Kansas City #Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy shares story of a team hanging up on him during the NFL Draft | @EdEastonJr
The Kansas City Chiefs have gotten plenty of needed production from rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy. He has stepped into the starter’s role due to injuries to veterans throughout the winning streak.
The Chiefs’ first-round draft pick recently appeared as a guest on ‘The Rich Eisen Show’ to share an interesting story about his draft night experience. A phone call could have changed things considerably between two AFC franchises.
“The (Indianapolis) Colts hung up in my face. It was a little crazy,” said Worthy. “The Colts called my phone on draft day and hung up the phone. They said, ‘Hello, this is so and so with the Colts.’ And then they stopped talking and hung up.”
The Chiefs would eventually move up in the first round to select the speedy receiver after a trade with the Buffalo Bills. Worthy confirmed that general manager Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid spoke with him over the phone before the pick was announced.
Indianapolis selected Laiatu Latu with the 15th overall pick and ironically picked Worthy’s Texas Longhorns teammate, Adonai Mitchell, 52nd overall in the second round. Worthy has performed well in Kansas City, with 19 catches for 235 yards and three touchdowns through seven games.
The Texans have a small update on Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs.
(This story was updated to add new information.)
Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said that Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs is being evaluated for a knee injury suffered during a non-contact play in the third quarter of Sunday’s 23-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
“Unfortunate to see Stef go down there,” Ryans said. “He’s still being evaluated for a knee. We’ll find out further information as the week goes on.”
Diggs, who had taken over as the No. 1 option after Nico Collins was placed on the injured reserve, tried to break open on a route when he pulled up and grabbed at his right knee before falling to the ground.
Trainers checked on him for several minutes before he was able to walk off the field on his own power. He immediately entered the locker room and was ruled out minutes later.
“Prayers go out to Stef. God doesn’t make any mistakes. I hope he’s OK,” Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said. “I don’t know what’s going on yet. I’m praying and hoping he starts to feel better … Not easy seeing him go down.”
Diggs, who ranks fifth nationally in receptions (47), is second on the Texans in yards with 496. He was on his way to his first 100-yard outing after hauling in a 49-yard catch in the third quarter.
Stefon Diggs –
Hard to truly tell from this angle, but it looks like his Right knee buckles inward as he steps right near the 40.
Primary concern for ACL injury.
Hopefully he got lucky and it’s just meniscus, but by initial video is doesn’t look good. pic.twitter.com/y56c7QCKT5
He finished the afternoon with a team-leading five catches for 81 yards.
“That’s my brother,” Texans receiver Tank Dell said. “I just pray that whatever happens it’s something minor and he can get back out there with us Thursday.”
Houston is already struggling at receiver with Collins on the injured reserve. If Diggs were to miss time, the Texans would be without their top two targets at least through next week’s matchup on “Thursday Night Football” against the New York Jets.
Collins, who previously led the NFL in receiving yards, is progressing well and should be back for Sunday Night Football’s matchup against the Detroit Lions. He was placed on the injured reserve following Week 5’s win over the Bills and would be cleared on Monday, Nov. 4.
If Diggs is sidelined for a significant amount of time, Dell will become the go-to option in the passing attack until Collins returns.
The second-year receiver has struggled to produce like he did in his rookie year, but he did haul in a 7-yard touchdown catch during the second quarter and finished with 32 yards.
Houston will also turn to Xavier Hutchinson, John Metchie III and Robert Woods in larger roles than perhaps envisioned.
Metchie caught three passes for 29 yards. Woods finished with two catches for 18 yards and Hutchinson finished with one catch for 19 yards.
The Texans could also trade for a potential receiver before the deadline on Nov. 5.
Kickoff from MetLife Stadium next week is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. CT next Thursday.
Indianapolis (4-3) recently announced that defensive tackle DeForest Buckner would come off the injured reserve and make his debut in Week 8 on the road. Receiver Josh Downs is also expected to play after missing several games with a lower-body injury.
I know I’m slowing these clips down a tad to showcase Jonathan Taylor’s eyes/footwork, but I’m starting to wonder if this is how he sees the field on Sundays lol.
And Taylor? Barring a last-second injury, expect to see him on the field for the first time in three weeks.
