Tag: Laviska Shenault

Seahawks counter 49ers’ TD with 97-yard kickoff return

Lavishka Shenault delivered a huge kickoff return for Seattle

Seattle needed a big play in the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday. The Seahawks got one.

Laviska Shenault Jr. took the kickoff after a 49ers touchdown and returned it 97 yards for a score. After the PAT, the Seahawks trailed, 23-10.

The 49ers scored on a beautiful catch by tight end George Kittle, who managed to get both feet down for the score from 10 yards.

Thirteen seconds later, the Seahawks cut a 20-point deficit to 13. It was the second kick off return for a TD this season with dynamic format implemented.

This was far more conventional than the 55-yard return Shenault was credited for on his first college touch at Colorado.

He picked up the fumble of a teammate on a punt return and went 55 yards to give Colorado a 7-0 lead against Texas State.

Watch: Laviska Shenault Jr. with a 97-yard kick off return touchdown

Watch: Laviska Shenault Jr. with a 97-yard kick off return touchdown

The Seahawks were in desperate need of a spark in the third quarter. The San Francisco 49ers took the opening drive of the half all the way down for a touchdown to extend their lead to 23-3. It was officially starting to feel like it was getting late, early, for the Seahawks.

Special teams, which have otherwise been horrid to start the year, decided they wanted some redemption. Specifically Laviska Shenault Jr., who fumbled on a kick off earlier in the game. Well, Shenault more than made up for his error with this explosive return.

This is the first kick off return touchdown scored by the Seahawks since the 2021 season. Seattle was hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars, and took care of business. The Seahawks were leading 24-0 going into the fourth quarter, and the Jaguars scored a garbage time touchdown. On the ensuing onside kick attempt, running back Travis Homer recovered the ball and took it 44-yards for a touchdown to put the final emphasis on the game.

At the time of this article’s publication, the Seahawks trail the 49ers 23-10 midway through the third quarter. Be sure to follow @TheSeahawksWire and @KoleMusgrove23 on Twitter for more updates.

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Seahawks WR Laviska Shenault Jr. switches jersey number

Seahawks WR Laviska Shenault Jr. switches jersey number

The Seattle Seahawks’ training camp roster featured 90 players and a lot of jersey number shuffling. The No. 1 jersey number technically became available after general manager John Schneider released wide receiver Dee Eskridge at final cuts. Eskridge was not re-signed to the practice squad, making his desired uniform number up for grabs.

Seahawks veteran receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. was the player to claim the newly-available number. News emerged on Monday that Shenault had officially swapped his No. 81 jersey number for No. 1.

Eskridge had the No. 1 jersey number when Shenault signed a one-year contract with the Seahawks in April. Shenault has donned several numbers throughout his career, including 15 and 81.

Shenault was electric for the Seahawks throughout training camp and the preseason. The former Colorado standout recorded seven receptions for 76 receiving yards. The dual-threat versatile playmaker also added 19 rushing yards to his offensive totals via three rushing attempts.

Perhaps where Shenault will be most impactful is on special teams, particularly as the team’s primary kickoff returner under the new rule changes. Shenault returned a kick for 44 yards in Seattle’s debut preseason game versus the Los Angeles Chargers. Special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh had seen enough. He didn’t return another kick during the exhibition, and is currently listed as the starting kickoff returner on the depth chart.

Hopefully Shenault’s new jersey number (No. 1) indicates he’ll be the league’s best kickoff returner this season.

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Seahawks WR/KR Laviska Shenault calls himself the ‘YAC Man’

Seahawks WR/KR Laviska Shenault calls himself the ‘YAC Man’

Through two preseason games, it has become clear the Seattle Seahawks have a rather interesting potential weapon on their roster. In April, the Seahawks brought wide receiver/return specialist Laviska Shenault Jr. on board when they signed him to a one-year deal.

During the preseason, Shenault has found his way onto the field far more often than I had anticipated. Against the Chargers and Titans, he has caught five balls thrown his way for 58 yards. In both games, Shenault has rushed the ball once for five yards as well. During the preseason debut in Los Angeles, Shenault memorably took a kick return 44 yards.

All this activity has led Shenault to dubbing himself a new nickname:

“The YAC Man.”

For those who may not be familiar with the term, YAC stands for “yards after catch.” Seattle has used Shenault primarily on hand offs and bubble screens, giving Shenailt an opportunity to get the ball quickly and cut him loose.

