Tag: Ihmir Smith-Marsette

Giants injury report: Tyrone Tracy Jr. advances in concussion protocol

New York Giants RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. advanced in concussion protocol and has a chance to play against the Washington Commanders on Sunday.

The New York Giants took the field on Thursday for their second of three practices ahead of a Week 9 game against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium.

Beforehand, head coach Brian Daboll delivered a positive injury update, revealing that all but two players — punter Jamie Gillan and wide receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton — would return to practice.

Daboll also stated that rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. advanced in concussion protocol and would wear the red non-contact jersey.

“Trending in the right direction,” Daboll said.

In further good news, Daboll said there’s a strong chance veteran cornerback Adoree’ Jackson returns for Sunday’s game against Washington barring a setback.

“Good to go,” he said of Jackson

The Giants’ full Thursday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: P Jamie Gillan (hamstring), WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Achilles)

Limited participant: RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (concussion), CB Adoree’ Jackson (neck), CB Cor’Dale Flott (groin), CB Tre Hawkins (groin), OL Jake Kubas (abdomen), OL John Michael Schmitz (calf), LB Ty Summers (ankle), OL Joshua Ezeudu (knee), WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette (ankle), OL Jon Runyan Jr. (foot)

Full participant: OL Jermaine Eluemunor (hip), LB Brian Burns (groin/biceps), LB Matthew Adams (knee), NT Dexter Lawrence (rest)

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Giants injury report: Tyrone Tracy Jr. in concussion protocol

New York Giants rookie RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. is in the “early stages” of concussion protocol and may not be available in Week 9 vs. Washington.

The New York Giants returned to the practice field on Wednesday afternoon in preparation for a Week 9 game against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

On short rest, the Giants had a lengthy injury report with several veterans and stars sitting out, including nose tackle Dexter Lawrence and running back Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Head coach Brian Daboll revealed that Tracy, who left Monday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, was in the “early stages” of concussion protocol. He is 50-50 to play against the Commanders.

Lawrence, who has been battling a hip injury for most of the season, was given a veteran rest day.

Meanwhile, offensive tackle Joshua Ezeudu had his knee drained and missed practice, paving the way for veteran Chris Hubbard to start at left tackle for the second consecutive week.

The Giants’ full Wednesday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (concussion), NT Dexter Lawrence (rest), P Jamie Gillan (hamstring), OL Joshua Ezeudu (knee), WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Achilles), WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette (ankle), LB Matthew Adams (knee)

Limited participant: LB Brian Burns (groin/biceps), CB Adoree’ Jackson (neck), OL Jermaine Eluemunor (hip), CB Cor’Dale Flott (groin), CB Tre Hawkins (groin), OL Jake Kubas (abdomen), OL John Michael Schmitz (calf), LB Ty Summers (ankle)

Full participant: None

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It’s only Week 3 and Giants are already playing specialist roulette

Injuries already have the New York Giants playing “specialist roulette” and it’s only Week 3 of the 2024 regular season.

It’s only Week 3 but the New York Giants’ special teams are already a revolving door.

First, the Giants lost returners Isaiah McKenzie and Gunner Olszewski to injuries and last week, had to play without a kicker after Graham Gano tweaked a hamstring on the opening kickoff and was ruled out.

This week, the Giants signed veteran kicker Cory Joseph to spell Gano, who was placed on injured reserve (IR). But he has yet to be named the starter.

Joseph will apparently still have to beat out practice squadder Jude McAtamney for the role.

“It’s going to be good competition between him and Jude,” special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial said on Thursday. “I think at the end of the day, you always want to have multiple specialists on your roster.

“Jude, again, (we) have ultimate confidence in him and his ability to go out there and have success. And then the same thing with Greg. The thing that Greg has is obviously the experience of kicking in games and obviously the good production with that. And then Jude, like I said, had a very promising preseason.

“So, it’s not necessarily a lack of what he still needs to prove or still needs to show. We’re going take it down the wire and figure out who gives us the best chance to win in Cleveland.”

At returner, the Giants signed Ihmir Smith-Marsette last week but he did not get on the field. It appears he may have been the primary punt returner but there was one catch — the Commanders did not punt in the game.

“Honestly, him being here for a little bit over a week now, you’re excited for him to get those opportunities,” Ghobrial said. “The thing I love about him is he’s not going necessarily… He’s a great teammate and you could feel that already. When he gets his opportunities, he’s going to be excited to take advantage of that. So, the person has definitely checked all the boxes.

“The player has checked all the boxes. He approaches the game the right way. In practice, he’s always asking questions on exactly where we want things to unfold. Obviously, we’re excited for him when he gets his opportunity to go out there and have success.”