Jonathan Taylor injury update
Taylor suffered an ankle injury in Week 4’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Colts coach Shane Steichen never put a timetable on the All-Pro running back’s injurybut did mention it would be a “week-to-week” evaluation.
Taylor practiced for a third consecutive day Friday and was not given a status designation on the week’s final injury report, meaning he’s cleared to play on Sunday in hopes of securing a tie for the AFC South division title. Taylor has been known as a Texans’ tyrant over his tenure since being drafted out of Wisconsin in 2020, especially in recent years.
In Week 18 against the Texans last year, Taylor rushed for 188 yards and scored a touchdown in a 23-19 loss. In 2022, he rushed for 161 yards and a touchdown in the Week 1 opener.
Colts RB Jonathan Taylor is off the injury report and will return this Sunday.
Taylor still is on pace to rush for over 1,000 yards for the third time in his career. In four active games this season, he’s averaging 87.3 yards per contest with four touchdowns. Taylor also has totaled 11 explosive runs of over 10 yards.
How long will Jonathan Taylor be out?
Taylor will suit up for the first time since Week 4. He is not expected to miss any more time because of his previous injury.
Colts RB depth chart
Indianapolis’ run game has been inconsistent this year without Taylor. Tyler Goodson and Trey Sermon have rotated as the top option, but quarterback Anthony Richardson ranks second in rushing yards with 197.
Goodson totaled 51 yards in games against the Titans and Dolphins and scored a touchdown in Week 7. Sermon averaged 4.5 yards in Sunday’s win over Miami.
Here are the latest updates and news on the Houston Texans injury report ahead of Week 8’s game against the Indianapolis Colts following Friday’s practice.
Lassiter, the Texans’ second-round pick out of Georgia, was a full participant during Friday’s drills and is expected to start this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. The rookie defensive back had been dealing with a scapula fracture, a rare football injury involving the back of the shoulder blade suffered during an offensive pass interference infraction against the Buffalo Bills.
He’s missed the last two games but returned to practice in limited fashion on Wedensday and Thursday.
The status of linebacker Henry To’oTo’o remains questionable. After returning to practice as a limited participant on Wednesday, the second-year starter missed Thursday’s practice and was limited on Friday.
To’oTo’o suffered a concussion in Week 6 and did not play in last week’s loss against the Green Bay Packers.
Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) and defensive back Jimmie Ward (groin) missed practice for the sixth consecutive day and have been ruled out for Sunday’s game. This will mark the second game without Al-Shaair and the fourth game without Ward.
Rookie Calen Bullock, who recorded his third career interception against Jordan Love, is expected to start opposite Eric Murray.
Both receivers Robert Woods (foot) and Steven Sims (back) were full participants in running drills during Friday’s practice and will be cleared to play. Reserve cornerback D’Angelo Ross, who started in Lassiter’s place last weekend, returned to practice after missing Thursday because of an illness.
On the opposing side, the Colts will have both defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and running back Jonathan Taylor back for Sunday’s game. Buckner had been on the injured reserve while Taylor missed two games because of an ankle injury.
Buckner did not practice on Friday and is listed as questionable.
Here’s a look at the injury report for the Texans and Colts after Friday’s practice. With a win on Sunday, the Texans would finish with at least a .500 record in divisional play for 2024.
Here are the latest updates and news on the Houston Texans injury report ahead of Week 8’s game against the Indianapolis Colts following Thursday’s practice.
Another day, another set of reps for Kamari Lassiter.
The Houston Texans rookie cornerback was once again a limited participant in practice Thursday in preparation for Sunday’s matchup at home against the Indianapolis Colts.
Lassiter, the Texans’ second-round pick out of Georgia, had been dealing with a scapula fracture, a rare football injury involving the back of the shoulder blade suffered during an offensive pass interference infraction against the Buffalo Bills. He’s missed the last two games, but practicing is a promising sign.
Things, however, could be trending down for linebacker Henry To’oTo’o. After returning to practice as a limited participant on Wednesday, the second-year starter returned to the injury report.
He didn’t play last week and might not be cleared after taking a step back.
Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) and defensive back Jimmie Ward (groin) missed practice for the fifth consecutive day. According to KPRC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, Ward is expected to miss his third consecutive game due to injury.
Rookie Calen Bullock, who totaled his third interception in Week 7, is expected to start opposite Eric Murray.
