomplish that feat and finished the contest with 35 yards from scrimmage (19 rushing, 16 receiving).
That was Alvin Kamara's 500th career reception 🙌
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 22, 2023
He is the 17th running back in #NFL history with 500 catches#Saints | @Vol_Football pic.twitter.com/ak8ouIVh3z
Houston Texans defensive end Derek Barnett made his second consecutive start and tallied three combined tackles, two TFLs, three quarterback hits and one pass deflection as the Texans dropped a 22-36 setback to the Cleveland Browns.
Carolina Panthers defensive lineman Shy Tuttle also added a season-high six combined tackles during the team's narrow loss to the Green Bay Packers, 30-33.
A full recap of Vols around the league can be found below.
Micah Abernathy - Falcons - S
Played 20 special teams snaps during the Falcons' 29-10 win over the Colts.
Derek Barnett - Texans - DE
Started his second game of the season and recorded three combined tackles, two TFLs, three quarterback hits and one pass deflection during the Texans' 22-36 loss to the Browns.
Matthew Butler - Raiders - DT
On practice squad.
Marquez Callaway - Saints - WR
Did not see action during the Saints' loss to the Rams.
Morgan Cox - Titans - LS
Executed six successful snaps during the Titans' loss to the Seahawks.
Joshua Dobbs - Vikings - QB
Was inactive for the Vikings.
Princeton Fant - Cowboys -TE
Did not see any action against the Dolphins.
Hendon Hooker - Lions - QB
Elevated to the active roster on Dec. 19, did not see action against the Vikings.
Jalin Hyatt - Giants - WR
Made his sixth start of the season and logged 35 offensive snaps but did not contribute any catches during the Giants' loss to the Eagles.
Theo Jackson - Vikings - DB
Played 18 special teams snaps and 15 defensive snaps while adding two solo tackles during the Vikings' 24-30 loss to the Lions.
Jauan Jennings - 49ers - WR
Inactive for the 49ers' Monday night contest against the Ravens.
Alexander Johnson - Dolphins - LB
On practice squad.
Jakob Johnson - Raiders - FB
Got his fifth start of the season, played 19 offensive snaps and 14 special teams snaps during the Raiders' 20-14 win against the Chiefs.
Velus Jones Jr. - Bears - WR
Recorded 1 rushing attempt for four yards and caught his lone target for 26 yards during the Bears' 27-16 win over the Cardinals.
Alvin Kamara - Saints - RB
Started and picked up 19 rushing yards on nine attempts and produced 16 yards from five receptions during the Saints' 22-30 loss to the Rams. Logged his 500th career reception, becoming the 17th running back in NFL history with 500 catches.
John Kelly Jr. - Browns - RB
On practice squad.
Cade Mays - Panthers - OL
Started his fourth game of the season and played 66 offensive snaps on the offensive line during the Panthers' loss to the Packers.
Emmanuel Moseley - Lions - CB
Placed on injured reserve on Oct. 14.
Joshua Palmer - Chargers - WR
Started his second game back from missing six weeks due to injury and caught five passes for 47 yards during the Chargers' loss to the Bills.
Cordarrelle Patterson - Falcons - RB
Notched 26 yards from seven rushing attempts and caught two passes for seven yards during the Falcons' victory over the Colts.
Kyle Phillips - Saints - DE
Saw action for the third time this season, played 12 defensive snaps and seven snaps on special teams while also collecting on assisted tackle for the Saints.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin - Lions - LB
Logged 20 snaps on special teams and 15 defensive snaps while collecting a solo tackle during the Lions' 30-24 win over the Vikings.
Trey Smith - Chiefs - OL
Started and played 65 offensive snaps for the Chiefs during their 14-20 loss to the Raiders.
Cameron Sutton - Lions - CB
Started at cornerback and played 55 defensive snaps while logging a pair of combined tackles in the Lions' 30-24 victory over the Vikings.
Alontae Taylor - Saints - CB
Started at cornerback and matched his season-high six combined tackles for the sixth time this season during the Saints' loss to the Rams.
Darrell Taylor - Seahawks - DE
Played 25 defensive snaps and three snaps on special teams for the Seahawks.
Cedric Tillman - Browns - WR
Secured two catches for 13 yards in the Browns' win over the Texans.
Shy Tuttle - Panthers - DL
Started his 15th game in a row and tallied a season-high six tackles for the Panthers.
Kendal Vickers - Cardinals - DE
On practice squad.
Darnell Wright - Bears - OL
Started and played 70 offensive snaps for the Bears during their 27-16 win against the Cardinals.
Byron Young - Rams - DE
Started his 13th consecutive game and 14th of the season at defensive end and tallied one assisted tackle during the Rams' 30-22 victory against the Saints.
