NFL Update: Week 17

January 4, 2010 | Football

By: UNC Athletic Communications

Jan. 3, 2010

Sam Aiken, New England- Seventh-year wide receiver logged two catches for nine yards in New England's 34-27 loss at Houston. Aiken and his Patriot teammates will host Baltimore in the wild-card round next weekend.

Ethan Albright, Washington- Veteran deep snapper helped the Redskins convert two field goals as they were defeated 23-20 in the last minute by San Diego.

Kentwan Balmer, San Francisco- Defensive tackle is on injured reserve after surgery for a torn labrum.

Connor Barth, Tampa Bay- Second-year kicker connected from 48 yards in his only field goal attempt as the Buccaneers closed the season with a 20-10 loss to Atlanta.

Dre' Bly, San Francisco- Former three-time All-America cornerback recorded three tackles, a sack and a quarterback hurry as the 49ers rolled the Rams 28-6 to finish the season 8-8.

Jason Brown, St Louis- Fifth-year center started and helped the Rams rush for 87 yards in their 28-6 defeat. 2009 was the third consecutive season in which Brown has started all 16 games.

Alge Crumpler, Tennessee- Two-time All-Pro tight end started and created running room for running back Chris Johnson to rush for 134 yards on the day and move past 2000 yards on the season in a 17-13 win at Seattle.

Greg Ellis, Oakland- Defensive end started in the Raiders' 21-13 season-ending defeat to Baltimore.

Brooks Foster, St Louis- Rookie wide receiver, who was the Rams' fifth-round pick this year, is on injured reserve after ankle surgery.

Madison Hedgecock, New York Giants- Fifth-year fullback started for a Giant offense that struggled in a 44-7 loss to Minnesota.

Jesse Holley, Dallas- Wide receiver is listed on the Cowboys' practice squad.

Vonnie Holliday, Denver- 12th-year defensive tackle notched one tackle, but the Broncos' defensive unit struggled in a 44-24 loss to Kansas City in their regular season finale.

Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants- UNC's all-time leading receiver had one reception as his rookie year came to a close in a 44-7 defeat at Minnesota. Nicks finished the year with 790 receiving yards, a mark that placed him tied for first among NFL rookies.

Willie Parker, Pittsburgh- Running back had 12 carries for 91 yards for an average of over seven yards per carry in the Steelers' 30-24 win at Miami as Pittsburgh finished the season 9-7.

Julius Peppers, Carolina- Eighth-year defensive end, who was recently named to his third Pro Bowl, recorded three tackles and his second interception of the season as the Panthers won their third straight game, a 23-10 decision over New Orleans, to finish 8-8.

Richard Quinn, Denver- Rookie tight end saw action and helped block for two rushing touchdowns, but it was not enough as Denver fell 44-24 to Kansas City.

Jeff Reed, Pittsburgh- Eighth-year kicker was perfect on three field goals from distances of 22, 21 and 33 yards as Pittsburgh closed the season on a high note by beating Miami.

Garrett Reynolds, Atlanta- Rookie offensive tackle saw action as part of an offensive line that paved the way for 187 rushing yards as the Falcons defeated Tampa Bay 20-10 to record back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history.

Jeff Saturday, Indianapolis- Veteran center started but saw limited action in the Colts' 30-7 loss at Buffalo as Indianapolis rested its starters for the playoffs, which they will enter as the AFC's No. 1 seed.

Gerald Sensabaugh, Dallas- Starting strong safety logged five tackles, an assist and defended a pass as the Cowboys clinched the NFC East and the conference's No. 3 seed while pitching their second straight shutout in a 24-0 win over Philadelphia. Dallas will once again host the Eagles next weekend.

Ryan Sims, Tampa Bay- Starting defensive tackle notched one quarterback hurry in the Buccaneers' 20-10 loss to Atlanta.

Brandon Tate, New England- Rookie wide receiver, a third-round pick of the Patriots, is on injured reserve with a knee injury and is out for the season.

Hilee Taylor, Carolina- Second-year defensive end was inactive in the Panthers' final game.

David Thornton, Tennessee- Eighth-year linebacker finished the year on injured reserve with a hip injury as his Titans completed the year with an 8-8 record after starting 0-6.

Greg Warren, Pittsburgh- Deep snapper finished the year on injured reserve after suffering a torn ACL against Green Bay in week 15.

Wallace Wright, New York Jets- Third-year wide receiver saw action on special teams and was targeted on one pass as the Jets dominated Cincinnati 37-0. Wright will be back in action in the playoffs as New York travels to Cincinnati next weekend.