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How every former Wisconsin Badger performed in NFL Week 5

Ben Kenney
·8 min read

Week 4 of the 2023 NFL season is mostly complete, pending a Monday Night Football contest between the Packers and the Raiders.

Wisconsin Badger fans had a bit of interest in the action this weekend, as star running back Jonathan Taylor returned to the Indianapolis Colts’ backfield. Unfortunately, it still became the Zack Moss show despite Taylor’s healthy status.

But there were great performances from former Badgers in the league. Steelers OLB T.J. Watt continued his dominant start to the season, Dolphins OLB Andrew Van Ginkel is still turning heads in Miami and Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson looks to be a significant part of the team’s passing game.

Here is how every former Wisconsin Badger performed in NFL Week 4:

QB Russell Wilson (Denver Broncos)

Sep 17, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton talks with quarterback Russell Wilson (3) in the fourth quarter against the <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/washington/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Washington Commanders;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Washington Commanders</a> at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Week 4 Stats: 20/31 passing, 196 yards, two touchdowns, zero interceptions, 19.6 QBR, seven carries, 49 rushing yards

Season Stats: 66.9% completion, 1210 yards, 11 touchdowns, two interceptions, 106.1 quarterback rating, 18 carries, 119 rushing yards

Years at Wisconsin: 2011

NFL Season: 12th

Notes: Nine-time Pro Bowler, Super Bowl Champion with Seattle (2014). One of the best quarterbacks of the generation.

RB Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts)

Dec 17, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) warms up before the game against the <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/minnesota/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Minnesota Vikings;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Minnesota Vikings</a> at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Week 4 Stats: Six carries, 18 yards, one reception, 16 receiving yards

Season Stats: Six carries, 18 yards, one reception, 16 receiving yards

Years at Wisconsin: 2017-2019

NFL Season: 4th

Notes: Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro in 2021. One of the better young running backs in the NFL

OLB T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers)

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 18: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates a tackle against the <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/cleveland/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Cleveland Browns;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Cleveland Browns</a> during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium on September 18, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Week 4 Stats: Two tackles, two sacks, one fumble recovery, two passes defended

Season Stats: 15 tackles, eight sacks, 2.5 run stuffs, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, four passes defended

Years at Wisconsin: 2013-2016

NFL Season: 7th

Notes: Five-time Pro Bowler (2018-2022), three-time First-Team All-Pro (2019-2021). Led NFL in sacks in 2020 (15), 2021 (22.5). 2021 NFL Defensive Player Of The Year.

OLB Andrew Van Ginkel (Miami Dolphins)

Sep 17, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) reacts after a play against the <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/new-england/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:New England Patriots;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">New England Patriots</a> in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Week 4 Stats: Three tackles, one sack, one pass defended

Season Stats: 22 tackles, four sacks, two run stuffs, one fumble recovery, two passes defended

Years at Wisconsin: 2017-2018

NFL Season: 5th

Notes: Scored a 78-yard fumble recovery in 2020, appeared in every game for the Dolphins in each of the last three seasons.

ILB Jack Sanborn (Chicago Bears)

Green Bay Packers running back <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/30295" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Aaron Jones;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Aaron Jones</a> (33) lunges for a first down against Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) in the first quarter during their football game Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill.

Week 4 Stats: Five tackles

Season Stats: 21 tackles, two run stuffs, one interception

Years at Wisconsin: 2018-2021

NFL Season: 2nd

Notes: Made Chicago Bears roster after being signed as an undrafted free agent, started six games in 2022 before injury ended his season

ILB T.J. Edwards (Chicago Bears)

Oct 1, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards (53) brings down Denver Broncos running back <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/30227" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Samaje Perine;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Samaje Perine</a> (25) in the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Week 4 Stats: 10 tackles, one sack

Season Stats: 62 tackles, one sack, six run stuffs

Years at Wisconsin: 2014-2018

NFL Season: 5th

Notes: Went from undrafted free agent to starting all 17 games for NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles in 2022, signed 3-year, $19.5 million contract with the Chicago Bears this offseason

RB Dare Ogunbowale (Houston Texans)

Sep 17, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale (33) dives for first down Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale (33) dives for first down Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports

Week 4 Stats: Inactive

Season Stats: Two carries, four yards

Years at Wisconsin: 2012-2016

NFL Season: 7th

Notes: Former undrafted free agent now on his fourth team in seven years. Appeared in all 17 games each of the last two seasons, primarily on special teams

DL Isaiahh Loudermilk (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Aug 24, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/40139" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Nick Herbig;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Nick Herbig</a> (51) reacts with defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) after sacking <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/atlanta/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Atlanta Falcons;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Atlanta Falcons</a> quarterback <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/31219" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Logan Woodside;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Logan Woodside</a> (11) (not shown) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Week 4 Stats: Two tackles

Season Stats: Four tackles, two passes defended

Years at Wisconsin: 2016-2020

NFL Season: 3rd

Notes: Appeared in 26 games in his first two seasons in Pittsburgh.