The Giants have been using running backs Eric Gray and Tyron Tracy Jr. as kick returners. Gray, if you recall, was a disaster in that role last year as a rookie. So far, he’s averaged 25.0 yards per return on six attempts with no turnovers.

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Giants sign former Panthers WR on Monday

Former Panthers WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette is headed to the Giants.

A former Carolina Panthers wideout has landed in familiar ground.

According to ESPN NFL Nation reporter Jordan Raanan, the New York Giants have signed receiver and return specialist Ihmir Smith-Marsette. The Newark, N.J. native had been released by the Panthers back on Aug. 28, a day before his 25th birthday.

Carolina acquired Smith-Marsette in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs prior to the start of the 2023 regular season. (That deal, in another festively fateful stroke, actually went down on his 24th birthday.)

Smith-Marsette went on to appear in all 17 games for the Panthers during the 2023 campaign, where he served as the team’s primary punt returner. He totaled 322 yards on a league-high 37 punt returns, including a 79-yard touchdown against the Chicago Bears in Week 10.

The speedster was in the mix to remain in his role under new head coach Dave Canales. Carolina, however, ultimately decided to give the return duties to running back Raheem Blackshear and veteran wideout David Moore.

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Ihmir Smith-Marsette ‘celebrates’ his birthday after being cut by Panthers

The Panthers cut WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette a day before his 25th birthday.

Before cutting a cake on Thursday, wideout Ihmir Smith-Marsette dealt with a cut of his own this afternoon.

On Wednesday, the 24-year-old receiver was one of six players waived by the Carolina Panthers. And yeah, it just so happens that the move literally went down a day before his 25th birthday.

Nevertheless, Smith-Marsette took to Twitter/X to “celebrate” shortly after the news broke . . .

Smith-Marsette appeared in all 17 games for Carolina during the 2023 campaign, where he served as the team’s primary punt returner. The speedster totaled 322 yards on a league-high 37 punt returns, including a 79-yard touchdown against the Chicago Bears in Week 10.

But with Smith-Marsette off the roster and on waivers (at least for now), the Panthers must find his replacement on return duties. Head coach Dave Canales offered a few options following Wednesday’s practice.

“Raheem Blackshear, he’s a fantastic returner. He can do both,” Canales said to reporters. “David Moore can also do both. Mike Boone has been a returner in his past. So those are some of the guys that we’re really counting on.”

In any event . . . happy birthday, Ihmir!

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Panthers HC Dave Canales asked about OLB, CB, punt returner jobs

Panthers HC Dave Canales offered some insight into a few of the team’s biggest question marks.

Amazingly enough, the Carolina Panthers’ big roster cutdown did not give us clearer answers on a number of question marks throughout the starting unit. In fact, Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s moves may have even clouded the situation for those on the outside looking in.

But head coach Dave Canales seems to have a decent outlook.

Canales spoke with reporters following this afternoon’s practice, and was asked if the newly-acquired Michael (or Mike) Jackson is the favorite to start alongside Jaycee Horn at the cornerback position.

“It looks like that right now. But again, adding these guys—kinda hopeful to see what they can bring to us and see how quickly they can assimilate into our system,” Canales said of the team’s latest additions.

“Michael has experience in this scheme the last couple of years in Seattle. So, he’s fully aware of what’s expected of him from a scheme standpoint, and he’s the right style of player. He’s exactly what we look for. He shows up tough and physical at the ball, he’s got speed, he’s got size, all those things. Just an accountable guy.”

The Panthers traded for Jackson in exchange for 2024 seventh-round pick and linebacker Michael Barrett last Thursday. They also placed waiver claims on three cornerbacks earlier this afternoon—Keenan Isaac, Shemar Bartholomew and Tariq Castro-Fields.

Canales was later asked about the other starting position in question on the defense—the No. 2 job off the edge next to Jadeveon Clowney.

“Yeah, up for grabs still,” he stated. “This is a group of guys that’s worked really hard through camp and just gonna continue to see what DJ [Johnson], Eku [Leota], K’Lavon [Chaisson] can bring to us.”

Clowney, Johnson, Leota and Chaisson were the only four outside linebackers announced to the team’s initial 53-man roster. Carolina has since looked to add a few more at the spot—including former Seahawk Jamie Sheriff.

And next, the punt returner duties—left vacant by today’s release of wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette.

“Raheem Blackshear, he’s a fantastic returner. He can do both,” Canales later said. “David Moore can also do both. Mike Boone has been a returner in his past. So those are some of the guys that we’re really counting on.”

With the first game of the regular season set for Sunday, Sept. 8, Canales and the Panthers will have about a week to find their answers.

