Tag: debut

Texans WR John Metchie set to make NFL regular-season debut

Former Alabama WR set to make NFL debut after bout with Leukemia

Houston Texans wide receiver [autotag]John Metchie[/autotag] is set to make his anticipated NFL regular-season debut today in the feel-good story of the year. Metchie was a highly coveted second-round pick out of Alabama in the 2022 NFL Draft before tragedy struck.

Going into Metchie’s rookie season, he was diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia and missed the entirety of what would have been his rookie season in 2022. Metchie battled hard and was cleared to return to football-related activities in the early spring of this year.

Today, Metchie returns to the gridiron for his highly anticipated debut as the Texans square off against the Indianapolis Colts in Houston. With a rookie quarterback in CJ Stroud, the Texans will need all of the help they can get from their receiving core and Metchie is a very football-savvy mind. He also has a chance to be one of the best receivers in a somewhat uninspiring receiving room.

All of Alabama nation is with Metchie today and excited to see what he can do!

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Chiefs’ rookie WR Rashee Rice reflects on his preseason debut

Chiefs rookie Rashee Rice reflected on his preseason debut against the New Orleans Saints in comments to the media on Tuesday. | from: @LazarczykLogan

Rashee Rice was a popular ‘watch for’ name in the Kansas City Chiefs’ opening preseason game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. The former SMU receiver produced a solid performance in his limited action with the second-string offense.

Rice was asked how he felt about his first preseason game after the Chiefs’ practice on Tuesday.

Said Rice: “I think I played well – being able to transition from college to the NFL – big spotlight, [different game feel].”

In college, Rice was the focal point of the offense, and that led to him being much more fatigued after games. The 23-year-old receiver felt more refreshed after Sunday’s game. In addition to playing less snaps than a prototypical game, Rice pointed to the fact that there are more players that can make an impact.

“Honestly, I was a lot more refreshed than I would be if I was in college because we have a lot more guys that contribute on offense,” Rice explained. “Not everybody played as much as they normally would, and that let us keep our pace and take our time on the sideline.”

Butterflies are completely normal for any rookie making their professional debut. Rice felt that nervous energy being under the lights in New Orleans.

“I [am] not going to lie I was a little nervous just because there are a lot of lights [in the dome],” Rice said. “You just knew that you were in the spotlight on the field. Even the first time running on the field, I knew that everyone [saw] me run onto the field by myself.”

The speed of the game was comfortable for Rice, despite it being his debut against an NFL defense. The rookie receiver pointed out how practice has helped him adapt to the speed on the field.

“I think everything we do in practice translates to the game,” Rice said. “The speed we do out here [in practice] is the same thing we went through in the game.”

Although practices help rookie players gain a better understanding of what to expect, there is nothing like going up against a real defense in live action. He’ll get plenty more experience on Saturday against the Arizona Cardinals when Kansas City travels to the desert for their second preseason matchup.

Chiefs WR Rashee Rice reveals biggest takeaway from preseason debut

Rashee Rice had an interesting perspective on life NFL after his first game in a Chiefs uniform on Sunday.

Even after four years of playing college football at a high level, Kansas City Chiefs rookie receiver Rashee Rice admitted that there’s nothing quite like playing in the NFL.

When asked about his biggest surprise and/or takeaway from Kansas City’s Week 1 preseason loss against the New Orleans Saints, Rice noted that it was playing against new faces that posed the biggest challenge.

“I would say – not necessarily a surprise – just being able to go against another team,” Rice said during Tuesday’s presser. “I’m used to being in college and knowing exactly who I’m about to go against, but in the NFL, you can only really just watch film and try to understand the person that you’re going to be able to compete against. There’s a lot of guys I’ve never seen before on the field that I got to be in front of.”

It’s indeed a different beast going up against NFL talent versus the competition Rice was used to at SMU, mostly against American Athletic Conference teams. Not only was Rice facing fellow rookies in the preseason – he was facing NFL veterans as well.

