We start this week’s Penn Staters At The Next Level blog sending our best to Saquon Barkley.
Barkley left the New York Giants’ loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday with a knee injury and it was confirmed yesterday that he had torn his ACL.
Like everything Saquon does, we know he’ll attack rehab with everything he’s got. We hope he can come back better than ever and we look forward to seeing him star on Sundays again soon.
With that being said, let’s highlight which Penn Staters stood out in Week 2 of the NFL season.
Mike Gesicki, TE, Miami Dolphins
Following a strong finish to his sophomore campaign in 2019, Gesicki was a popular candidate to have a breakout season at the tight end position. After a quiet first week, Gesicki exploded in Week 2, putting up 130 yards on eight receptions.
He became just the eighth tight end in Dolphins history to record a 100-yard game and broke a franchise record for receiving yards by a tight end in a single game.
He might have also had the catch of the season with this grab in the third quarter.
Trip Down Memory Lane: Gesicki goes up high for a one-handed catch against Temple.
KJ Hamler, WR, Denver Broncos
Hamler missed Week 1 of the season with an injury, but flashed why the Broncos drafted him in the second round of the draft against the Steelers on Sunday. He snagged three passes for 48 yards and also carried the ball once for nine yards.
With Courtland Sutton out for the year with a torn ACL, Hamler’s role within Denver’s offense is sure to expand as the season develops.
It was also nice to see a Nittany Lion reunion of sorts after the Steelers-Broncos game, when Hamler, DaeSean Hamilton and Marcus Allen caught up with one another and grabbed a photo together.
Trip Down Memory Lane: KJ embarrasses Maryland defense on his way to the end zone.
Miles Sanders, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
While the Eagles’ early season struggles continued, Sanders’ return to the lineup provided Philadelphia’s ground game a needed boost. Sanders carried the ball 20 times for 95 yards and a touchdown, and also recorded three receptions for 36 yards.
Look for him to have another big day in Week 3 against a Cincinnati Bengals defense that gave up 215 yards rushing to the Cleveland Browns this past Thursday.
Trip Down Memory Lane: Miles won’t be denied a score vs. Illinois.
The Football Letter Blog 