The Lions lost, but Ziggy Ansah had his best game of the season thus far with a seven tackle, one tackle for loss, and one sack performance versus the Cowboys on Monday. Meanwhile, Daniel Sorensen was a big reason the Chiefs dominated the Broncos on Christmas as he had two tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. All statistics, snap counts, and transactions for active players are recorded below.
Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah (DE, 2010-12; Detroit). Detroit (9-6) fell Dallas 42-21. Ansah got back to his old form with his first second sack (for eleven yards) in as many weeks. He also had four solo (including another tackle for loss), three assisted tackles, and a quarterback hurry. He started at defensive end and played 36 snaps with the defense (63%) and one snap on special teams (3%). Season Totals: 32 tackles (20 solo, 12 assisted); four quarterback hurries, three tackles for loss; two sacks
John Denney (LS, 2001-04; Miami). Miami (10-5) defeated the Buffalo 34-31 on Christmas Eve. Denney played 12 snaps (33%) on special teams. Season Totals: No stats
Paul Lasike (RB/FB, 2012-14; Chicago). Chicago (3-11) had a bye week. Season Totals: three carries for eight yards; one reception for three yards; one kickoff return for five yards.
Dennis Pitta (TE, 2004, 2007-09; Baltimore). Baltimore (8-7) fell to Pittsburg 31-27 on Christmas day. Pitta was targeted eleven times, with eight receptions for 75 yards. He started at tight end and played 58 snaps on offense (77%). Season Totals: 75 receptions for 638 yards, two touchdowns; one fumble lost.
Daniel Sorensen (DB, 2008, 2011-13; Kansas City). The Chiefs (11-4) defeated Denver 33-10 on Christmas day. Sorensen had three solo tackles (including two for loss), forced a fumble, and had two fumble recoveries. He played 44 snaps on defense (73%) and 24 snaps on special teams (77%). Season Totals: 57 tackles (49 solo, 8 assisted); four TFL; four pass deflections; two forced fumble; two fumble recoveres (including one for 55 yards); two INT with one returned 48 yards for a TD; one sack.
Kyle Van Noy (LB, 2010-13; New England). New England (13-2) stomped on the New York Jets 41-3. Van Noy had one solo and six assisted tackles. He got the start at linebacker and played 45 snaps on defense (80%) and 6 on special teams (21%). Season Totals: 50 tackles (30 solo, 20 assisted); one sack; two TFL; three pass deflection; one interception; one forced fumble.
Additional Cougars on the injured reserve:
- Bronson Kaufusi (DE, 2012-15). On injured reserve for Baltimore Ravens.
- Uani ‘Unga (MLB, 2011-13). On the injured reserve for New York Giants
- De’Ondre Wesley (OT, 2013-14). On injured reserve for Baltimore Ravens.
- Alani Fua (ILB, 2010-14). Placed on injured reserve after week 3. Season Totals: One assisted tackle
Cougars currently on practice squads:
- Jordan Leslie has been everywhere this season. He was waived by the Atlanta Falcons in August, spent one week on the Tennessee Titans practice squad in September, and was added on October 18th to the Cleveland Browns practice squad.
- Rob Daniel (CB, 2013-14). Daniel spent 2015-16 on Green Bay practice squad and some time on 53 man roster. He was released after training camp in early September 2016 but was elevated to the Green Bay practice squad before week 3. That only lasted a week or so as he was waived by the Packers on September 25, 2016. However he was picked up by Baltimore and played 19 snaps (61%) on special teams (but recorded no stats) on an October 23 loss to the Jets. He was waived by the Ravens on November 5, 2016 but then re-activated to the practice squad on November 12th.
- Cody Hoffman has spent this season on the practice squad for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
- Manoa Pikula (ILB, 2012-15). Cut by the Green Bay Packers in the pre-season but is currently listed on the Injury Report
