Tag: Isaiah Williams

Why did Bengals add rookie and attempt to claim Pro Bowler?

The Bengals made one move and attempted more on the waiver wire. Here’s why.

The Cincinnati Bengals got busy on the waiver wire this week, adding one player and attempting to add another while looking at both sides of the ball.

Now, the question is simple—why?

After sitting out of the trade deadline, why make moves at problems of need now, and with these players?

 

WR Isaiah Williams

The Bengals were awarded Williams off waivers from the Detroit Lions. He’s a 5’10” rookie with some interesting versatility to play in base offense and return kicks on special teams.

While some might point to the Jermaine Burton drama as a reason for this move, it likely pertains more to Charlie Jones. While one of the most dangerous returners in the league when healthy, Jones is once again on the shelf with an injury. A groin injury prevented him from practicing all week. They need guys to soak up reps in practice, if not get on the field during games.

 

DE Yannick Ngakoue

The Bengals were one of just two teams to put in a claim on Ngakoue, the veteran who was just waived by Baltimore. But New England had higher priority, so they didn’t get him.

This one will frustrate fans. Rather than find a deal they liked at the trade deadline, the Bengals waited and hoped to find help on the wire. They need rotational depth because for whatever reason, former first-rounder Myles Murphy isn’t playing all that much.

 

What’s it mean?

Expect the Bengals to use the wire again soon in the near future. If nothing else, the team can acknowledge the needs, just like the trade for a running back, even if it feels like a case of too little or too late.

 

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Lions make transactions involving 7 players ahead of Week 10

Lions make transactions involving 7 players ahead of Week 10, including placing Jalen Reeves-Maybin on IR and signing 3 from practice squad

It was a very busy Saturday for the Lions ahead of their trip to Houston to play the Texans in Week 10. Detroit made roster moves involving seven players.

The Lions waived EDGE Isaiah Thomas at the first possible opportunity. Thomas was signed off the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad after Week 6, meaning the Lions had to keep him on the active roster for at least three weeks. That time expired ahead of Week 10, and Thomas’ meager contributions (3 tackles, zero QB hurries) made him expendable.

Detroit also placed linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin on injured reserve. Reeves-Maybin suffered a neck injury suffered in the Week 9 win in Green Bay. He will miss at least the next four games, including Sunday.

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To fill those roster vacancies, the Lions signed three players from the practice squad to the active roster:

TE Shane Zylstra
EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad
LB Abraham Beauplan

Zylstra was out of practice squad elevations, so his signing was expected after the team waived rookie WR Isaiah Williams during the week. Williams has since been claimed by the Cincinnati Bengals.

In this week’s practice squad elevations, offensive tackle Jamarco Jones and linebacker Ezekiel Turner were promoted to play against Houston. It is the first elevation for each player in 2024.

Bengals claim Isaiah Williams off waivers from the Lions

The Cincinnati Bengals claim rookie WR Isaiah Williams off waivers from the Lions

Isaiah Williams is a Lion no more. The rookie wideout was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday, a day after Detroit waived him in a bit of a surprising move.

All players who are waived or released after the NFL trade deadline, which was Tuesday, are subject to waiver claims. The Bengals snatched up Williams after their 35-34 heartbreaking loss to Baltimore on Thursday night.

An undrafted rookie from Illinois, Williams earned a spot as the Lions’ backup slot receiver with a strong training camp and preseason. He played sparingly over the first nine weeks, catching two passes for six yards with Detroit.

Bengals claim former Lions player on waiver wire after Week 10

The Bengals claimed a player on the waiver wire.

The Cincinnati Bengals swiped a player from the waiver wire on Friday after the team’s Week 10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

There, the team added wide receiver Isaiah Williams, who was just released by the Detroit Lions the day prior.

Undrafted out of Illinois, Williams was a success story in Detroit as he surged up the depth chart and made the initial 53-man roster.

A 5’10” weapon with skills as a returner on special teams, this addition for the Bengals probably says more about the injury status of Charlie Jones than it does about Tee Higgins.

Either way, the Bengals aren’t totally opposed to adding outside talent and wide receiver continues to be a notable injury spot to watch on the roster.

