Through three games this season, Houston safety and former South Carolina standout D.J. Swearinger is tied for the team lead with two forced fumbles.
Known as a lethal hitter throughout his college and infant NFL career, Swearinger made news during the preseason after he leveled Denver’s Wes Welker. Peyton Manning sprinted to the end zone to later confront the free safety and give him an earful.
The future Hall of Fame quarterback was flagged for taunting.
“I led with my shoulder. That’s the only thing I could do — (Welker’s) a short guy,” Swearinger said of the hit.
Other South Carolina notables:
- Chargers linebacker Melvin Ingram was placed on injured reserve on Saturday with a hamstring issue. League policy states Ingram will miss at least seven games on IR. The former All-American defensive tackle with the Gamecocks missed 12 games last season with San Diego after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee during an offseason workout.
- Linebacker Jasper Brinkley made five tackles for Minnesota during a loss to New Orleans.
- Bears third-year wideout Alshon Jeffery is expected to play in tonight’s game against the New York Jets.
Bears optimistic that Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery will play tonight barring surprise setbacks. Both were listed as questionable.
— Dan Wiederer (@danwiederer) September 22, 2014
- Bruce Ellington was targeted once during the 49ers’ loss to Arizona. He also carried the football for a 1-yard gain.
