(CU Independent/Beth Schonberger)
The word return was the theme in Week 8 of the NFL season for a couple of former Colorado Buffaloes football players.
One player saw the return of a legend or a traitor, depending on who you ask, a second one returned to the gridiron after sustaining a serious injury a few weeks back and a third returned the favor from a bad taste he received last year.
Here are five former Buffaloes who made contributions to the NFL on Sunday:
Mason Crosby, Green Bay Packers placekicker: Crosby was a busy man as he connected on two field goals and two extra-points. However, Crosby missed a huge 51-yard field goal wide right midway through the fourth quarter as it would have cut the Packers deficit to two points in Green Bay’s 38-26 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Brett Favre’s return to Lambeau Field as an opposing player.
Michael Lewis, San Francisco 49ers safety: Lewis returned after a three-week absence from a concussion to make five tackles and force a fumble in the 49ers third consecutive loss, an 18-14 decision to the Indianapolis Colts.
Daniel Graham, Denver Broncos tight end: Graham hauled in three balls for 30 yards, but it wasn’t enough as the Broncos lost their first game of the season 30-7 to the Baltimore Ravens.
Tyler Brayton, Carolina Panthers defensive end: Brayton recovered a fumble to go with his four tackles as the Panthers got revenge for last season’s playoff ouster by defeating the Arizona Cardinals 34-21 on the road.
Chris Brown, Houston Texans running back: Brown had seven carries for 22 yards and caught two passes for seven yards to help the Texans improve their record to 5-3 with a 31-10 win over the Buffalo Bills.
What to watch for on Monday Night Football: Join defensive end and Atlanta Falcons practice squad member Maurice Lucas as the Falcons travel to the Big Easy in an effort to hand Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints their first loss of the season.
Contact CU Independent Sports Editor Cheng Sio at Cheng.sio@colorado.edu.