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Lions waive rookie wide receiver in surprising move

Lions waive rookie wide receiver Isaiah Williams in surprising move

In an unexpected move after Thursday’s practice session ahead of Week 10, the Detroit Lions announced they have waived rookie wide receiver Isaiah Williams.

Williams made the team as an undrafted free agent from Illinois and had seen brief action in two games on offense and special teams, including a nice kick return in the Week 9 win in Green Bay. He had been a healthy scratch several times. He had impressed throughout training camp and preseason as a slot weapon and return specialist.

The waiver of Williams comes without a corollary roster move, which makes it more of a surprise.

Four-star safety Isaiah Williams includes Longhorns in final five

More help could be on the way, as four-star safety Isiah Williams released his top five schools, which included the Longhorns

Over the last few months, the Texas Longhorns have been busy adding to their 2026 class. More help could be on the way, as four-star safety Isaiah Williams released his top five schools, which included the Longhorns. While Wiliams has not set a commitment date, but his recruitment is being closely watched.

Earlier this season, Williams made headlines when he visited Austin during week one. He was originally supposed to visit Texas A&M but prioritized seeing the Longhorns in action. They did not disappoint in a 52-0 win in which they held Colorado State to 192 yards of total offense.

During his visit, Williams liked what he saw. After the game, the Fort Bend Marshall product told OrangeBloods Writer/Editor Jason Suchomel, “It was good. It was domination, what I expected. It was a good game, good atmosphere. I had a good time all around.”

Although the Longhorns have made a good impression on Williams, they still have competition. The other schools in his top five are Ohio State, LSU, Missouri, and Oklahoma. His interest from some of the top programs in the country comes as no surprise. Rivals ranks him as the 23rd-best safety in the 2026 class.

If Texas can land Williams, they will add one of the top safeties on the board. The Longhorns already have one of the best defenses in the nation, and adding a player like Wiliams will make their future brighter.

Lions vs. Cardinals: Friday injury report medical breakdown

Lions vs. Cardinals: Friday injury report medical breakdown and outlook from Dr. Liao

For the Lions, the only starter I’m expecting to be out is Alex Anzalone. Otherwise, the Lions are healthy heading into Arizona.

The Cardinals started the week with a tiny injury report but had two players suffer new hamstring injuries during the week that could impact the game.

DETROIT LIONS

See my postgame report for videos of injuries to Anzalone, St. Brown, and Arnold.

Alex Anzalone (NP LP LP) QUESTIONABLE concussion, LB

The 2x LP to finish the week gives him a chance. But I’m guessing he and the Lions play it safe instead of trying to rush through the concussion protocol. If he’s out, his excellent speed will be missed as the Lions try to contain Kyler Murray.

Graham Glasgow (NP LP LP) QUESTIONABLE knee, OG

After playing 100% of snaps last game vs the Bucs with no obvious signs of knee injury on video, Glasgow’s knee was a surprise listing. We don’t know the diagnosis but Dan Campbell said Friday, “he’s good… no issues.”, thus expect him to be in.

Terrion Arnold (NP NP LP) illness, CB

A “stomach bug,” in medical terms, is likely an infectious gastroenteritis that can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. It typically resolves without any special treatment such as antibiotics. In rare cases, similar symptoms can be due to appendicitis, so glad that’s not the problem here.

With gastroenteritis, dehydration is common, so Arnold will need to make sure he is staying well-hydrated as he heads into the dry desert. I’m currently in Arizona, where the daytime temperatures are a toasty 90-100 degrees, although the climate will be significantly more reasonable in the hotel and stadium.

The finger was confirmed to be a simple dislocation. Sometimes, dislocations can result in fractures or other complications that require surgery, so good he avoided that.

A simple dislocation typically heals within 3-6 weeks and can be protected with a splint or buddy tape while healing.

Amon-Ra St. Brown (FP FP FP) IN quad, WR

He had a definite left thigh contusion last game and possibly a mild muscle strain as well. With 3x FP, there is minimal concern of an aggravation.

Ennis Rakestraw (NP NP NP) OUT hamstring, CB

Rakestraw hurt his hamstring in pregame warm-ups before the Bucs game. With 3x NP, there is concern for a more severe strain. Whether he goes on IR or not this weekend will tell us a lot.