Given the depth at wide reciever with DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Jake Bobo, having a unique player like Shenault to take on a more unusual role could help give this offense another dynamic edge.

The Seahawks have one final preseason game, this Saturday at 7:00 pm Pacific at Lumen Field. Given how much playing time Shenault has seen so far, I think it is safe to assume we’ll see the YAC Man once more on Saturday.

(Side note, the only way I read “YAC Man” is in the same way as Scatman John claiming he’s the Scatman)

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Laviska Shenault contract, usage indicates his roster spot is safe with Seahawks

Laviska Shenault contract, usage indicates his roster spot is safe with Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks veteran wide receiver Laviska Shenault played 20 snaps in Saturday’s last-second preseason Week 2 defeat to the Tennessee Titans. Shenault was the fourth-most snapped wideout on the field, trailing just Jake Bobo (25), Dareke Young (22), and Cody White (22).

Shenault maximized his opportunities. He recorded three receptions on three passing-game targets for 27 yards, finishing as the offense’s third-leading receiver. The dual-threat backfield weapon also rushed once for five yards. Shenault was on the field for several kickoff returns, though he did not return any kicks after returning one for 44 yards versus the San Francisco 49ers in last weekend’s preseason win.

Receiver Dee Williams returned two kicks versus the Titans for 68 yards, including a long of 41 to open the game. Shenault threw a leveling block to help free Williams. Fellow wideout Dareke Young returned Seattle’s lone other kickoff for 27 yards. Indications are that Shenault is still the favorite to open the regular season as the starting kickoff returner.

The Seahawks essentially guaranteed Shenault’s roster spot when they signed him to a one-year contract earlier this summer. General manager John Schneider guaranteed all but $140,000 of his $1,292,500 million salary for this season, according to Over The Cap. Shenault is also their best kickoff returner as special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh attempts to take advantage of the rule changes.

It’ll be interesting to see how Shenault fits into the offense. D.K. Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Tyler Lockett, and Bobo are the clear top four receiving options for starting quarterback Geno Smith.

That likely limits Shenault to rotational snaps and manufactured touches, but the Seahawks have been confident he’d make their 53-man roster ever since they ironed out the details of his contract.

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Did Seahawks WR Laviska Shenault clinch a roster spot in preseason Week 1?

Did Seahawks WR Laviska Shenault clinch a roster spot in preseason Week 1?

The Seattle Seahawks took a flier on veteran wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. earlier this offseason. Shenault was signed by general manager John Schneider to a one-year contract worth $1.125 million. He’s battling for a roster spot behind starting receivers D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Shenault played just 19 snaps in Saturday’s preseason win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The former second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft was Seattle’s fifth-most snapped wideout, trailing Dareke Young (50), Jake Bobo (41), Cody White (31), and Smith-Njigba (22). Shenault maximized his few opportunities, and may have gained leeway towards clinching a 53-man roster spot.

Shenault was signed by Schneider to provide special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh with another option in the competitive return game battle. He immediately proved capable of taking advantage of the new kick return rules. Shenault returned his lone kickoff for a sizable 44-yard gain.

Shenault also proved he could be an offensive weapon when utilized correctly. The former Buffaloes standout recorded two receptions for 31 receiving yards. Both of Shenault’s catches were short gains that lead to yards-after-catch opportunities. He also added five rushing yards to his offensive totals via an end-around carry. Once a dynamic weapon at Colorado, the fifth-year veteran still possesses wiggle to elude defenders in space.

The Seahawks will likely retain six or seven receivers on the 53-man roster. Shenault’s performance versus the Chargers strongly insinuates he’s one of their top 53. Seattle’s other competing receivers have been put on notice.

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Laviska Shenault will factor in for Seahawks on kickoff returns

Laviska Shenault will factor in for Seahawks on kickoff returns

The Seattle Seahawks made a free agency move earlier this week when they signed former Jaguars and Panthers receiver Laviska Shenault. Originally a second round pick from the 2020 NFL draft, Shenault has not lived up to being a difference maker for teams’ offensive attack.

However, it seems the Seattle Seahawks are not looking to utilize him in this aspect of the game. Seahawks general manager John Schneider has already confirmed where he will factor in most:

For the past two years, Shenault has been a Carolina Panther. His receiving totals have been minimal, only racking up 37 receptions for 332 yards and one touchdown. But during this time, Carolina did utilize Shenault in the return game – something the Jaguars did not.

