Central Michigan Professional Athletes

Central Michigan Alumni Report | NFL Week 7 (Oct. 25–31)

Benjamin Chukwuma Earns the Spotlight in Tampa

The biggest Central Michigan story this week didn't belong to a starter — it belonged to a former undrafted free agent who seized his moment.

With star right tackle Luke Goedeke sidelined by a calf injury, the Buccaneers turned to second-year lineman Benjamin Chukwuma to fill the gap in Week 7. Tampa Bay's offensive line responded with arguably its best performance of the season, and Chukwuma was front and center. Head coach Todd Bowles didn't mince words afterward, predicting a "huge" future for the young blocker. That kind of public endorsement from a head coach — rare currency in the NFL — signals Chukwuma has done more than survive an audition. He's staked a claim.

Goedeke himself remains day-to-day heading into Week 8, listed as a non-participant in the Buccaneers' initial Wednesday practice. Depending on his availability, Chukwuma could find himself back in the lineup sooner than expected — and now everyone knows he can handle it.

Cooper Rush Shown the Door in Atlanta

It was a rough week for another Chippewa in the league. Quarterback Cooper Rush was released by the Atlanta Falcons before their Week 7 matchup against San Francisco, cut loose after the team signed Andy Dalton to shore up their quarterback depth. Rush had been brought in as a backup option, but the Dalton signing reshuffled Atlanta's depth chart and left no room for the former Central Michigan signal-caller. Rush is now a free agent and will look to latch on elsewhere.

Around the League

Tyler Conklin logged a quiet afternoon for the Lions in their Week 7 win over Green Bay, hauling in one catch for four yards in a 20–17 Detroit victory. The Lions moved the ball effectively enough to come out on top, though Conklin's role in the offense remained limited.

Lew Nichols suited up for the Steelers in Pittsburgh's 16–10 win over New Orleans on Sunday, though he didn't register counting stats in the box score.

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The week was defined by contrasting fortunes: Chukwuma announcing himself on the biggest stage while Rush finds himself back on the market. For a program like Central Michigan, producing NFL contributors — especially undrafted ones who earn praise from head coaches — is the kind of story the program can build on. Chukwuma's moment was real, and according to Todd Bowles, it's only the beginning.

Cooper Rush's Atlanta Chapter Closes Abruptly

Central Michigan's most prominent NFL alumnus found himself without a job this week. The Atlanta Falcons released quarterback Cooper Rush on Monday to make room for veteran Andy Dalton, ending Rush's tenure with the team before it ever got off the ground.

Dalton — a well-traveled backup who had been released by the Philadelphia Eagles just 10 days prior — landed with Atlanta quickly, completing a rotation through the NFC South that already includes stops with the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints. His arrival came at Rush's direct expense, with NFL Network's Ian Rapoport confirming the corresponding move shortly after ESPN's Adam Schefter broke the Dalton signing.

For Rush, the release is a tough turn. The Central Michigan product has spent his career carving out a niche as a capable backup, most notably filling in for Dak Prescott in Dallas and showing he could win games when called upon. Whether Atlanta represents a near-miss or simply the wrong situation at the wrong time, he now heads back to the open market looking for his next opportunity.

Goedeke Dealing With Calf Issue

Elsewhere in the CMU alumni network, offensive tackle Luke Goedeke appeared on Tampa Bay's initial Week 7 injury report with a calf issue, listed as a non-participant in practice Wednesday as the Buccaneers prepare for a Sunday NFC South matchup against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. His availability for the game is worth monitoring for Bucs fans who rely on the former Chippewa anchoring the offensive line.

Nichols and the Steelers' Week 7 Win

Running back Lew Nichols was part of a Pittsburgh Steelers squad that took care of business in Week 7, with the Steelers topping the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26–19 on Sunday. Nichols remains on the roster as Pittsburgh continues to push through the middle of its regular-season slate.

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The Rush release is the headline for CMU fans this week — a reminder of how quickly the NFL's quarterback market moves and how little margin there is for backup signal-callers at the roster bubble. Rush has proven he belongs in this league; the question now is which team agrees first.