Marcus Davenport (FP FP FP) IN groin, DE

Good that the groin issue was nothing serious. Groin issues are often due to simple muscle strains.

Kerby Joseph (LP FP FP) IN back, S

Nice to see Joseph’s hamstring from last week never popped back up.

Isaiah Williams (LP LP LP) QUESTIONABLE abdomen, WR

Williams was out with an ab last week and it’s a good sign he got 3x LP this week. He’s likely an inactive not just because of the injury but because all the receivers ahead of him are healthy and Tim Patrick looked good last game.

Ifeatu Melifonwu (NP NP NP) OUT ankle, S

Hurt likely during the 2nd preseason game, Dan Campbell on Friday said he’s “progressing”. Having an entire week of NP suggests that he’s still not that close, though.

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Kelvin Beachum ( — LP NP) QUESTIONABLE hamstring, OT

This new hamstring injury during the week could be a major factor on Sunday. The NP on Friday likely means he’s out for the game.

Already without starting RT Jonah Williams, the Cardinals may be playing their 3rd-string RT. Another chance for Aidan Hutchinson to have a monster day.

Greg Dortch ( — — LP) Questionable hamstring, WR

This is the other hamstring that popped up during the week. Dortch has been a productive player this year with eight catches for 58 yards.

Dante Stills (LP LP LP) QUESTIONABLE shoulder, DT

Stills played 40% of snaps in Week 1 but missed Week 2.

Will Hernandez (FP FP FP) IN ankle, G
Xavier Weaver (FP FP FP) IN oblique, WR
Xavier Thomas ( — NP FP) IN non-injury-related, LB

Notables Unlisted

Jonah Williams RT starter on IR
Darius Robinson DE 1st round rookie on IR
Zay Jones WR suspended
BJ Ojulari DE on IR
Elijah Jones CB 3rd round rookie on IR
Kyler Murray was listed with a knee last week but is off the report this week. Whatever knee issue he had certainly didn’t limit him last Sunday.

Three Lions upgrade their practice status, three more remain out

Three Lions upgrade their practice status, three more remain out on Thursday’s Detroit injury report

Thursday’s practice participation report from the Detroit Lions shows three players who upgraded their statuses from Wednesday’s session. Three more remain out with one more practice to go before game injury status declarations are made ahead of Sunday’s trip to Arizona to play the Cardinals.

The three who upgraded:

LB Alex Anzalone – Anzalone practiced on a limited basis as part of the NFL’s concussion protocol. He missed Wednesday’s session.

LG Graham Glasgow – Glasgow also went from out to limited. He’s dealing with a knee issue.

S Kerby Joseph – Joseph was a full participant on Thursday after being limited with a back issue on Wednesday.

Wide receiver Isaiah Williams remained limited with an abdomen injury that kept him out of the Week 2 game against Tampa Bay.

Three Lions are still out, as they were on Wednesday:

CB Terrion Arnold (illness)

S Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle)

CB Ennis Rakestraw (hamstring)

Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and EDGE Marcus Davenport have been full participants in both sessions, a great sign they’ll be in action on Sunday.

Four-Star safety impressed by Longhorns during visit

The Fort Bend Marshall product was originally schedule to visit Texas A&M but decided to visit Austin with teammate Caleb Chester and liked what he saw

In their 52-0 Week One win over Colorado State, the Texas Longhorns impressed across many across the country. That includes four-star safety Isaiah Williams who has not committed to a school yet. The Fort Bend Marshall product was originally schedule to visit Texas A&M but decided to visit Austin with teammate Caleb Chester and liked what he saw.

“It was good. It was domination, what I expected,” Williams told Orangebloods Writer/ Editor Jason Suchomel. “It was a good game, good atmosphere. I had a good time all around.”

While Williams has yet to finalize his list of schools, Texas has a strong chance to make his final list. Other programs that have made an offer include Baylor, Arizona State, Florida, and Ohio State. Rivals ranks him as the 23rd-best safety in the 2026 class.

During the recruiting process, Texas has been hard at work building a relationship with Williams, which was on display during his surprise stop in Austin.

“I talked to coach (Blake) Gideon, Sark, coach Terry Joseph after the game and before the game,” Williams told Suchomel. “They were just telling me that they want me, once again, I’m a top priority. They’re just waiting on me now. We’re still trying to build that relationship to the next level. It’s all coming together now.”

