​Sep 13, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Boye Mafe (53) reacts after a play during the second quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Week One of the NFL season has come and gone and there were a few standout performances from former Gophers, and a few disappointing results. We are seeing a changing of the guard as some of the Gophers from the early 2020’s are seeing their roles be significantly diminished, but also some of the youngest Gophers in the NFL are struggling to see the field. It’s only Week one so way to early to see any trends, but it will be something to watch as the season rolls on. Below see how the ex-Gophers did in Week 1 and a look ahead to Week 2. Arizona Cardinals Week 1 @ Los Angeles ChargersWeek 2 vs Seattle SeahawksJack Gibbons-LBGibbons started at linebacker for Arizona and played 54 of 55 defensive snaps while adding another 11 on special teams. He played a large role in Arizona’s upset win over the Chargers finishing with a team high seven tackles, five of them solo, a half of a sack and a QB hit. Baltimore RavensWeek 1 @ Indianapolis ColtsWeek 2 vs New Orleans SaintsRashod Bateman-WRBateman will be an interesting player to watch this season as his role appears to be shrinking on the Ravens. He played 53 offensive snaps which was 78% but was only targeted once by Lamar Jackson and did not make the catch. With Zay Flowers suffering a hamstring injury, it will be interesting to see if Bateman is a larger target this week. Cincinnati BengalsWeek 1 vs Tampa Bay BuccaneersWeek 2 @ Houston TexansBoye Mafe—DEMafe had an amazing debut on the Bengals defensive line in their win over Tampa Bay. He played 37 defensive snaps or 65% and finished with just one solo tackle. But that tackle was a strip sack of Baker Mayfield in the fourth quarter. He also recovered a Bucky Irving fumble in the first quarter. Not a bad start in the orange and black. He will likely go against fellow former Gopher Aireontae Ersery this Sunday in what could be a fun battle. Dallas CowboysWeek 1 @ New York Giants—Sunday NightWeek 2 vs Washington CommandersBrevin Span-Ford—TESpan-Ford played 13 offensive snaps and another 11 on special teams in the loss to the Giants. He was targeted twice by Dak Prescott and made both catches for 14 yards. He also added a special teams tackle. Unfortunately he likely lost a bet to Prescott on the results of Saturday’s game between their two colleges. Though he probably doesn’t care after he signed a new three year contract extention worth $18 million with $12.075 million guaranteed. Not too shabby for an undrafted tight end. Green Bay PackersWeek 1 @ Minnesota VikingsWeek 2 @ New York JetsBenjamin St. Juste—CBSt. Juste played mostly on special teams with 23 special teams snaps and just one defensive snap in the loss. He recorded one solo tackle. Houston TexansWeek 1 vs Buffalo BillsWeek 2 vs Ci