This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Wrapping up how Utah's players on active NFL rosters performed in Week Fourteen:
Minnesota running back Matt Asiata • Asiata started for the second consecutive game in relief of Jerick McKinnon, who sat with a lower back injury and was placed on the injured reserve earlier this week. He had 54 yards on 19 carries and three catches for 10 yards in the Vikings' 30-24 win against the Jets, but Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said Monday he may have had too large a share of the running back by committee's carries.
Jacksonville offensive lineman Zane Beadles • Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley said Beadles played "much better" in a 27-13 loss to the Texans.
Oakland guard Tony Bergstrom • Bergstrom was ruled inactive for the Raiders' 24-13 victory against the 49ers.
Houston tight end Anthony Denham • After fighting to make the cut during OTAs, Denham persevered with the practice squad, signed and suited up for his NFL debut against the Jags. He didn't have any catches, but he did record his first NFL tackle on special teams. Earlier in the week, he talked to ESPN about getting — after almost missing — the call he dreamed of.
Cleveland wide receiver Josh Gordon (Utah scout team) • Gordon had an off-day in a 25-24 loss to the Colts, catching two passes for just 15 yards, and the News-Herald writes that his return was expected to give the Browns' offense more of a boost.
Cleveland outside linebacker Paul Kruger • Kruger had one tackle — his ninth sack of the season — and forced and recovered a fumble. He also was controversially called for a helmet-to-helmet penalty for a hit on Andrew Luck that set up a Colts field goal. Afterward, he shared his thoughts on the game.
Carolina defensive tackle Star Lotulelei • Lotulelei returned from an ankle injury to record a tackle for loss in the Panthers' 41-10 blowout of the Saints.
Pittsburgh cornerback Brice McCain • Playing through a hamstring injury, McCain had two tackles in the Steelers' 42-21 win against the Bengals.
Oakland cornerback Keith McGill • McGill did not record any stats. Earlier in the week, McGill and Bergstrom spoke to local elementary students about the importance of healthy living.
Miami linebacker Koa Misi • Misi had five tackles in the Dolphins 28-13 loss to the Ravens, playing with a hamstring injury he sustained in the second quarter. Misi has 56 tackles on the season, despite also missing time with back and ankle ailments.
San Diego defensive tackle Tenny Palepoi • Palepoi recorded one tackle in a 23-14 loss to the Patriots.
New York Jets outside linebacker Trevor Reilly • Reilly contributed to a fumble-forcing play on special teams but left the game with a head injury. Rex Ryan said Monday that he was "doing well."
Miami defensive end Derrick Shelby • Shelby recorded three tackles. The Miami Herald speculates that his workload may increase.
New England defensive tackle Sealver Siliga • Siliga played for the first time in 11 weeks and made an impact for the Pats, with three tackles and a half-sack. Boston.com says Siliga's return could spark sustained improvement in the New England run defense.
Kansas City cornerback Sean Smith • Smith had four tackles in the Chiefs' 17-14 loss to the Cardinals, and his two pass deflections give him a new career high of 15. The Kansas City Star writes that Smith's dropped interception in the fourth quarter might have made the difference, however.
Kansas City quarterback Alex Smith • Smith's 293 yards were his highest total this season. After a five-game win streak, he was being hailed as one of the league's most underrated offensive leaders, and now, after three straight losses, some have questioned his reluctance to throw downfield. Although he has thrown 21 touchdown passes in that time, it has been a full calendar year since a Chiefs receiver has scored.
Baltimore wideout Steve Smith Sr. • Smith got back on track after a 2-yard performance, catching seven passes for 70 yards and a touchdown. The Baltimore Sun writes that the Ravens are using Smith in motion to delay double teams.
Miami Dolphins cornerback R.J. Stanford • Signed just two weeks ago, Stanford had his second career interception — on a pass to the end zone intended for Smith Sr. —and was the team's second-leading tackler, with seven..
Atlanta defensive tackle Paul Soliai • Soliai left the Falcons' Monday-night 43-37 loss with a shoulder injury, recording one tackle for a loss before his exit.
San Diego safety Eric Weddle • Weddle had seven tackles. With the loss of punter Mike Scifres to a broken clavicle, the do-it-all safety also took over as San Diego's holder on field goals. But the highlight for Ute fans was this.
— Matthew Piper
Twitter: @matthew_piper