The Longhorns’ focus now is on ensuring that Williams decides to spend his college career in Austin.

Potential worries about the 2024 Detroit Lions: WRs not named Amon-Ra St. Brown

The Lions have one elite WR in Amon-Ra St. Brown and them some question marks with unproven or unknown answers

The 2024 Detroit Lions are poised on the precipice of greatness. Dan Campbell’s Lions were within one half of the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance a year ago, and they’ve taken steps to significantly upgrade the pass defense.

Heck, I’ve picked Detroit to win the NFC this year. These Lions are that high-end.

Yet every team has flaws and vulnerabilities. Wrapping up the list of my biggest concerns (aside from “injuries”) about what might keep the Lions from achieving their full potential: wide receiver play from anyone not named Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Potential worries about the Detroit Lions: Defensive newcomers with injury histories

Potential worries about the 2024 Detroit Lions: The safety spot

Potential worries about the 2024 Detroit Lions: Kicking

The Lions are in great hands with St. Brown, an All-Pro who was briefly the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history earlier this offseason. He’s worth every penny, and St. Brown could very well set the league record for targets and receptions in 2024.

After St. Brown, well…

Every other wide receiver will be at least one spot higher on an NFL depth chart than they’ve ever been before. That starts with Jameson Williams, who has not done much in two star-crossed seasons.

Jamo

“Jamo” has the talent to step up and take over the No. 2 wideout role. With his incredible speed, lanky toughness and improved approach and maturity, Williams has done what he needed to do this offseason to earn the role and the respect. Yet as confident as I am that Williams will be an impact player, he’s caught all of 25 passes in 18 games (10 starts) in two years, hauling in less than half the balls thrown his way from Jared Goff.

I can see Williams, all 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds of him, being a high-variance player; one week he’ll catch eight passes for 111 yards and two TDs, then drops back to 2 catches for 27 yards the following week, with a drop mixed in for good measure. In the team’s final scrimmage of the summer, Williams didn’t see a ball thrown his way until very late in the action. On the weeks where Jamo is hitting big, the Lions have a fantastic 1-2 punch at WR.

Lif

Those other weeks require someone else to step up, be it Kalif Raymond or Isaiah Williams. Raymond is an effective outside vertical threat despite being just 5-foot-8 and 180 pounds, but he’s fairly limited by size. He’s been great as a subpackage player the last two seasons, but in his one year as a (mostly) full-time starter, Raymond had a low yards-per-catch and overall catch rate relative to the rest of his career. He’s better in a more concentrated role.

The rookie

Isaiah Williams made the team as an undrafted rookie, and he earned that spot. He’s also undersized at 5-foot-9 and 186 pounds, but that makes him the second-heaviest receiver on the roster. Williams has also been playing wide receiver for only three years, starting out at Illinois as a quarterback. He’s nifty and shifty working the middle of the field and on special teams, but that’s about all he immediately offers.

Obviously, the Lions are going to mitigate the relative weakness at wideout by relying more heavily than most teams on the tight ends and running backs in the passing game. Detroit is loaded at those spots with record-setting Sam LaPorta, electrifying Jahmyr Gibbs and quality receivers in David Montgomery and Brock Wright. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is creatively aggressive and will be able to find some ways to make things work; of that, I have very little doubt. But that’s not always going to be enough.

Teams that can contain St. Brown and/or take away the middle of the field routes where Goff thrives the most are going to present issues for the Lions — potentially. You can bet opposing defenses will try, and these other Lions wideouts have yet to prove they’re capable of making them consistently pay.

Oh yeah, the practice squad…

The name value is high with Tim Patrick, Allen Robinson and Donovan Peoples-Jones. Back in 2020, that would have been a wicked starting threesome. It’s now 2024 and all three were cut this summer, including DPJ by the Lions even after the team essentially dared him to lose a gig–which he did. Robinson looked very slow in Pittsburgh last year and has a ton of mileage on his oft-injured, 31-year-old body. Patrick hasn’t played in two seasons and has about the same number of career receptions (143) as I believe St. Brown projects to get in 2024. Hopefully, someone rises up for a handful of weeks and provides solid play, but based on the summer, that’s nothing more than hope.