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Panthers announce waiver claims for 6 players on Wednesday

The Panthers officially announced their claims for six players on Wednesday.

Yes, guys. It’s official. It’s confirmed. The deals are sealed.

Following yesterday’s cutdowns to this season’s initial 53-man rosters, the Carolina Panthers announced waiver claims for six players on Wednesday afternoon. The group features former Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Keenan Isaac, former New York Jets cornerback Shemar Bartholomew, former Washington Commanders cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields, former Seattle Seahawks linebackers Jamie Sheriff and Jon Rhattigan and former San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Jarrett Kingston.

Carolina’s fresh trio of cornerbacks is headlined by Isaac, who had a standout preseason for the divisional rival Bucs. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound defensive back earned a 90.2 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus over his three exhibition outings on the summer.

To make room for the claims, the Panthers also announced the departures of six players from their initial 53-man roster—wide receivers Ihmir Smith-Marsette and Jalen Coker, offensive lineman Cade Mays, defensive lineman Jayden Peevy, cornerback D’Shawn Jamison and safety Demani Richardson.

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Initial 53-man roster projection for the 2024 Panthers

Here is our final projection for the Panthers’ initial 2024 53-man roster:

Now that the preseason is officially in the books, the Carolina Panthers have another task to tackle—the big cutdown.

Between now and 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, the Panthers and the rest of the NFL’s 31 teams must get down to their initial 53-player rosters.

Here is our final projection for Carolina’s initial 53:

Quarterbacks (2)

In: Bryce Young, Andy Dalton
Out: Jack Plummer

Plummer impressed in the summer finale, completing 21 of his 29 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns. But that still won’t be enough to devote a third spot on the roster to a quarterback.

Running backs (4)

In: Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders, Raheem Blackshear, Mike Boone
Out: Jaden Shirden
Reserve/NFI list: Jonathon Brooks

Boone has benefitted from the inactivity of both Blackshear and Brooks, who isn’t expected back for at least a handful of weeks into the regular season. And luckily for the former, his successful track record as a kick returner keeps him around.

Wide receivers (6)

In: Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette, Jonathan Mingo, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, David Moore
Out: Terrace Marshall Jr., Michael Strachan, Jalen Coker, Sam Pinckney

The sixth and final spot came down to Marshall Jr. and Moore. Moore’s experience on special teams and his previous history with head coach Dave Canales in both Seattle and Tampa Bay give him the edge.

Tight ends (4)

In: Tommy Tremble, Ian Thomas, Ja’Tavion Sanders, Jordan Matthews
Out: Feleipe Franks, Jacob Hollister, Jesper Horsted

Matthews earned his spot with a spectacular summer. The 32-year-old opened the preseason with a team-high 48 receiving yards in New England and ended it with a touchdown to kick off the last outing in Buffalo.

Offensive linemen (9)

In: Ikem Ekwonu, Damien Lewis, Austin Corbett, Robert Hunt, Taylor Moton, Brady Christensen, Yosh Nijman, Cade Mays, Chandler Zavala
Out: Ricky Lee, Jeremiah Crawford, Mason Brooks, Andrew Raym, Jack Anderson, Ike Boettger, Tyler Smith

Given that he’s the only true center on the roster, Raym has a shot to stick on. But the versatility of backups such as Nijman, Christensen and Mays allows the Panthers to keep the number of hog mollies at nine.

Defensive linemen (5)

In: Derrick Brown, A’Shawn Robinson, Shy Tuttle, Nick Thurman, LaBryan Ray
Out: Jaden Crumedy, T.J. Smith, Ulomoo Ale, Jayden Peevy, Walter Palmore, Junior Aho

Crumedy, the team’s sixth-round selection from this spring, could be in trouble while dealing a high-ankle sprain. So could Smith, who’d be a favorite to sneak back on as a practice squad member after recording a pair of sacks this preseason.

Outside linebackers (5)

In: Jadeveon Clowney, K’Lavon Chaisson, DJ Johnson, Eku Leota, Luiji Vilain
Out: Cam Gill, Derrick McLendon, Kenny Dyson
Reserve/Physically unable to perform list: D.J. Wonnum, Amaré Barno

Vilain and Gill could be battling for the fifth locker. But if it actually doesn’t go to either, look for the Panthers to pick up a pass rusher off the street.

Inside linebackers (4)

In: Shaq Thompson, Josey Jewell, Trevin Wallace, Claudin Cherelus
Out: Chandler Wooten, Tae Davis, Aaron Beasley

Canales does not take special teams prowess for granted. Cherelus and Wooten could claim spots with theirs.

