University of Hawaii
>> Jonah Laulu, Raiders defensive tackle: Was declared inactive before the loss to the Rams, the first time he has been a healthy scratch in his career. He played a quarter of the snaps on defense in his previous game but had to step aside in favor of JJ Pegues, who had played only eight snaps all season but forced a fumble in his extended run on Sunday.
>> Kohl Levao, Jets offensive line: Came off the bench to play his fourth game in the loss to the Dolphins, turning into a regular on special teams and as a backup to veteran Joe Tippmann.
>> Rigoberto Sanchez, Colts punter: His availability was in doubt after being injured last week, but he suited up and booted four punts for an average of 44.8 yards with one inside the 20 and a long of 61 in the loss to the Vikings. He ceded kickoffs to Spencer Shrader but served as holder on his scoring kicks, one field goal and an extra point. Shrader missed two field goals, from 56 yards wide left and 48 yards wide right.
>> Jahlani Tavai, Jaguars linebacker: Was on a bye this week. He is primarily a special teams player now with only one snap on defense in the last three weeks. Among former UH players, his 474 NFL tackles is third behind only Rich Miano (526), Jeff Ulbrich (501) and Pisa Tinoisamoa (494).
HAWAII PREP
>> Dean Connors, Rams running back: Played as a reserve in the win over the Raiders, his fifth game as a special teams ace but he hasn’t touched the ball since his NFL debut in September.
KAHUKU
>> Alohi Gilman, Chiefs defensive back: Was Kansas City’s lone starting safety in the loss to the Seahawks, collecting five tackles with one for a loss. He rotated in with Jaden Hicks for the second straight game and his backup had four solo stops.
KAMEHAMEHA-MAUI
>> Kapena Gushiken, Colts defensive back: Didn’t start but made his only tackle in the first quarter, limiting Justin Jefferson to six yards on third-and-seven. Before this week, he had played only eight snaps on defense but has five tackles including his special teams duties.
MILILANI
>> Dillon Gabriel, Browns quarterback: Remained on injured reserve despite taking second team reps. He must be activated on Tuesday or be placed on waivers so that he can be placed on the practice squad. Cleveland is already carrying three quarterbacks on the roster, two of whom have combined to take one snap on offense.
>> Darius Muasau, Patriots linebacker: Made two special teams tackles in the loss to the Bears on Thursday, one on a kick return and the other on a punt return. He was also flagged for an illegal formation on a kickoff, allowing Chicago to start a drive on New England’s half of the field. He played only one snap on defense; his role has decreased in each of the last three games.
PUNAHOU
>> DeForest Buckner, Colts defensive lineman: Made five tackles in the loss to the Vikings, all on run plays within three yards of the line of scrimmage. His frustration seems to be boiling over because of his constant losing in Indianapolis and has been rumored to be on the trade block so he can play for a contender. The Colts are 46-47-1 in his six years with the Colts after starting his career 25-38 with the 49ers.
>> Ka’imi Fairbairn, Texans kicker: Made both of his field goals — both from longer than 56 yards — and one extra point in the loss to the Giants. He hasn’t missed a kick since the second week of the season. He also handled kickoffs, launching five of them without a touchback and an average starting position of 29.8.
>> Marist Liufau, Cowboys linebacker: Returned to full practices this week but remained on injured reserve with a broken arm and will miss today’s game against the Giants. His 21-day practice window opened on Thursday.
SAINT LOUIS
>> Nick Herbig, Steelers linebacker: Made two tackles and hit the quarterback once in the win over the Saints, his third straight game coming off the bench despite coming off his best performance of the season. His numbers in France were identical to veteran Alex Highsmith, who starts ahead of him.
>> Marcus Mariota, Commanders quarterback: Enjoyed a bye this week as he recovers from an injury, hoping to be cleared for next week’s matchup with the Eagles. He sits at 219 passing yards ahead of fellow Crusader Tua Tagovailoa with 16 more attempts.
>> Jonah Savaiinaea, Dolphins offensive lineman: Was limited in practice until Wednesday with the first injury of his career but still took his usual spot at right guard in the win over the Jets. Miami had 156 yards rushing and 208 passing with quarterback Malik Willis being sacked twice. His time away from the practice field led to struggles with the team’s “Thriller” touchdown dance.
>> Tua Tagovailoa, Falcons quarterback: Stayed in his regular spot as the backup quarterback in the win over the 49ers, but didn’t get to play. The Falcons signed Andy Dalton to compete with him earlier in the week with Jack Strand as the emergency quarterback and Dalton inactive.