Oregon State NFL report: Brandin Cooks scores in Week 5 as Vikings release Johnny Hekker

Brandin Cooks caught one pass for San Francisco in Week 5, and it went for a touchdown. That was the top line for Oregon State's NFL alumni, while veteran specialist Johnny Hekker was released by the Minnesota Vikings and is now a free agent.

The details come from On3's BeaverBlitz weekly tracker of former Beavers in the NFL, written by Cass Smith. Cooks was targeted twice and finished with one catch for 7 yards, the score. The veteran receiver has seen his targets shrink, but he was still effective near the goal line.

On3 reported that Minnesota released Hekker on Oct. 6. That leaves the Vikings with two former Beavers in the organization: offensive lineman Blake Brandel on the active roster and running back Jermar Jefferson on the practice squad.

Brandel had one of the better days among the Oregon State linemen. Pro Football Focus gave him a 70.7 overall grade, with marks of 70.6 in pass protection and 69.4 in run blocking. Arizona guard Isaac Seumalo was a little higher at 71.8. His 79.9 pass-blocking grade was the best single mark in the group, though his run blocking came in at 64.3.

Taliese Fuaga had a harder afternoon in New Orleans. The Saints lineman graded at 52.6 overall, and his 42.1 in pass protection was well below his 57.3 run-blocking grade.

In Indianapolis, Anthony Gould gave the Colts a jolt on special teams. He returned two kickoffs for 81 yards, an average of 40.5, and one of them went for 54 yards.

The defensive backs did less on the stat sheet. Chicago safety Skyler Thomas and Green Bay safety Kitan Oladapo each made one tackle. Jets defensive back Nashon Wright did not record a stat.

On3 also listed the former Beavers on practice squads. Besides Jefferson, they include offensive lineman Gerad Lichtenhan in Baltimore, tight end Teagan Quitoriano in Arizona, defensive back Jaden Robinson and receiver Isaiah Hodgins with the New York Giants, and cornerback Alex Austin in Dallas. Two players are on injured reserve: tight end Luke Musgrave with the Packers and defensive back Rejzohn Wright with the Saints.

The pipeline matters to the program as much as to the players. Oregon State is 4-2 and preparing for Washington State, according to On3's coverage. A group of active NFL players, especially along the offensive line, is something the staff can show recruits. Fuaga, Seumalo and Brandel all started up front in Week 5, and that gives the Beavers a current case that their linemen can reach the league and stay there.

The most urgent story is Hekker's. The Vikings cut him in the first week of October, so his next move depends on which teams need a specialist as midseason injuries and slumps pile up. For Cooks, the question is whether one touchdown on limited targets leads to a bigger role in the 49ers' passing game.