Tag: Jamison Crowder

Cole Beasley, Jamison Crowder open to returning to Bills

Cole Beasley, Jamison Crowder open to returning to #Bills:

The Buffalo Bills wide receiver room became a criticized area of the team’s roster by the time the 2022 season ended.

Stefon Diggs is cemented as the top man, but he could use some help.

In terms of a solution, both Cole Beasley and Jamison Crowder want to be part of that next year.

During locker cleanout day this week, both spoke to reporters. The pair of veterans said they have interest in returning to Buffalo in 2023 and the duo are among the team’s upcoming free agents.

“My son was asking me after the game if we could come back,” Beasley said this week.

“I would love to have a full season to prepare and be ready. I’m definitely looking forward to that if the opportunity presents itself. We’ll see,” Beasley added.

Beasley, 33, was the more successful of the two for the Bills. He re-signed with the team mid-season and scored his first-career playoff touchdown.

He also might have a leg up on being back because Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane commented on him at his end of season press conference. Beasley received a positive review.

Beane said he thought he “really started seeing the Cole you saw before” down the stretch run.

Overall, Beasley’s return did not have a massive impact. His role was limited, but the receiver said that was to be expected.

“I know how football works, it’s hard to add a guy late in the season and change your whole offense,” Beasley said. “I was happy with the opportunities I was given.”

He later added that “this probably the healthiest I’ve been at the end of the season in a long time.” That’s helping Beasley believe he has at least one more NFL season in him.

Health status brings us to Crowder. The 29-year-old came to Buffalo this past offseason with an opportunity to replace Beasley in the slot.

Injury derailed that. He went down in Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens. Crowder broke his ankle, having made six catches through four games prior to that.

But Crowder thought he could have added to his totals.

Specifically, Crowder said this week he was given a clean bill of health–He thought he could’ve played against the Cincinnati Bengals, but was not activated from injured reserve.

“I had been practicing and everything, I was cleared by the doctors,” Crowder said. “Mentally, I knew I could get out there and play.”

Regarding a potential re-signing of either, two factors come into mind.

The Bills drafted Khalil Shakir in 2022 who profiles as a player that could see an increased role out of the slot next season. That’s where both Beasley and Crowder play.

However, the two have much more experience than Shakir and might come cheap considering the circumstances. Buffalo is up against the salary cap next season, so if both are willing, an affordable one-year deal for either could be on the table.

Both might be names to monitor as free agency approaches.

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Bills designate Micah Hyde, Jamison Crowder to return from IR

Possible returns down the line:

The Buffalo Bills won’t have safety Micah Hyde nor wide receiver Jamison Crowder the lineup against the Miami Dolphins.

Beyond that, it’s possible.

On Wednesday, Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott announced that both players have been designated to return from injured reserve.

That update comes prior to the Bills-Dolphins matchup in the AFC Wild-Card round.

When providing the update, the coach noted that the pair will not be activated by Sunday’s game. But there is now a 21-day window that it’s possible the duo suit up.

The new designation is for Hyde and Crowder to practice with teammates as they prepare to potentially return tot he lineup. Buffalo is allowed to bring them back on the roster at any time during that 21-day frame, but as McDermott made known, it won’t be before Sunday.

If and when the Bills add Hyde or Crowder to their active roster, someone would have to be taken off of it to make room.

Hyde was originally injured back in Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans. He sustained a neck injury which was thought to be season ending.

Over the past few weeks, Hyde had been spotted doing light workouts on the side of practice which fueled speculation that he could return in the playoffs.

Where there’s smoke, there’s potentially fire for Hyde.

Crowder was making minimal contributions when he went down in Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens, but depth-wise, the Bills would welcome him back.

Crowder broke his ankle.

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Bills’ Jamison Crowder out indefinitely with ankle injury

#Bills’ Jamison Crowder out indefinitely with ankle injury:

The Buffalo Bills defeated the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4 but again lost to the injury bug.

Wide receiver Jamison Crowder was carted off the field during the contest after returning a punt during the 23-20 win. Following the game, Crowder was spotted with a boot on his foot.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Crowder suffered a broken ankle. Rap sheet said Crowder is “now out indefinitely” due to the issue.

Without Crowder, Buffalo turned to rookie Khalil Shakir in Baltimore. Shakir started returning kicks and even recorded his first-career catch on offense. Moving forward that’s likely to continue but the team might go on to add some depth at the position.

The most likely candidate might be calling veteran Tavon Austin up from the practice squad. He has experience both as a wideout and as a returner.

Also on the taxi squad is Isaiah Hodgins. He caught the attention of fans during the preseason but Hodgins does not have the special teams versatility that Crowder, Austin and Shakir all have.

However, there’s still always a possibility he gets a future call up from the practice squad.

Along with Crowder, receiver Isaiah McKenzie also left the game with a head injury.

