Jan. 6, 2017
By Michael Scholl
As the NFL opens playoff action this weekend, the Notre Dame football program will be well represented on the rosters of six of the eight teams competing in Wild Card games.
Oakland Raiders vs. Houston Texans – Saturday 4:30 | ABC/ESPN
Will Fuller has been one of the top rookies in the NFL this season, grabbing 47 passes for 635 yards and a pair of touchdowns for the Texans. He makes his playoff debut in Saturday’s first AFC game against the Oakland Raiders. He is one of two former Irish players on the Houston roster, but center Nick Martin has missed the entire 2016 campaign due to injury.
Detroit Lions vs. Seattle Seahawks – Saturday 8:15 p.m. | NBC
The Irish are represented on both rosters on this game, although injuries play a factor on both sides. Golden Tate and TJ Jones are both healthy for the Lions, while Theo Riddick was placed on season-ending injured reserve following a Dec. 4 injury. Tate made 91 catches this season for 1,077 yards and four touchdowns, while Jones made five catches during the year. Riddick had run for 357 yards before his season-ending injury.
For Seattle, Prosise has run for 172 yards and a score while making 17 catches for 208 yards, but has been battling a shoulder injury. He out for the wild card game, but could return if the Seahawks advance.
Miami at Pittsburgh – Sunday 1 p.m. | CBS
Stephon Tuitt has become a leader on the defensive line for the Steelers this season with 28 total tackles, four sacks and a pair of forced fumbles. Ryan Harris is on the Pittsburgh roster, but has not seen action since week four. Sam Young has played in eight games on the offensive line for the Dolphins.
New York Giants at Green Bay – Sunday 4:40 p.m. | FOX
Romeo Okwara has made 25 tackles and a sack while playing in all 16 games at defensive end for the Giants this season. Ishaq Williams is active on the New York roster, but has yet to see action this season.
Waiting For Divisional Weekend
A pair of Irish players have byes on the wild card weekend. Michael Floyd and the Patriots are waiting for an opponent in the AFC, while Zack Martin and the Cowboys earned a bye in the NFC.
– ND –
Michael Scholl joined Fighting Irish Media in August 2016, coordinating communications for the baseball program and assisting with the football team at his alma mater. The South Bend native earned a degree in political science from the College of Arts & Letters in 2009 before going on to work in athletics communications at Providence College, Vanderbilt and Cincinnati.