Longhorns in the NFL: Former Texas receiver Marcus Johnson catching on in Indianapolis
In mid-September, Marcus Johnson was out of a job in professional football.
Less than five weeks later, he’s quickly becoming a favorite target of Colts quarterback Philip Rivers.
Johnson highlighted former Longhorns playing in the NFL in Week 6, making five catches for 108 yards as Indianapolis defeated Cincinnati, 31-27.
Johnson’s 55-yard catch down to the Cincinnati 1 early in the second quarter ignited the Colts' offense and came when they trailed 21-0.
A cut at the end of training camp after he missed significant time due to a hamstring injury, Johnson was re-signed by Indianapolis Sept. 22.
He has appeared in the last three games and Sunday was the most-targeted player by Rivers with eight.
Several other former Texas players had receptions in Week 6.
Baltimore wideout Devin Duvernay made three catches for 31 yards and had a 37-yard kickoff return, Tennessee tight end Geoff Swaim made two catches for 10 yards and Los Angeles Rams running back Malcolm Brown hauled in three passes for 18 yards.
Brown carried the ball two times for 4 yards in the Rams’ loss to the 49ers.
Duvernay’s teammate, Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, accounted for 12 points in Baltimore’s win over Philadelphia as he made three field goals, including a 55-yarder, and three extra points.
Defensively, Arizona linebacker Jordan Hicks continues to make a strong case for the Pro Bowl as he made 10 tackles in the Cardinals’ win over Dallas.
New England safety Adrian Phillips also had an outstanding week, producing 11 stops in the Patriots’ loss to Denver.
Tennessee safety Kenny Vaccaro recorded eight tackles, Baltimore safety DeShon Elliott and Miami safety Brandon Jones both had three stops and one pass defended, and Kansas City defensive end Alex Okafor and Philadelphia defensive end Hassan Ridgeway each had a tackle.