Cornerbacks (6)

In: Jaycee Horn, Michael Jackson, Troy Hill, Chau Smith-Wade, Dicaprio Bootle, D’Shawn Jamison
Out: Willie Drew, Chris Wilcox, Quandre Mosely
Injured: Dane Jackson

The “significant” hamstring injury to Jackson (Dane, that is) could force the Panthers to keep a few outside options—including both Bootle and Jamison.

Safeties (5)

In: Xavier Woods, Jordan Fuller, Nick Scott, Jammie Robinson, Alex Cook
Out: Demani Richardson, Rudy Ford
Injured: Sam Franklin Jr.

As Canales has stated, there’s no replacing Franklin Jr.—who will be out for quite a bit while healing up a broken foot. Cook, however, could give the Panthers a little bit back on special teams.

Specialists (3)

In: Eddy Piñeiro, Johnny Hekker, JJ Jansen

Well, nothing to see here.

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Panthers HC Dave Canales gives update on team’s WR competition

How are the guys behind Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen and Xavier Legette looking? Panthers HC Dave Canales gave us an update on Saturday.

There’s plenty of buzz surrounding new Carolina Panthers wide receivers Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette heading into the 2024 season. But what about the guys behind them?

Head coach Dave Canales hit the lectern after wrapping up the third practice of training camp on Saturday morning. He was asked how the team’s wideout competition—particularly the one behind the projected top three options of Johnson, Legette and Adam Thielen—has panned out thus far.

“Man, you see [Jonathan] Mingo, Terrace Marshall—really showin’ who they are,” he replied. “David Moore—you throw the ball his way, he comes up with it. So I’ve really seen those guys come through and we can depend on them.

“It’s a really good room. Really good competition. Some different style of players. Ihmir [Smith-Marsette] making some nice plays today. So it’s something that we’re counting on.”

Before heading the ship here in Charlotte and his days as a “quarterback whisperer,” Canales spent a good chunk of his NFL career as a wide receivers coach. The former Azusa Pacific University pass catcher led the position group for Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks from 2010 to 2017—an eight-year run where he worked with the likes of Golden Tate, Doug Baldwin, Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf.

So, yeah, Canales probably knows what he’s looking at when it comes to this spot. And now, he’s hoping his current receivers keep their heads (and hands) in the right direction.

“We talk about creating that competition and challenging every position—and that’s exactly what we want,” Canales added. “We wanna make sure everybody’s pursuin’ their best. They’re not looking left and right. They’re just focusing on their execution and we’re getting good execution out of those guys right now.”

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Panthers HC Dave Canales speaks on team’s WR, TE competitions

Panthers HC Dave Canales went into some great detail about the developments at the WR and TE positions.

The Carolina Panthers haven’t had the most productive pass catchers in the NFL of late. But perhaps a new offense and a little competition will change that.

First-year head coach Dave Canales spoke with reporters after Wednesday’s session of mandatory minicamp. And as the team heads into a summer break before training camp, Joe Person of The Athletic asked if any competitions have been catching his eye.

“Shoot, I mean, I can’t really speak about one position without speaking about all of them, Joe, honestly,” Canales replied. “Start with the offense—I love the versatility and the players that we have in the tight end room. I think that we have a really strong group there. And so I see a group that they’re all gonna be pushing to see who those guys are.

“And Tommy [Tremble], Ian [Thomas] had a fantastic spring. Ja’Tavion [Sanders] showed that he can play football while he’s still learning stuff about our offense. He wants to know, he’s focused and locked in. Sully, Stephen Sullivan, the talent that he brings, how he can stretch the field, the length that he plays with. And even a guy like Jordan Matthews who understands how critical special teams is—for him to show he can be a reliable player there and then to do some things on offense too that we like.”

The Panthers haven’t seen much out of the tight end spot since the days of franchise great Greg Olsen. Over the past three seasons, all players at the spot have combined for 1,530 yards and eight touchdowns on 154 receptions.

Canales would then touch on the wideouts.

“At the receiver position, we have a bunch of guys that have been here for a while that are so hungry,” he added. “[Adam] Thielen was here, but Terrace Marshall, who’s had a fantastic last couple of weeks. Michael Strachan got back out there and he’s big and fast, just showing what he can do there. Ihmir Smith-Marsette makes a great play every day.

“Of course, having Diontae [Johnson] out there—he brings another element. He’s special. He knows how to play the game. He’s fast, he gets it, he’s a change-of-pace, a little bit different from the guys we have. Xavier [Legette], we gotta get him back out there so we can work him through that. But another good, solid group of guys that are executing what we want them to.”

Following a season full of separation problems, the Panthers added two very intriguing receivers—former Pro Bowler Diontae Johnson and 2024’s 32nd overall pick Xavier Legette. Legette, however, has remained sidelined for much of the spring due to a hamstring injury.

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