With all that in mind, Rice did a solid job in his preseason debut. He earned three catches for 30 yards on four targets and even notched a tackle on special teams. The rook still has a ways to go before he fully becomes acclimated to NFL defenses, but he seems to be tracking well so far.

Chiefs OT Wanya Morris ready for ‘breathtaking’ preseason debut

Wanya Morris is fired up and ready to make his presence felt during the #Chiefs’ first preseason game against the #Saints. | from: @WesleyRoesch

The beauty of the NFL’s preseason is that it gives hundreds of incoming rookies an opportunity to show their skills.

For Kansas City Chiefs rookie offensive tackle Wanya Morris, like most of his peers, it’s a chance to prove that he deserves a spot on the 53-man roster. Few roster spots are guaranteed in the NFL, so Morris is understandably excited for his first NFL action when the Chiefs play the New Orleans Saints on Aug. 13.

“Like every kid, it’s a dream come true,” Morris said during Saturday’s presser. “You know, you dream about days like this and to actually go out with them and actually do it, it’s a dream come true. It’s very … breathtaking. Being able to step out there on that field and just go out there and compete with my brothers, and just show everything I’ve got.”

Drafted in the third round of the 2023 draft by Kansas City, the 6-foot-6, 307-pound lineman out of Oklahoma is projected to be the Chiefs’ swing tackle. Frequently working with the first and second teams in camp, Morris could be the backup and eventual successor to either left tackle Donovan Smith or right tackle Jawaan Taylor.

But Morris doesn’t have the backup gig locked down yet. His competition includes third-year players Prince Tega Wanogho and Lucas Niang, among others. The preseason is when Morris will have the chance to stand out amid the competition. On Sunday, it’s sink or swim.

“It’s not done ’til it’s done,” Morris said. “I haven’t made the 53 [man roster] yet. So, I have to go out there and ball.”

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Ravens HC John Harbaugh explains why OLB David Ojabo only played one snap in NFL debut

Ravens HC John Harbaugh explained the usage of outside linebacker David Ojabo in Week 15 against the Browns

Rookie outside linebacker David Ojabo made his NFL debut for the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday in their Week 15 loss to the Cleveland Browns. While he may not have made the biggest impact on the stat sheet, fans of the team are sure to warm up to his undeniable talent in the coming weeks as he hopefully gets more run with the defense.

Ojabo was a second-round pick by the Ravens in the 2022 draft, selected with the 45th overall pick. However, it weren’t for an Achilles injury sustained during his Pro Day at the University of Michigan, he likely would’ve gone much sooner.

Head coach John Harbaugh addressed the media on Monday about the situation that led to Ojabo playing in Sunday’s tilt against Cleveland, and said that he and his staff intend to get him more snaps over the course of the next few weeks. He made it clear that Baltimore’s depth at the outside linebacker position made it hard to justify Ojabo’s inclusion beyond the single snap he played.

“It was circumstances, in terms of having one less DB [defensive back] available for the game, and we had an opportunity to get him [David Ojabo] up,” Harbaugh explained when asked about the rookie’s debut. “Then, the next opportunity is to try to play him more. And I was hoping he’d get five, six, seven plays. We’ve got a lot of healthy outside linebackers right now, so it’s hard to get those guys enough snaps. Our discussion among those guys right now is, ‘We’ve got a lot of really good players; when you get out there, play with your hair on fire,’ which those guys want to do. And I think David Ojabo adds into that mix. So, it does mean, if he takes more snaps, it’s fewer snaps for other guys; that’s just the way it works, because they all play the same position. And the incredible thing is look at the difference between early in the year when we didn’t have any outside backers, and I think when ‘JPP’ [Jason Pierre-Paul] got here, he played 53 snaps his first game or something like that. So, it’s a good problem, but it’s challenging, because there are going to be guys that aren’t going to get as many snaps [and] you might say, ‘Wow, he could use some more snaps; we’d like to see him.’ And definitely, David falls in that category.”