Al-Shaair, who left in Week 6 during the third quarter, could be a game-time decision. Earlier Wednesday, Houston signed former first-round pick Devin White to the active roster for depth purposes.
Both receivers Robert Woods (foot) and Steven Sims (back) were back running drills during Thursday’s practice. Woods, who was limited, hasn’t played since Week 5’s win over the Buffalo Bills.
Sims, who was a late addition to the injury report last week, should be good to go for the home matchup.
Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil returned at full capacity and shouldn’t miss any extra time. Reserve cornerback D’Angelo Ross, who started in Lassiter’s place last weekend, was out due to an illness.
Here’s a look at the injury report for the Texans and Colts after Thursday’s practice. With a win on Sunday, the Texans would finish with at least a .500 record in divisional play for 2024.
Houston Texans
Player
Injury
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Game Status
DB Jimmie Ward
groin
DNP
DNP
LB Azeez Al-Shaair
knee
DNP
DNP
WR Steven Sims
back
DNP
FP
WR Robert Woods
toe
DNP
LP
DE Will Anderson Jr.
chest
LP
FP
CB Kamari Lassiter
shoulder
LP
LP
LB Henry To’oTo’o
concussion
LP
DNP
DL Foley Fatukasi
shoulder
LP
LP
CB D’Angelo Ross
illness
—
DNP
OT Laremy Tunsil
ankle
LP
FP
DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation
Indianapolis Colts
Player
Injury
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Game Status
DE Gernard Avery
foot
DNP
DNP
LB Jaylon Carlies
fibula
DNP
DNP
WR Josh Downs
toe
DNP
FP
OL Ryan Kelly
calf
DNP
FP
CB Chris Lammons
ankle
DNP
FP
WR Michael Pittman Jr.
back
DNP
FP
OT Braden Smith
knee
DNP
FP
DL DeForest Buckner
ankle
LP
FP
RB Jonathan Taylor
ankle
LP
FP
WR Ashton Dulin
knee
FP
FP
LB Cameron McGrone
elbow
FP
FP
LB E.J. Speed
knee
FP
FP
DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation
Here are the latest updates and news on the Houston Texans injury report ahead of Week 8’s game against the Indianapolis Colts
For the first time in two weeks, Kamari Lassiter looked healthy.
The Houston Texans rookie cornerback returned to practice as a limited participant Wednesday in preparation for Week 8’s matchup against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium.
Lassiter, the Texans’ second-round pick out of Georgia, had been dealing with a scapula fracture, a rare football injury involving the back of the shoulder blade suffered during an offensive pass interference infraction against the Buffalo Bills.
While there’s still a chance he could miss Sunday’s outing, practicing is a sign in the right direction that he could be cleared.
This season, Lassiter has been one of the better rookie cornerbacks. He’s recorded 15 tackles, two for losses, three pass deflections and an interception. According to Pro Football Focus, opposing quarterbacks have completed 9 of 24 passes against Lassiter for 193 yards.
Linebacker Henry To’oTo’o also returned to practice as a limited participant after suffering a concussion in Week 6’s win over the New England Patriots. He didn’t play last week but could be cleared to return by Thursday afternoon.
Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) and defensive back Jimmie Ward (groin) missed practice for the fourth consecutive day. According to KPRC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, Ward is expected to miss his third consecutive game due to injury.
Rookie Calen Bullock, who totaled his third interception in Week 7, is expected to start opposite Eric Murray.
Al-Shaair, who left in Week 6 during the third quarter, could be a game-time decision. Earlier Wednesday, Houston signed former first-round pick Devin White to the active roster for depth purposes.
Receivers Robert Woods (foot) and Steven Sims (back) also missed Wednesday’s practice. Woods hasn’t played since Week 5’s win over the Buffalo Bills.
Here’s a look at the injury report for the Texans and Colts after Wednesday’s practice. With a win on Sunday, the Texans would finish with at least a .500 record in divisional play for 2024.
Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT. The game will be televised on CBS.
The Texans signed the rookie running back to the practice squad Tuesday after previously reaching an injury settlement with him for an oblique injury.
Houston also released defensive end Rashad Weaver from the 53-man roster and offensive lineman Arlington Hambright from the practice squad. This means a roster spot is open for a player to either be added via trade or removed from the injured reserve.
