Daniels Shines For Texans » Brats & Beer

September 19, 2006
posted under: Badgers in the NFL, Chris Chambers, Jim Leonhard, Owen Daniels

Former Badger tight end Owen Daniels made his first impact in the NFL this weekend, catching four passes and scoring a touchdown for the Houston Texans in a losing effort against the Colts. The fourth-round draft pick racked up 45 yards receiving and caught a 33-yard touchdown pass, his first as a pro, in the fourth quarter. His effort, though, was mostly in vain as the Texans were blown out by Indianapolis 43-24.

Wide receiver Chris Chambers also caught his first TD pass of the season for the Dolphins. The sixth-year veteran had four catches for 55 yards, including a 23-yard reception in the fourth quarter for Miami’s only score. The ensuing two-point conversion attempt failed, however, as the Dolphins fell to the Buffalo Bills 16-6. Former UW wide receiver Lee Evans had two catches for 19 yards in that game for Buffalo.

Things did not go so well for former Badger running backs this week, however. Rookie Brian Calhoun, who had only two touches in the Detroit Lions opener against Seattle, didn’t see any action this week against Chicago, while Ron Dayne managed just 37 yards on 11 carries in his debut with the Texans since being signed from Denver. Veteran Michael Bennett ran for 19 yards on six carries for Kansas City.

Unfortunately, the season came to an end this week for two Badger alumni. Second-year defensive end Erasmus James tore the ACL in his left knee during Minnesota’s overtime victory over Carolina and will need surgury. Meanwhile, veteran safety Troy Vincent was placed on IR this past week after suffering a hamstring injury in the Bills opening loss to New England. Buffalo re-signed Jim Leonhard, now in his second year out of Wisconsin, to fill the roster vacancy.