Pro Cougs: Kyle Williams' Breakout Performance Highlighted Week 10 NFL Action

Nov 9, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams (18) runs for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Nov 9, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams (18) runs for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Washington State was on a bye week this weekend, but there was plenty of action for Cougs fans to enjoy with a handful of alumni continuing to make plays at the NFL level.

With all the week's games now concluded, here's how all of the former Cougars performed in Week 9:

QB Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans (WSU 2022-2023)

N/A (Bye Week)

Next Game: Sunday, November 16, 1:00 PM EST - vs Houston Texans (3-5)

QB Gardner Minshew II, Kansas City Chiefs (WSU 2018)

N/A (Bye Week)

Next Game: Sunday, November 16, 4:25 PM EST - @ Denver Broncos (7-2)

WR Kyle Williams, New England Patriots (WSU 2023-2024)

Williams finally had his long-awaited breakout game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, despite only having one catch on the day. On the last play of the third quarter, he caught a crosser from quarterback Drake Maye and motored past the entirety of Tampa Bay's defense en route to a 72-yard touchdown, tying the game up at 7. With wideout Kayshon Boutte dealing with injuries, Williams could see an uptick in his role and had a fantastic audition in Week 10.

Next Game: Thursday, November 13, 8:15 PM EST - vs New York Jets (2-7)

OT Abraham Lucas, Seattle Seahawks (WSU 2018 -2021)

Lucas had far from his best performance on Sunday in the Seahawks' win over the Arizona Cardinals. He allowed a sack, a pressure, and posted a mediocre 55.1 Pro Football Focus offensive grade and a decent 61.2 pass blocking grade.

Next Game: Sunday, November 16, 4:05 PM EST - @ Los Angeles Rams (7-2)


MORE: How Washington State's 2025 Opponents Fared in Week 11


LB Daiyan Henley, Los Angeles Chargers (WSU 2022)

Henley had a rare game where he allowed a decent amount of yardage through the air, but still finished the game as a clear net positive. The linebacker posted a 75.7 PFF defensive grade and six total tackles. His best play came on an excellent off-ball adjustment to divert Pittsburgh Steelers' QB Aaron Rodgers' eyes and force him to throw an ill-advised interception.

Next Game: Sunday, November 16, 1:00 PM EST - @ Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4)

LB Frankie Luvu, Washington Commanders (WSU 2014-2017)

Luvu, as with the rest of the Commanders' defense, had a game to forget in Week 10. His 46.2 PFF grade was extremely poor and he was prone to missed tackles, with three total on the night.

Next Game: Sunday, November 16, 9:30 AM EST - vs Miami Dolphins (3-7) [Madrid]

CB Jaylen Watson, Kansas City Chiefs (WSU 2020-2021)

N/A (Bye Week)

Next Game: Sunday, November 16, 4:25 PM EST - @ Denver Broncos (7-2)


MORE: Where Does Washington State Rank in Major Stat Categories For 2025?


CB Chau Smith-Wade, Carolina Panthers (WSU 2020-2023)

Smith-Wade gave up five receptions on five targets against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, it what wasn't a stellar coverage game. He was able to limit the yards after catch however, and also picked up six tackles with four defensive stops.

Next Game: Sunday, November 16, 1:00 PM EST - @ Atlanta Falcons (3-6)

S Jaden Hicks, Kansas City Chiefs (WSU 2021-2023)

N/A (Bye Week)

Next Game: Sunday, November 16, 4:25 PM EST - @ Denver Broncos (7-2)

S Jalen Thompson, Arizona Cardinals (WSU 2016-2018)

Thompson was again one of Arizona's highest graded players, putting up a 72.9 PFF defensive grade on the day. He allowed just one catch, made five tackles, and only allowed three yards through the air in an impressive all-around performance.

Next Game: Sunday, November 16, 4:05 PM EST - vs San Francisco 49ers (6-4)


More Reading Material From Washington State Cougars On SI


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Ian Harper
IAN HARPER

Ian Harper is a student journalist and broadcaster studying at Rowan University. He is also the founder of Poolesville Sports Web with previous bylines covering college football, Major League Baseball, the NFL, and NFL Draft for Athlon Sports and Last Word On Sports.