WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Seven former Boilermakers suited up in the NFL, all on Sunday, as the season progressed through Week 4.
George Karlaftis played a big role in helping Kansas City improve to 4-0 when he recorded five tackles, one for a loss, and six quarterback hits in a 30-27 win over Las Vegas. One of his quarterback hits came with 10 seconds left when he hit Kirk Cousins' arm that led to the game-sealing interception.
Disruptive George helps the @Chiefs improve to 4-0 🪓 📺 NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube https://t.co/g2EENRVRhh
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) October 5, 2026
Karlaftis and Chris Jones are the only Chiefs players to record at least six quarterback hits in a game over the last 20 years. Karlaftis' six are the second-most in a game this season behind Dallas Turner's seven in Minnesota's season opener against Green Bay.
Though he did not record a sack, Karlaftis' disruptive presence earned him an 89.5 defensive grade from PFF that ranked 13th in Week 4 and was second by an edge rusher. It marked the second-highest rating of his career and his best since Week 3 of last season.
After he was released by Cincinnati following the preseason, Charlie Jones was signed to the New York Giants' practice squad a few days later. On Sunday, he was active for the first time and after Braxton Berrios was injured, now placed on injured reserve, Jones filled the role of both punt and kick returner.
On his first touch as a Giant, Jones returned a punt for 24 yards that ultimately led to a field goal on the ensuing drive. It was New York's longest punt return since the 2024 season finale. Jones and Tyrone Tracy Jr., former Purdue teammates in 2022, reunited as the Giants' kick returners and combined for four returns for 124 yards, including a game-long 55 yarder by Tracy Jr.
BOILERMAKERS AROUND THE NFL
• George Karlaftis (Kansas City) – Had five tackles, one tackle-for-loss and six quarterback hits in a victory over Las Vegas.
• Derrick Barnes (Detroit) – Earned the start and recorded one tackle on Sunday Night Football against Carolina.
• Charlie Jones (N.Y. Giants) – Was active for the first time this season and returned three kicks for 69 yards and two punts for 29 yards in a win over Arizona.
• Tyrone Tracy Jr. (N.Y. Giants) – Returned one kickoff for 55 yards and rushed one time in a victory over Arizona.
• Reese Taylor (Miami) – Had a tackle on special teams at Minnesota.
• Payne Durham (Tampa Bay) – Totaled five offensive and 12 special teams snaps against Green Bay.
• Marcus Mbow (N.Y. Giants) – Appeared in five special teams snaps in a victory over Arizona.
• Aidan O'Connell (Las Vegas) – Served as the emergency third quarterback in a win over New Orleans.
• Jalen Graham (San Francisco) – Practice Squad