Pierre Strong, the former star running back at South Dakota State who was taken in the fourth round of this year’s NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, made his NFL debut on Sunday in the Patriots’ 17-14 win.
Strong, who was inactive in the Pats’ season opener, returned two kickoffs for 48 yards. He made a brief appearance at running back but did not get any carries or catches. The former FCS All-American will hope to get his first offensive touches next week when New England hosts the Ravens in the Patriots’ home opener.
Here’s how the NFL’s South Dakota and South Dakota school alumni performed in Week 2:
Jack Cochrane, LB, Kansas City Chiefs (USD)
Cochrane was signed off the practice squad and onto the Chiefs’ active roster during the week, but was inactive for their game Thursday night against the Chargers.
Matt Farniok, OL, Dallas Cowboys (Washington High School)
After being thrust into action in the opener due to an injury, Farniok got his first career start on Sunday and helped the Cowboys knock off the Bengals in their first game without injured quarterback Dak Prescott. He played all 61 offensive snaps and helped the line pave the way for 107 rushing yards and 337 total yards of offense with just one sack allowed.
More:Here’s everyone from South Dakota to land on an NFL roster for 2022
Dennis Gardeck, LB, Arizona Cardinals (USF)
Got the start at linebacker and registered four tackles while playing on 33 defensive and 19 special teams snaps, as the Cards overcame a 20-0 deficit to beat the Raiders in overtime.
Dallas Goedert, TE, Philadelphia Eagles (SDSU, Britton-Hecla High School)
Had a big game in the Eagles’ rout of the Vikings, catching five passes for 82 yards, and also had a big block to spring quarterback Jalen Hurts on a first half touchdown run.
CJ Ham, FB, Minnesota Vikings (Augustana)
Saw limited action on offense, getting no touches, seeing most of his action on special teams in the Vikings’ 24-7 loss at Philadelphia.
Trey Pipkins, OL, Los Angeles Chargers (USF)
The Chargers’ starting right tackle went down with an ankle injury midway through his team’s 24-21 Thursday night loss to the Chiefs. He’s day to day and could return in time for LA’s next game.
Riley Reiff, OL, Chicago Bears (Parkston High School)
Was active but did not play in the Bears’ loss to the Packers.
Christian Rozeboom, LB, Los Angeles Rams (SDSU)
Was on the field for 18 plays on special teams and one on defense, and made one tackle.
Pierre Strong, RB, New England Patriots (SDSU)
Made his NFL debut and returned two kickoffs for 48 yards. Played three snaps on offense but had no touches.
Derrek Tuszka, LB, Tennessee Titans (Warner High School)
Was inactive in the Titans’ Monday night loss to Buffalo.
On practice squads:
Kameron Cline, Colts (USD)
Don Gardner, Bucs (SDSU)
Cade Johnson, Seahawks (SDSU)
Chris Oladokun, Chiefs (SDSU)
Chris Streveler, Jets (USD)
Injured:
Tom Compton, Broncos (USD)