By Jay Skurski
Excuse the holiday delay. Here’s a look at how the Western New Yorkers and University at Buffalo graduates currently playing in the NFL did in Week 16, and how they've done so far this season.
Brett Kern, P, Tennessee Titans: Punted eight times for 376 yards in a brutal 55-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 16. Kern, a Grand Island High School graduate, had a long punt of 54 yards and a net average of 34.4 on those punts for the 5-10 Titans. He’s averaging 47.4 yards on his 77 punts this season. Up next: vs. Jacksonville, 1 p.m. Sunday.
Corey Graham, DB, Baltimore Ravens: The sixth-year pro from Buffalo made his seventh straight start for the Ravens on Sunday, finishing with two tackles in a 33-14 win over the Raiders. For the season, Graham has 58 tackles, two interceptions, a forced fumble and eight passes defensed for the 10-5 Ravens. Up next: at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. Sunday.
Mike Williams, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Buffalo native has started all 15 games this season for the 6-9 Bucs, with 57 catches for 931 yards and eight touchdowns. Williams finished with seven catches for 132 yards and a touchdown in a 28-13 loss to the St. Louis Rams. Up next: at Atlanta, 1 p.m. Sunday.
Chris Gronkowski, FB, Denver Broncos: Has appeared in 14 games for the 12-3 Broncos, making his first career catch for Denver in Week Three against Houston. Did not play in Week 15's 34-12 win over Cleveland because of a hamstring injury. Up next: vs. Kansas City, 4:25 p.m. Sunday.
James Starks, RB, Green Bay Packers: The Niagara Falls native was inactive for the Packers' 55-7 win over Tennessee in Week 16, the third straight game he's missed because of a knee injury. Starks, 26, has 71 rushes for 255 yards and one touchdown and four receptions for 31 yards in six games (two starts). He missed the first five games of the year because of a turf toe injury for the 11-4 Packers. Up next: at Minnesota, 4:25 p.m. Sunday.
Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England Patriots: Missed his fifth straight game, a 23-16 win at Jacksonville, because of a broken forearm. Gronkowski should be able to return for the postseason for the 11-4 Patriots. He has 53 catches for 748 yards and 10 TDs this week. Up next: vs. Miami, 4:25 p.m. Sunday.
Doug Worthington, DT, Washington Redskins: The Buffalo native played in his fifth game of the season, but did not record any statistics in a 27-20 win at Philadelphia. Worthington, a St. Francis graduate, joined the Redskins’ active roster from their practice squad prior to Week Three. Up next: vs. Dallas, 8:20 p.m. Sunday.
UB players
Josh Thomas, CB, Carolina Panthers: Has made three straight starts for the Panthers, finishing with three tackles in the Panthers' 17-6 win against Oakland in Week 16. Thomas has played in all 15 games of the season for the 6-9 Panthers, making 31 tackles and five passes defensed. Up next: at New Orleans, 1 p.m. Sunday.
Trevor Scott, LB, New England Patriots: Scott played in his 13th game of the season in a 23-16 win over Jacksonville. Scott recorded one tackle. For the year, he has 13 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble for the 11-4 Patriots. Up next: vs. Miami, 4:25 p.m. Sunday.
Note: UB graduate Jamey Richard is on injured reserve for the Patriots.