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Report: Bills’ Jamison Crowder on crutches after Ravens win

Report: #Bills’ Jamison Crowder on crutches after #Ravens win:

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Jamison Crowder’s injury status took another negative blow, post win over the Baltimore Ravens.

During the 23-20 Week 4 win for the Bills, Crowder exited the game due to injury. He appeared to have suffered a foot or ankle issue during a punt return and was eventually carted off the field.

According to the Bills injury analyst “Banged Up Bills” on Twitter, Crowder suffered a possible high-ankle sprain:

Furthering that analysis after the contest was The Athletic.

Per a report, Crowder had a walking boot on his foot coming out of the Bills locker room. He was also on crutches:

Without Crowder, Buffalo turned to rookie Khalil Shakir in Baltimore. Shakir started returning kicks and even recorded his first-career catch on offense.

The Bills have yet to officially announce any injury designations relating to any injured players from their win against the Ravens. Along with Crowder, receiver Isaiah McKenzie also left the game with a head injury.

Bills Wire will provide updates when information is made available. Check back.

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Bills’ Jamison Crowder doubtful to return vs. Ravens due to injury

#Bills’ Jamison Crowder doubtful to return vs. #Ravens due to injury:

The Bills are down receiver Jamison Crowder against the Ravens.

Near halftime, Crowder went down due to an ankle injury. Eventually, he was taken to the locker room on a cart.

The team has gone on to announce that Crowder’s potential return is listed as doubtful:

Without Crowder, the Bills turned to rookie receiver Khalil Shakir.

With safety Micah Hyde’s season over due to injury, he was unable to fill in as a punt returner. Shakir took over there.

Shakir did in the passing game as well. He caught his first-career pass following Crowder’s departure.

Bills Wire will provide later updates as information is made available.

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When they last met: Jacksonville and Washington

Can you guess who was Washington’s quarterback the last time the team faced the Jaguars?

“When They Last Met” is an ongoing series during the NFL season, recalling the preceding game between Washington and the next opponent on the Commanders’ schedule.

Washington 16, Jacksonville 13 – Week 15, December 16, 2018

Dustin Hopkins’ 36-yard field goal on the game’s final play provided Washington a 16-13 win over the Jaguars at TIAA Stadium in Jacksonville.

Tied 13-13, Fabian Moreau’s interception of a Cody Kessler pass intended for Dede Westbrook halted a 7-play Jacksonville drive at the Washington 29. Moreau’s 16-yard return put the ball at Washington’s 45 with 2:31 remaining.

The Redskins then drove 36 yards to the Jaguars’ 19-yard line, setting up Hopkins’ opportunity to win the game with his field goal. Persistently,  Washington had gone to Adrian Peterson on six consecutive plays before quarterback Josh Johnson knelt for a 2-yard loss, setting-up Hopkins for his game-winner.

Peterson ran for 4 yards, had a 7-yard completion from Johnson, then runs of 15,7,1 and 4 yards before Johnson’s kneel-down put Hopkins where he wanted the ball snapped for his winning field goal.

Former Washington kicker Kai Forbath’s 41-yard field goal with 11:16 remaining had extended the Jacksonville lead to 13-6. But Johnson led Washington on a 68-yard drive in 10 plays, tying the score on his 6-yard pass to Jeremy Sprinkle at the right pylon.

Ryan Kerrigan and Jonathan Allen both had productive days defensively for Washington. Kerrigan collected 2 QB sacks, 5 solo tackles, 4 QB hits, one forced fumble and a tackle for a loss. Allen also earned 2 QB sacks, 4 solo tackles, three tackles for a loss and 2 QB hits.

Johnson completed 16 of 25 passing attempts for 151 yards, also rushing for 49 yards on 9 carries. Jamison Crowder led Washington receivers with 4 receptions for 46 yards. While Peterson rushed for 51 yards on 19 carries.

Westbrook enjoyed the game’s biggest play when he returned a Tress Way punt 74 yards for a touchdown with only 4 seconds remaining in the half, giving the Jaguars a 10-3 lead.

 

ESPN: Slot WR is Bills’ biggest training camp battle

ESPN: Slot WR is #Bills’ biggest training camp battle:

Training camp competitions are ramping up in the NFL. Now that teams have been battling on the field for a few weeks of training camp, some positional clashes are developing.

ESPN examined the camp battles that are heating up for ever team. For the Bills, the selection was the battle on the inside at slot wide receiver.

Here’s how ESPN broke down things there:

After wide receiver Cole Beasley was released this offseason, Isaiah McKenzie has emerged as the leading candidate to take his spot at slot receiver. Free agent addition Jamison Crowder missed a significant portion of camp with a lower-extremity issue, which leaves him behind in the battle. He will have to impress for the rest of camp and the preseason to keep up with McKenzie.