So far, Shenault has not proven himself to be much of a difference maker here either. But perhaps a radical change of scenery, moving from the east coast all the way to Seattle, is exactly what he needs to get his career back on track.

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Seahawks WR/KR Laviska Shenault says ‘this is going to be a hard-nosed team’

Shenault called Seattle a good fit for himself and promised a hard-nosed and aggressive team.

You may have noticed yesterday when the Seahawks announced the signing of wide receiver/kick returner Laviska Shenault that he looks a little bit like Ravens running back Derrick Henry. As it turns out, he also shares some of Henry’s instincts about the game, despite playing a different position.

After the signing, Shenault called Seattle a good fit for himself and promised they would be a hard-nosed team.

If you haven’t seen the Panthers play the last two seasons (understandably), you might have missed Shenault showing off his unique skill set. At 6-foot-1, 220 pounds he’s about the same size as 49ers wide out Deebo Samuel, who’s often used as a battering ram in their run game. Shenault doesn’t run as much, but he does have some of that same ability. He’s gotten 50 carries in his career, averaging over five yards per attempt.

As a receiver Shenault has posted 158 catches, 1,551 yards and six touchdowns, five of them coming in his rookie season with the Jaguars. Shenault’s greatest asset may be what he brings on special teams, though. Carolina utilized him as a kickoff returner and he did quite well, averaging over 27 yards per return each of the last two years.

If anybody on the roster has cause to worry about his spot it’s likely Dareke Young, who hasn’t managed to carve out a role in a loaded wide receiver room as of yet. Dee Eskridge may also have cause for concern given his experience as a kickoff returner last season.

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Seahawks sign WR/KR Laviska Shenault

Seahawks sign WR/KR Laviska Shenault

The Seattle Seahawks have added some depth to their wide receiver corps. On Tuesday afternoon, it was announced the Seahawks are signing wide receiver/kick returner Laviska Shenault to their team.

Shenault was originally a second round selection by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2020 NFL draft. He spent the first two years of his career in Duval County before being traded to the Carolina Panthers, where he has been for the last two seasons. Now, he heads to the Pacific Northwest to become a Seahawk.

Shenault’s career has not exactly played out the way teams would hope for a second round pick. In his rookie season, Shenault caught 58 passes in 14 games for 600 yards and five touchdowns. In his sophomore campaign, Shenault only increased production to 63 receptions and 619 receiving yards, but no touchdowns.

His impact with the Panthers was minimal as well. Across two years, Shenault only had 37 receptions for 332 yards and only a single score.

Now he gets a chance to reset his career in Seattle. He will face an already deep receiving corps, headlined by the likes of DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Jake Bobo.

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6 Wide receivers Minnesota Vikings could target in free agency

With both K.J. Osborn and Brandon Powell set to hit free agency, will the Vikings look to replace them? Here’s six free agent possibilities.

Last week we took a look at some quarterbacks and running backs the Minnesota Vikings could pursue in free agency. Now it’s time to look outside at the wide receivers. Wide receiver is a position the Vikings don’t necessarily need to prioritize in the NFL’s free agency period.

They have an All-Pro-caliber number one receiver in Justin Jefferson, who is under contract for another year. Minnesota will likely attempt to move Heaven and Earth to get Jefferson under contract long-term, too.

On the other side of Jefferson, they have Jordan Addison, who proved during his rookie campaign last year that he’s more than capable of blossoming into a formidable receiver in his own right. The 1-2 punch of Jefferson and Addison can be a real force to be reckoned with in the league if the Vikings get their quarterback situation squared away.

Whether that means Kirk Cousins, a free agent, or taking someone in the NFL draft remains to be seen.

Further down the depth chart is where things start to get interesting. For the last four years they’ve had K.J. Osborn, who has been a solid option in the passing game and has shown glimpses of being able to provide more than he’s been asked to.

He’s almost an afterthought in the Vikings offense with the WRs above ahead of him, along with tight end T.J. Hockenson. Brandon Powell rounds out the position, and brings some solid play as a WR4.

Both Osborn and Powell are scheduled to hit the open market in free agency. Should the Vikings sign one — or both — or should they look to upgrade at the position with someone who’s available? Let’s take a look at six options the Vikings could look at at wide receiver.