Though the first glimpse at their newest defensive contributor was limited, the speculation among Ravens fans surrounding Ojabo’s role in the team’s defense is starting to pick up steam. He was one of the most highly coveted prospects in this year’s draft class, and for good reason, so it isn’t a stretch to think that he could be an impact player in Baltimore for years to come.

For now, though, the Baltimore faithful will need to wait until Harbaugh and his staff decide that the time is right for Ojabo to be included in more key situations.

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Jameson Williams was the NFL’s fastest WR in Week 14

Jameson Williams shows off his elite speed less than a year after tearing his ACL!

After an ACL tear in his final collegiate game for the Alabama Crimson Tide, Jameson Williams made his highly anticipated NFL debut this past weekend for the Detroit Lions.

Despite his injury, the Lions still used the No. 12 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft on him. Williams has game-changing speed, and on Sunday he showed that he’s picking up right where he left off.

In Week 14, Williams was the fastest-recorded receiver in the NFL topping out at 20.31 MPH. It’s a remarkable statistic, especially for a rookie, but when you factor in that this was his first game in 11 months it really puts things into perspective.

There were some concerns that Williams would lose some of his speed due to the injury, but it’s good to see that he officially put that all to rest.

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Here’s what Chiefs RB Ronald Jones said about his Week 12 debut

#Chiefs RB Ronald Jones spoke about his 2022 NFL season debut against the #Rams in Week 12.

Kansas City Chiefs RB Ronald Jones saw his first opportunity of the 2022 NFL season in Week 12 against the Los Angeles Rams.

A healthy scratch for 10 consecutive weeks, Jones turned his “legitimate chance to play” into a fruitful debut with the Chiefs in Week 12. He appeared in 15% of the team’s offensive snaps, carrying the ball four times for 12 yards and catching a 22-yard reception. He didn’t have a single negative play all game long.

Speaking to reporters in the locker room after the game, Jones felt satisfied with what he was able to show on Sunday afternoon.

“I feel good,” Jones said. “(Head) Coach (Andy Reid) said I was going to get a few plays, so just staying ready all week and focused all week. You know, just being a pro.”

Part of being a professional is staying prepared for anything and everything. While Jones didn’t expect to be the read that Patrick Mahomes went to on his 22-yard reception, he said that he practiced for that moment and opportunity.

“Nah, I didn’t,” Jones said. “But we work it in practice all the time, so you’ve got to stay ready. He’s (Patrick Mahomes) a magician back there, so he can hit any one of us at any time.”

Jones didn’t go into the practice week with any expectations of his role knowing that Clyde Edwards-Helaire had been placed on injured reserve. Andy Reid and Eric Bieniemy also didn’t give him anything extra, knowing that he’s been preparing for his chance all season long.

“No, just some regular scheme and blitzes,” Jones said. “Things that we do every week. I’ve been prepping the whole time, just staying in shape and getting out there. Game speed is a little different, huffing and puffing, but I was glad to be out there. I could play another quarter right now.”

Taking advantage of this opportunity will only lead to more chances for Jones to get out there and be more involved on offense in the future.

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Here’s what Chiefs RB Ronald Jones said about his Week 12 debut

#Chiefs RB Ronald Jones spoke about his 2022 NFL season debut against the #Rams in Week 12.

Kansas City Chiefs RB Ronald Jones saw his first opportunity of the 2022 NFL season in Week 12 against the Los Angeles Rams.

A healthy scratch for 10 consecutive weeks, Jones turned his “legitimate chance to play” into a fruitful debut with the Chiefs in Week 12. He appeared in 15% of the team’s offensive snaps, carrying the ball four times for 12 yards and catching a 22-yard reception. He didn’t have a single negative play all game long.

Speaking to reporters in the locker room after the game, Jones felt satisfied with what he was able to show on Sunday afternoon.

“I feel good,” Jones said. “(Head) Coach (Andy Reid) said I was going to get a few plays, so just staying ready all week and focused all week. You know, just being a pro.”