McKenzie re-signed with the Bills in March via a two-year deal.

McKenzie saw time in the slot and was a versatile receiver, often found in motion and running jet sweeps. He ended last year with 20 receptions for 178 receiving yards and nine rushes for 47 yards. McKenzie broke out when filling in for Beasley in Week 16 in 2021, catching 11 passes for 125 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Crowder, a seven-year veteran, has been a reliable player in his career. However, Crowder has missed nine games combined over the past two years with the New York Jets and time during this summer’s training camp in Rochester.

Last year, Crowder caught 51 passes for 447 yards, registering a career-low 8.8 yards per catch.

The final X-factor in this competition is fifth-round pick Khalil Shakir. Shakir had a solid senior season for Boise State, grabbing 77 passes for 1,117 yards and seven touchdowns. Shakir added 12 rushes for 130 yards as well. Shakir has had an impressive camp thus far.

In whatever way, the Bills will need to find a way to replace Beasley’s production. The veteran may not have been a massive yards after the catch player, but Beasley’s reliability in the short passing game was vital to the Bills progress last year. Beasley averaged 77 receptions on 108 targets during his three seasons in Western New York.

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Injury update: Micah Hyde, two others back at Bills camp

Injury update: Micah Hyde, two others back at #Bills camp:

The Buffalo Bills got some great news on the injury front as the team starts another week of training camp at St. John Fisher University.

According to various reports from the site of practice, the Bills have three players back in the fold after they sat out of practices.

At the top of that list is safety Micah Hyde. During a workout late last week, Hyde went up to attempt an interception during drills and landed awkwardly.

Eventually Hyde left the field with trainers and was listed as day-to-day with a hip/glute injury. Hyde missed Saturday’s practice and the team had off on Sunday.

Buffalo is back on the field Monday morning and Hyde is among them.

Crowder has missed the most extensive time of anyone on the team. He was listed with tightness/soreness but the exact location was not specified.

That issue came about on the first day of practice and Crowder had not practiced since.

Finally, Dawkins was excused from practice. Again, the Bills did not provide any insight as to what the situation is, but it appeared to be more of a personal issue yet to be revealed.

Regardless, the starting left tackle is back in Rochester.

Getting the trio back is a good update but the injury list is not empty. Here’s who is remaining on the Bills’ injury list:

  • Jake Kumerow (soreness)
  • Rodger Saffold (ribs)
  • Tre’Davious White (knee)
  • Ike Boettger (knee)
  • Eli Ankou (calf)
  • Tim Settle (groin)

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Sharp Football: Bills need to improve YAC in 2022

Sharp Football: #Bills need to improve YAC in 2022

Quarterback Josh Allen has seemingly placed the team on his back several times over the past few years, helping the Bills reach postseason heights not seen in a quarter of a century.

Now, a football analytics analyst has a way to help take some of that weight off of the franchise quarterback.

Sharp Football highlighted one surprising statistic from their research: The Bills had the lowest YAC (yards after catch) total in the NFLlast year.

It is surprising that the Bills, with their dynamic offense, have not exploded with players running wild after the catch. This, however, indicates that the Bills have a penchant to throw the ball down the field.

But to have the lowest total in the league indicates that receivers are not breaking through after the catch in the short-to-intermediate passing game. Buffalo has brought in several players who can help with this aspect of the offense.

In the second round of this April’s Draft, the Bills selected James Cook, a running back who can make things happen as a receiver. The team also brought in more speed at the slot position, signing Jamison Crowder and Tavon Austin in free agency.

In addition, they re-signed Isaiah McKenzie, a player who can operate in several different situations and has the quickness to find open space after the catch.

With a new offensive coordinator at the helm, the Bills might look for ways to get the ball out of Allen’s hand quicker and let the receivers get into space. This is something to watch for as Ken Dorsey starts his tenure as a playcaller in Buffalo.

Warren Sharp of Sharp Football broke down more on the Bills’ YAC totals below:

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New Bills players who can have immediate impacts in 2022

New #Bills players who can have immediate impacts in 2022:

Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane has been active throughout the offseason, adding fresh talent and new faces to help elevate the team’s roster.

The Bills have become a breakout squad in the NFL thanks to Beane’s roster building and the player development of the coaching staff.

Still, hurdles remain between Buffalo and a Super Bowl championship. And adding players who figure to contribute towards overcoming the obstacles that remain is just what Beane has been doing this offseason.

The GM has been busy in free agency adding veteran pieces like Von Miller and prospective first-year contributors through the NFL Draft like Kaiir Elam.

The additions have been met with fairly good reception by fans and the media, with one ESPN analyst even going so far as to say that the Bills 2022 NFL draft class will make the biggest impact.

With that here is a look at which new players could have an immediate impact for Buffalo in 2022…