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Tennessee football Week 13 NFL recap: Defensive players shine

By Caleb Calhoun

Dec 5, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette (7) is tackled by New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor (27) in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette (7) is tackled by New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor (27) in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /
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Regardless of whether or not they won or lost, Tennessee football was loaded with production on defense in the NFL this past weekend. Rising stars at defensive back played some of their best games, firmly cementing their status on their respective rosters, and there were multiple big plays in the pass rush.

As we get set to break down the production by former Vols in the pros from last week, the top players outside of one were all on defense, and we’re including stars and the best players who saw significant action. There was one star of the week who was on offense, though.

That star is another player at a thankless position, though. Simply put, it wasn’t a strong week for offensive weapons from Rocky Top. Our Week 13 look back on Tennessee football in the NFL will include stars, those who played significantly, those who saw limited action and those who didn’t play. Let’s start with news surrounding former Vols, though.

Former Tennessee football defensive players were the stars among Volunteers in the pros following Week 13 of the 2022 season.

Former Tennessee quarterback Josh Dobbs appears on stage at the 2019 Knox News Sports Awards at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee on Wednesday, May 29, 2019.Kns Sports Awards
Former Tennessee quarterback Josh Dobbs appears on stage at the 2019 Knox News Sports Awards at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee on Wednesday, May 29, 2019.Kns Sports Awards /

Updates surrounding former Vols in the pros

Joshua Dobbs released by Cleveland Browns, signs with Detroit Lions

With DeShaun Watson returning to the Cleveland Browns, Jacoby Brissett was relegated to a backup role. As a result, there was no more room for Josh Dobbs, so he was obviously going to be released, and that’s what happened. He finished his tenure in Cleveland not taking any snaps, as there was never a moment for him to go in.

On the other hand, Dobbs managed to sign with the Detroit Lions practice squad right after that. He signed after their 40-14 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, but it was before the Monday Night Football game, so technically it still happened during Week 13, which is why it makes this list.

Josh Malone released by Pittsburgh Steelers

While Dobbs landed another role, his go-to receiver at Tennessee football, Josh Malone, was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Malone didn’t play at all this year and, similar to Dobbs, hasn’t seen any action since the 2020 season. It’ll be interesting to see if he can land a role elsewhere, as his size would suggest he has potential.

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