South Dakotans in the NFL Week 4: Jack Cochrane makes big play for Chiefs

Jack Cochrane was one of the best defensive players in recent University of South Dakota history, and the Iowa native is earning his stripes in the NFL as an undrafted rookie with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Signed as a rookie free agent after the draft, Cochrane had a solid preseason but was waived before final roster cuts. He re-signed with the team’s practice squad, but it took only a couple weeks for the Chiefs to sign the 6-foot-3, 235-pound linebacker to the active roster.

After being inactive in Kansas City’s first game after signing, he made his NFL debut last week against the Colts, and in Sunday’s thrilling 41-31 win over Tom Brady and the Bucs, Cochrane was on the field for 17 plays – all on special teams – and registered his first career tackle on the opening kickoff. The Bucs returner fumbled on the play, and though Cochrane was not officially credited for forcing the fumble, it was an impact play by the former Coyote.

More:South Dakota State vs. South Dakota football rivalry: A look back at the FCS matchups

In two games the former all-Missouri Valley linebacker had taken 36 snaps, so far all on special teams. If he continues making plays he could make his debut on defense sooner than later.

Jack Cochrane, LB, Kansas City Chiefs (USD)

Played 17 snaps and made one tackle.

Matt Farniok, OL, Dallas Cowboys (Washington High School)

Was back in a reserve role after making the first two starts of his career, and played eight snaps on offense and six on special teams in the Cowboys’ win over Washington.

Dennis Gardeck, LB, Arizona Cardinals (USF)

Did not start but had a huge game for the Cards, making five tackles and intercepting a pass that he returned 24 yards. One of his five stops went for a loss and he put one hit on Carolina quarterback Baker Mayfield in the win.

Dallas Goedert, TE, Philadelphia Eagles (Britton-Hecla High School, SDSU)

The Eagles improved to 4-0 and Goedert had another big game in their win over Jacksonville, catching five passes for 72 yards.

CJ Ham, FB, Minnesota Vikings (Augustana)

Didn’t get any carries or touches but saw action on offense and special teams in the Vikings’ early-morning win over the Saints in London. Was credited with one tackle in kick coverage.

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Trey Pipkins, OL, Los Angeles Chargers (USF)

Another good day for the former Cougar, as Pipkins played all 70 snaps in the Chargers’ win over Houston, helping pave the way for over 400 yards of offense.

Riley Reiff, OL, Chicago Bears (Parkston High School)

Was on the field for four plays on special teams in the Bears’ loss to the Giants.

Christian Rozeboom, LB, Los Angeles Rams (SDSU)

Played 22 snaps on special teams but did not record any statistics in the Rams' Monday night loss to the 49ers.

Pierre Strong, RB, New England Patriots (SDSU)

Was on the field for four plays, all on special teams. Did not record any statistics.

Derrek Tuszka, LB, Los Angeles Chargers (Warner High School)

After getting waived by the Titans after making his first start for them, the former NDSU Bison signed with the Chargers and was active in his debut with them, taking the field for nine plays on defense and 16 on special teams, though he did not record any statistics.

More:South Dakota State offense making steady progress under rookie coordinator Zach Lujan

On practice squads:

Kameron Cline, Colts (USD)

Don Gardner, Bucs (SDSU)

Cade Johnson, Seahawks (SDSU)

Chris Oladokun, Chiefs (SDSU)

Chris Streveler, Jets (USD)

Injured:

Tom Compton, Broncos (USD)

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: South Dakotans in NFL Week 4: Jack Cochrane makes big play for Chiefs