FB Alec Ingold (Miami Dolphins)

Dec 17, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Miami Dolphins full back Alec Ingold (30) runs with the ball against the <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/buffalo/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Buffalo Bills;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Buffalo Bills</a> during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Week 4 Stats: Zero statistics recorded

Season Stats: Two carries, zero yards, three receptions, 60 receiving yards

Years at Wisconsin: 2015-2018

NFL Season: 5th

Notes: One of the last true fullbacks remaining in the NFL. Has scored touchdowns in each of his four NFL seasons

OLB Nick Herbig (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Aug 24, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Logan Woodside (11) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 24, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Logan Woodside (11) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Week 4 Stats: Zero statistics recorded

Season Stats: Five total tackles

Years at Wisconsin: 2020-2022

NFL Season: 1st

Notes: Fourth-round pick of the Steelers in 2023.

DE Matt Henningsen (Denver Broncos)

DENVER, CO – AUGUST 13: Ben DiNucci #17 of the Dallas Cowboys avoids a sack by Matt Henningsen #91 of the Denver Broncos during a preseason game at Empower Field At Mile High on August 13, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – AUGUST 13: Ben DiNucci #17 of the Dallas Cowboys avoids a sack by Matt Henningsen #91 of the Denver Broncos during a preseason game at Empower Field At Mile High on August 13, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)

Week 4 Stats: Zero statistics recorded

Season Stats: Four tackles, 1.5 run stuffs, two passes defended

Years at Wisconsin: 2017-2021

NFL Season: 2nd

Notes: Registered one sack last year in limited action. 6th-round pick of the Broncos in 2022.

TE Jake Ferguson (Dallas Cowboys)

Nov 24, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/ny-giants/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:New York Giants;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">New York Giants</a> at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Week 4 Stats: Three targets, three receptions, 28 receiving yards

Season Stats: 17 receptions, 147 yards, one touchdown

Years at Wisconsin: 2017-2021

NFL Season: 2nd

Notes: Caught 19 passes for 174 yards, 2 touchdowns in rookie season.

LB Leo Chenal (Kansas City Chiefs)

Nov 13, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal (54) celebrates after a sack during the first half against the <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/jacksonville/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Jacksonville Jaguars;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Week 4 Stats: One tackle, one sack

Season Stats: 21 tackles, 2.5 run stuffs, one sack

Years at Wisconsin: 2019-2021

NFL Season: 2nd

Notes: Super Bowl Champion with Chiefs (2022). Appeared in all 17 games last year with eight starts.

DL Keeanu Benton (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Sep 24, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) celebrates after sacking Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the third quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) celebrates after sacking Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the third quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Week 4 Stats: Three tackles

Season Stats: 13 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble

Years at Wisconsin: 2019-2022

NFL Season: 1st

Notes: Second-round pick of the Steelers in 2023.

LB Zack Baun (New Orleans Saints)

Dec 25, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Zack Baun (53) on the kickoff return team in the second half against the Minnesota Vikings at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Zack Baun (53) on the kickoff return team in the second half against the Minnesota Vikings at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Week 4 Stats: Zero statistics recorded

Season Stats: Four tackles, 0.5 run stuffs

Years at Wisconsin: 2015-2019

NFL Season: 4th

Notes: Second-round pick of the Saints in 2020. 45 career games entering 2023, eight starts with most of his action being on special teams.

RB Melvin Gordon (Baltimore Ravens)

Sep 24, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Melvin Gordon III (33) runs with the football while being defended by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) in the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Melvin Gordon III (33) runs with the football while being defended by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) in the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports

Week 4 Stats: Zero statistics recorded

Season Stats: 13 carries, 53 yards, three receptions, 46 receiving yards

Years at Wisconsin: 2011-2014

NFL Season: 9th

Notes: Signed with the Ravens in late July

Story originally appeared on Badgers Wire