We have signed Jawhar Jordan to the practice squad and made other roster moves. pic.twitter.com/nTjX4Jahuq
Cornerback Jeff Okudah and linebacker Christian Harris seem to be the prime suspects to be added later this week as Houston returns to NRG Stadium for its Week 8 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
A sixth-round pick out of Louisville in 2024, Jordan was expected to compete for the third-down back role and the return game during training camp. Fully healthy, the 5-foot-9 runner could be elevated to the active roster should the Texans need help on punt returns with Robert Woods and Steven Sims sidelined.
During his final year with the Cardinals, Jordan rushed for 1,128 yards and led the ACC with 13 touchdowns.
Are the Houston Texans playing this week? Here’s a look at the schedule and the games to come.
Heading home with a chance to regroup, the Houston Texans will look to keep their undefeated streak at NRG Stadium alive entering October.
Who is next on the schedule following a 24-22 loss against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field? Let’s discuss below.
Who will the Texans play in Week 8 of the NFL schedule?
Houston takes on the Indianapolis Colts in a rematch of Week 1’s battle at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Texans secured a 29-27 victory over their AFC South rival thanks to a 159-yard outing from running back Joe Mixon.
The Texans lost 31-20 last season in Week 2 at home after Anthony Richardson set the tone with a two-touchdown performance in the first quarter. C.J. Stroud eventually found a rhythm and completed two touchdown passes, but it wasn’t enough to complete the comeback.
Indianapolis has actually thrived playing at NRG Stadium over the past decade, holding a 7-2-1 record in the past 10 games.
Catching passes from Jayden Daniels on the NFC East-leading Commanders would have been fun, but Marquez Valdes-Scantling may have more opportunities in New Orleans:
Catching passes from Jayden Daniels on the NFC East-leading Washington Commanders would have been fun, but Marquez Valdes-Scantling may have more opportunities to make a play with the New Orleans Saints. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that Valdes-Scantling fielded interest from the Commanders and Indianapolis Colts, among other teams, but the veteran wide receiver picked the black and gold.
It’s easy to see why. Players want to play, and opportunities abound in New Orleans. Injuries have hit the Saints hard at wide receiver. Chris Olave is still working his way back through the NFL concussion protocol, and Rashid Shaheed is out for the season after knee surgery. Bub Means and Cedrick Wilson Jr. have each been listed on the injury report with ailments of their own. It shouldn’t take Valdes-Scantling long to climb the depth chart.
That’s certainly more appealing than competing with established weapons like Terry McLaurin, Zach Ertz, Michael Pittman Jr., and Josh Downs for targets. Valdes-Scantling would’ve spent more time on the sideline in Washington or Indianapolis than he will in New Orleans. Young quarterbacks like Daniels and Anthony Richardson certainly have their appeal but what matters most is how often you’re in the game.
At the same time, it may have come down to money. We don’t know the terms of his contract, but if the Saints were the only team offering Valdes-Scantling a spot on their 53-man roster while other teams wanted him to start out on their practice squad, the difference is clear. Even a minimum salary of $1,125,000 for the season and about $66,176 each week outweighs the max he could hope for on a practice squad (up to $21,300 each week). NFL careers are short, and Valdes-Scantling owes it to himself to consider all factors when making a decision like this.
So now he’s in New Orleans. Fowler adds that Valdes-Scantling has already passed his physical and is getting to work on the playbook. The Saints have a game coming up quickly with the Los Angeles Chargers this Sunday, and it would be great to see him in the mix right away.
The Dolphins ruled out Jevon Holland, Emmanuel Ogbah, and five others ahead of kickoff vs. the Colts.
The Miami Dolphins will officially be without safety Jevón Holland and outside linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah when they play the Indianapolis Colts in Week 7.
On Sunday, the Dolphins listed Holland, Ogbah, and five others inactive for the Sunday matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Holland’s absence isn’t much of a surprise after he was listed doubtful by the Dolphins in their final injury report Friday.
Ogbah was one of five Miami players who entered Sunday as questionable. Three of the other four — Odell Beckham Jr., Austin Jackson, and David Long Jr. — are active. The fourth was quarterback Skylar Thompson, who is an emergency third passer for the Dolphins behind Tyler Huntley and Tim Boyle.
For the Colts, running back Jonathan Taylor and linebacker E.J. Speed are among the inactives:
