Apps in the NFL: Gossett Makes Debut

A rookie from Appalachian State made his NFL debut while helping his rookie head coach, another Appalachian alum, post his biggest win to date.
 
Here's a closer look at how App State alums in the NFL fared during Week 13. The Mountaineers lead Sun Belt Conference programs with eight players who've been on active rosters this season.
 
On Sunday, when the Arizona Cardinals won 20-17 against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, first-year offensive guard Colby Gossett appeared in an NFL regular season game for the first time. A sixth-round draft picked signed off the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad by the Cardinals, Gossett stepped in at left guard following a third-quarter injury to Mike Iupati.
 
The Cardinals broke a 17-all tie on a 44-yard field goal with 1:45 left to give rookie head coach Steve Wilks, who played and coached for the Mountaineers, his third victory.
 
"I can't speak enough of Gossett, as well as Will Holden, the way they stepped up and performed today," Wilks told reporters after the win.
 
Elsewhere, San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ronald Blair recorded a sack and two tackles against Seattle. Blair has a career-high 4.5 sacks this season and 9.5 in 34 NFL games during the last three seasons.
 
The Houston Texans increased their winning streak to nine games since offensive tackle Kendall Lamm moved into the starting lineup. They won 29-13 against Cleveland on Sunday, but Lamm left the game with a head injury and didn't return.
 
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin had an average of 47.7 yards (with a net average of 44.7 yards) on six attempts against the Los Angeles Rams. He put two punts inside the 20 and had a long of 58.
 
Running back Travaris Cadet was inactive for the Carolina Panthers, and rookie safety A.J. Howard remains a member of the New York Giants' practice squad.