Part of being a professional is staying prepared for anything and everything. While Jones didn’t expect to be the read that Patrick Mahomes went to on his 22-yard reception, he said that he practiced for that moment and opportunity.

“Nah, I didn’t,” Jones said. “But we work it in practice all the time, so you’ve got to stay ready. He’s (Patrick Mahomes) a magician back there, so he can hit any one of us at any time.”

Jones didn’t go into the practice week with any expectations of his role knowing that Clyde Edwards-Helaire had been placed on injured reserve. Andy Reid and Eric Bieniemy also didn’t give him anything extra, knowing that he’s been preparing for his chance all season long.

“No, just some regular scheme and blitzes,” Jones said. “Things that we do every week. I’ve been prepping the whole time, just staying in shape and getting out there. Game speed is a little different, huffing and puffing, but I was glad to be out there. I could play another quarter right now.”

Taking advantage of this opportunity will only lead to more chances for Jones to get out there and be more involved on offense in the future.

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Seahawks cornerback Tre Brown edging closer to 2022 debut

After recovering from a torn patellar tendon, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Tre Brown is getting closer to making his 2022 season debut.

It’s been a long road back for Seattle Seahawks second-year cornerback Tre Brown, who suffered a torn patellar tendon to end his rookie season. Now back on the active roster, Brown is edging closer to making his 2022 debut.

Brown was a full-go this week in practice, but coach Pete Carroll remains mum as to whether or not he’ll appear this week against the Raiders.

“Really, I’m banking on what I had seen before,” Carroll said of what he expects to see from Brown going forward. “We didn’t get enough work with him coming into this year, but he’s practiced really well, he’s really flying around, he’s strong, he’s aggressive, and he’s a good tackler. He was really accurate and did not make very many errors at all when he was coming up, that’s why he was able to push his way to be starting.”

But this year things are a little different in the Seahawks locker room, with 10 games already in the books and other corners having embraced the next-man-up mentality. Still, Carroll has high expectations.

“I feel like we are getting a starter coming back to us and we need to see how that fits in,” Carroll continued. “We’ve liked the play of our guys, but we will see about playtime and how we can work him back in as we go along here.”

The Seahawks and Raiders are set to kick off Sunday at 1:05 from Lumen Field.

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Tight end Teagan Quitoriano made impressive debut vs. Eagles

Quitoriano’s touchdown on his first career catch put him in good company as the third player to accomplish the task in #Texans history

Not much has gone right for the Houston Texans in the passing game, but one unlikely contributor may have put together a performance against the Eagles that could necessitate a more prominent role in the offense moving forward. Rookie tight end Teagan Quitoriano caught the first pass of his career for a touchdown in the game and joined some exclusive company as the third player in team history to accomplish the feat.

He joined receivers Derrick Armstrong and Jaelen Strong, who managed the task in 2003 and 2015 respectively, which may bode well for his usage this week against the New York Giants in a game where Houston will need to pull out all stops to get their second win of the season.

Quitoriano was a fifth-round pick in April’s draft by way of Oregon State and was one of the lesser-known tight end prospects in the draft behind the likes of Daniel Bellinger and Isaiah Likely. The rookie has been used sparingly through the Texans’ nine games in 2022, but veteran O.J. Howard’s lackluster play could force the coaching staff to thrust Quitoriano into significant playing time if he practices as well as he played against the Eagles.

While he certainly isn’t a finished product just yet, Quitoriano has shown flashes of brilliance on his college film and was a key part of the Beaver’s offense last year at the collegiate level. His upside as a blocker made him one of the more coveted players at the position in the 2022 class, and with soft hands to boot, Quitoriano may prove to be one of the better value picks of the draft if he can show consistent improvement over the Texans’ last eight games.

As the team reevaluates its roadmap heading into next season, expect Quitoriano’s name to come up as a valuable piece of developing talent who might be able to help in Houston’s rebuilding process.