The 2018 NFL season started up this past weekend, with all 32 teams in action across the country.
A total of seven former IU players made in-game appearances across the games played Thursday, Sunday and Monday, with mixed results.
Running back Tevin Coleman was the first former IU player to make his 2018 NFL debut. Coleman had the only touchdown of the weekend by a former Hoosier, reaching the end zone on one of his nine carries for the Atlanta Falcons against the Philadelphia Eagles in Thursday's season opener.
In total, Coleman rushed for 19 yards on his nine carries, and also recorded one catch for 26 yards in Atlanta's 18-12 loss.
The only IU player involved in a 1 p.m. Sunday kickoff was wide receiver Cody Latimer with the New York Giants. Entering his fifth season in the league and his first with the Giants, Latimer appeared in the game but failed to record a catch and was not targeted as New York lost to Jacksonville, 20-15.
IU's first selection in the 2018 NFL Draft was also the first Hoosier rookie to make his NFL debut. Tight end Ian Thomas posted two catches for four yards as a member of the Carolina Panthers during Carolina's 16-8 home win against the Dallas Cowboys.
It's likely Thomas will see more action in the coming weeks as well, with current starting tight end Greg Olsen sidelined with an injury. Olsen, who missed eight games last season with a fracture in his right foot, left the game in the first half and came out after halftime with a walking boot on his right foot, along with a pair of crutches.
This means Thomas could find himself as Carolina's No. 1 tight end next week when the Panthers travel to Atlanta.
Second-year guard Dan Feeney, a third-round selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, began his season by starting as part of the Los Angeles Chargers' offensive line.
Feeney's Chargers suffered a 10-point home loss, falling to the Kansas City Chiefs, 38-28.
A pair of Hoosiers also featured in the Sunday night contest between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers.
Running back Jordan Howard did well when given the opportunity for Chicago, rushing for 82 yards on 15 carries. His longest carry at Lambeau Field went for 16 yards, while his five receptions totaled 25 yards.
The Packers won, 24-23.
On the opposite side, tackle Jason Spriggs didn't start for the Green Bay Packers, but did play to begin his third NFL season.
It was Spriggs' first game action since he suffered a season-ending knee injury against Minnesota in Week 16 of last season.
Lastly, offensive guard Rodger Saffold entered his ninth season by starting for the Los Angeles Rams in the Rams' 33-13 home win on Monday night against the Oakland Raiders.
A second-round pick in 2010, Saffold played his 99th career game and made his 96th start to start the 2018 campaign.
