Tennessee football NFL Week 15 recap: Rookie DB shines

Last week was extremely light for Tennessee football players in the NFL, but that’s because the New Orleans Saints, who have far and away the most former Vols of any team in the pros, were on a bye. Key stars on other teams just happened to be on bye weeks too, which severely limited the impact UT players could have.

Well, one of those key stars on one team went up against the Saints this week, and lots of players stood out in the process. There was only one true superstar, but lots of players earned good attention, so were were able to go four-deep with our stars of the week.

As usual, after Tennessee football stars, we’ll look at those who played significantly and those who played sparingly. With no news developments last week, we’ll close with a separate group of players who only saw action on special teams, and we’ll open this week up by looking at those who didn’t play.

A rookie was Tennessee football’s biggest star among former Volunteers in the pros during Week 15.

Oct 31, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Joshua Dobbs (15) throws the ball during warmups before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Former Vols who did not play

Jarrett Guarantano – QB – Denver Broncos

A week after signing with the Denver Broncos, former Tennessee football quarterback Jarrett Guarantano was available Sunday as Brett Rypien’s backup due to Russell Wilson being hurt. They lost to the Arizona Cardinals 24-15.

Inactive former Vols

Joshua Dobbs – QB – Detroit Lions

It’s been a bit of a ride for Josh Dobbs this year. He signed with the Cleveland Browns to begin the season but was released when DeShaun Watson returned and then signed with the Detroit Lions. Although he was moved off the practice squad, he wasn’t available in their 20-17 loss to the New York Jets Sunday.

Injured former Vols

Derek Barnett – DE -Philadelphia Eagles

A torn ACL in the opener ended Derek Barnett’s season.

Emmanuel Moseley – DB – San Francisco 49ers

Just like Derek Barnett, Emmanuel Moseley is out with a torn ACL he suffered against the Carolina Panthers.

Ja’Wuan James – OL – Baltimore Ravens

In this year’s opener, Ja’Wuan James suffered a torn achilles. That has resulted in his second straight season-ending injury.

Former Vols on practice squads

Micah Abernathy – DB – Green Bay Packers

Alexander Johnson – LB – Seattle Seahawks

John Kelly – RB – Cleveland Browns

Jonathan Kongbo – DE – Denver Broncos

Khalil McKenzie – OL – Baltimore Ravens

Kendal Vickers – DL – Buffalo Bills