How they fared: Gardner Minshew keeps Colts' playoff hopes alive
Jan. 2—Former Washington State quarterback Gardner Minshew's 53-yard touchdown pass to Alec Pierce helped the Indianapolis Colts to a 23-20 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. The win kept Indianapolis in the hunt for the postseason.
Former Idaho linebacker Kaden Elliss, despite his Atlanta Falcons not being in the playoff race, had a good showing in the Falcons' 37-17 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday. He had nine combined tackles and a sack.
Here's how former area athletes did in a critical Week 17 of the NFL season:
Washington State
Frankie Luvu, ILB, Panthers: A starter at linebacker, he had five combined tackles in a 26-0 loss to the Jaguars.
Jalyen Thompson, FS, Cardinals: A starter at safety, he had three tackles, one solo, two assisted, in a 35-31 win over the Eagles.
Jalen Watson, CB Chiefs: A backup at cornerback, he had three tackles, one solo, two assisted, in a 25-17 win over the Bengals.
Daiyan Henley, ILB, Chargers: The rookie linebacker had four tackles, one solo, three assisted, in a 16-9 loss to the Broncos.
Abraham Lucas, OT, Seahawks: Started at right tackle but suffered a knee injury in a 30-23 loss to the Steelers.
Andre Dillard, OT, Titans: Started but was benched at halftime in a 26-3 loss to the Texans.
River Cracraft, WR, Dolphins: A backup at wide receiver, he did not register a catch in a 56-19 loss to the Ravens.
Daniel Ekuale, DT, Patriots: On the injured reserve, he did not play in a 27-21 loss to the Bills.
Easop Winston Jr., WR, Seahawks: On the practice squad, he did not play in a 30-23 loss to the Steelers.
Armani Marsh, CB: Cut from the Titans' practice squad earlier this season, Marsh is currently a free agent.
Idaho
Kaden Elliss, ILB, Falcons: A starter at linebacker, he had nine combined tackles, six solo, and a sack in a 37-17 loss to the Bears.
Christian Elliss, ILB, Patriots: A backup at linebacker, he did not record a stat in a 27-21 loss to the Bills.
Noah Elliss, DT, Eagles: On the practice squad, he did not play in a 35-31 loss to the Cardinals.
Jesse Davis, OL, 49ers: On the practice squad, he did not play in a 27-10 victory over the Commanders.
Salmon River High
Leighton Vander Esch, ILB, Cowboys: On the injured reseve, he did not play in a 20-19 win over the Lions.
