Michael Thomas has 100-yard day, 3 Ohio State standouts play in London in Week 7

We’re almost halfway through the NFL regular season, and former Ohio State players are becoming more and more important to their respective teams’ success. Several Buckeyes suited up across the pond, and a former Pro Bowl linebacker saw the bench for the second week in a row. Zeke had the week off, but rookies Michael Thomas and Joey Bosa kept things interesting in Week 7 in Elliott’s absence.

Buckeyes in London

The NFL hosted their second international game of the season at Twickenham Stadium in London. This week’s matchup abroad featured the New York Giants (Eli Apple, Johnathan Hankins) and Los Angeles Rams (Jake McQuaide).

Rookie Eli Apple returned in Week 7 from a lingering hamstring injury that sidelined the cornerback against the Ravens. Apple immediately impacted the Giants’ secondary, recording three tackles, one pass defended and a forced fumble. Hankins had a slower day than last week against Baltimore, but still recorded two tackles — and seemed to soak in his international experience.

Thomas hits 100 yards

Michael Thomas (Saints) had his first 100-yard game in the NFL on Sunday, recording 130 yards on 10 targets. The Buckeye gave fans a scare following a long reception and hit that had him slow to get up, but Thomas was able to return. He also had his second fumble recovery of the season.

Alex Boone: Uncensored

The Vikings (Alex Boone) were the only team still undefeated heading into Week 7, but that streak ended Sunday when they hit the road to take on the Eagles (Malcolm Jenkins) in Philadelphia. After the 21-10 Minnesota loss, Boone didn’t mince words about his team’s performance.

Veteran benched

Former Ohio State legend James Laurinaitis has spent his entire NFL career in the starting lineup for the St. Louis Rams -- not missing even one game in seven seasons. After a few unimpressive weeks with his new team, the New Orleans Saints decided to bench the veteran linebacker for the second week in a row.

Plays of the week

Joey Bosa

The defensive end continues to be a bright spot for the San Diego Chargers, who are quickly learning how much they can rely on the rookie. He recorded his third and fourth sacks of the season Sunday, and finished the day with five total tackles -- four solo — and two sacks.

Cardale Jones

The Bills’ backup quarterback may not have seen any playing time yet this season, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t still showing off how easy he completes a long pass.

Other notes

• Two rookies should see playing time in prime time, as the Seahawks (Tyvis Powell, Nick Vannett) take on the Cardinals on Sunday Night Football.
• Several former Ohio State players will face off on Monday Night Football when the Houston Texans (Braxton Miller, John Simon) meet the Denver Broncos (Jeff Heuerman, Bradley Roby).
• Darron Lee (Jets) is out with an ankle injury and teammate Nick Mangold started despite being limited in practice with a knee injury — but the center went down early in the game with an ankle issue and didn’t return.
• Other Buckeye injuries: Cam Heyward (Steelers) was ruled out early in the week due to a hamstring issue, Jack Mewhort (Colts) was out with a tricep injury and Carlos Hyde (49ers) will miss a week with a shoulder injury. Joshua Perry (Chargers) went down during punt coverage in Week 7 and was sidelined the rest of the game.
• Lots of Buckeyes had teams on byes this week, including the Carolina Panthers (Corey “Philly” Brown, Kurt Coleman, Ted Ginn Jr., Andrew Norwell) and Dallas Cowboys (Ezekiel Elliott, Darryl Baldwin, Rod Smith).