Tag: return

Auburn gets a boost as Zep Jasper states he will return next season

This is big news for Bruce Pearl’s squad.

Auburn will be getting one of its most reliable players back next season. Starting guard Zep Jasper said on ESPN 106.7 The Drive that he plans to play for Auburn next year.

Jasper has started all 22 games for Auburn this year and has done a great job controlling the offense. His 2.4 assists per game trails only Wendell Green Jr. on the team, but where he really shines is in not turning the ball over. Jasper has turned it over just 17 times in 510 minutes played, or once every 30 minutes.

The 6-foot-1 Jasper scored only 5.0 points per game, but he continues to be a key player due to his defense and leadership.

“He’s tenacious,” Bruce Pearl said earlier in the season. “He doesn’t succumb to fatigue, and he plays hard for 40 minutes. And you just don’t find that. You rarely, rarely find players that won’t take possessions off, and he never takes a possession off.”

Jasper, Jabari Smith, and the Tigers will be back on the hardwood on Saturday as they travel to Stegeman Coliseum to take on the Georgia Bulldogs. Tipoff is set for 12:00 p.m. CT, Auburn fans can catch the game on SEC Network. Auburn is looking to extend its winning streak to 19 games.

Following their trip to Athen, Bruce Pearl’s squad will face a red hot Arkansas squad in Fayetteville on Tuesday.

Contact/Follow us @AuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions.

Wisconsin NT Keeanu Benton appears set to return for the 2022 season

Wisconsin NT Keeanu Benton appears set to return for the 2022 season

Several Wisconsin upperclassmen on the defensive side of the football spoke to the media today about the team’s prep for the Las Vegas Bowl and their plans for next season.

Many said they were still undecided between entering the NFL Draft or staying for another season at Wisconsin.

One player who did seem close to decided was nose tackle Keeanu Benton. He told media today that barring a first-round draft grade by the advisory board, he plans to be back at Wisconsin next season.

The key starter on defense has recorded 2 passes defended and 23 tackles thus far this year, including 5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.

His potential return is massive news for a Wisconsin team that could lose several defensive starters after this season. We will wait and see after the team’s bowl game what every player decides.

Contact/Follow us @TheBadgersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin news, notes, opinion and analysis.

Tiger Woods showed off his full swing in this video that has fans so excited for a potential comeback

Tiger looks good, man.

It has been a long time since we’ve seen Tiger Woods golf. It’ll probably be a long time before we actually see him truly golf again.

After his horrific car accident earlier this year, Woods has remained out of the public eye on his road to recovery.

In his first public appearance since the crash at his own tournament, the Hero World Challenge, Woods spoke a bit about the accident and revealed he nearly lost his leg. He was completely honest about how grueling rehab has been for him, but he said he still hopes to be a PGA Tour player again someday.

There was a catch, though. He said it’s probably not “realistic” for him to ever be a full-time player again, which certainly broke a lot of hearts. But there was a sliver of hope for people that came on Wednesday.

Cameras spotted Woods taking full swings on the range at the Hero World Challenge. And, well, they looked good!

Obviously, he isn’t participating and isn’t ready to come back yet. But these swings make you think he might be close.

Fans were pumped to see him out on the range doing what he does best. There’s hope, y’all.

Report: Michael Thomas still ‘a couple weeks away’ from playing in 2021

Report: Michael Thomas still ‘a couple weeks away’ from playing in 2021

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We won’t know anything definitive until the first New Orleans Saints injury report drops later this week, but we shouldn’t expect Michael Thomas to be ready to play against the Seattle Seahawks on Oct. 25. Or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game on Oct. 31.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport threw some cold water on the expected talent injection for the Saints offense coming out of their bye week on Monday.

“Star receiver for the Saints Michael Thomas has been battling that lower leg injury, kind of ankle injury ever since his surgery in the spring,” Rapoport said during an appearance on NFL Live. “I’m told he’s still expected to be a couple weeks away. So that really quick infusion of offense for the New Orleans Saints, doesn’t sound like it’s coming this week or next week.”

This lines up with earlier reporting from NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill, who suggested Thomas could need more time to ramp up his workload after not playing football for nine months. Thomas has been working out on his own but has yet to join his teammates for group drills or contact at any level. That’s going to require an adjustment.

And it’s the expectation for most players who start the year on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list. They’re forced to be inactive for six weeks before opening a 21-day window in which to practice with the team. Once that window closes they must either be activated to the 53-man roster or sidelined for a continued recovery on injured reserve.

It’s frustrating, but the Saints have gotten this far without Thomas. Their offense is ranked tenth in points per game (25.4) and third down conversion rate (43.1%), with a league-best red zone scoring rate of 92.9%. They can soldier on until November if that’s what it takes.

Tre’Quan Smith should return from injured reserve and offer a boost to the receiving corps by drawing attention away from backups Marquez Callaway, Deonte Harris, and Kenny Stills, even if he isn’t the No. 1 weapon Thomas has proven to be. At this point, maybe the best thing fans can do is keep expectations muted and celebrate Thomas’ return once it happens.

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Chiefs ST coordinator Dave Toub discusses state of special teams unit

After the first win of the new season, #Chiefs’ special teams coordinator Dave Toub discusses where his unit is headed in 2021. | from @TheJohnDillon

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Though it won’t count for much at the end of the season, the Kansas City Chiefs’ win against the 49ers in the first game of their preseason schedule seems to have set the tone for the team moving forward. After returning 21 of 22 starters last year, Kansas City has a plethora of new talent all over the roster after loading up in the offseason following their loss in the Super Bowl.

Motivated as ever to secure another championship, this Chiefs squad seems to have a different mentality than in previous seasons. With expectations of winning on the biggest stage as they did in 2020, there is an aura of confidence and swagger about Kansas City headed into this year’s schedule.

The edge that Patrick Mahomes gives the team is obvious, but it’s their all-around well-balanced and carefully constructed roster, top to bottom, that makes them a Super Bowl threat. On special teams especially, the Chiefs have a well-oiled machine where up-and-coming players can make a name for themselves before contributing on offense or defense.

Special teams coordinator Dave Toub is perennially regarded as a potential head coach candidate for teams seeking a rebuild. That’s because Toub has made the Chiefs’ punt and kick squads a huge asset to the team, and given Kansas City a consistent edge against less well-rounded opponents.

In a press conference after practice on Tuesday, Toub shared his thoughts on the Chiefs’ special teams unit after the team’s preseason win against the 49ers. Speaking first of his second-year punter Tommy Townsend, Toub told reporters he was impressed with what he saw on Saturday.

“You can’t watch that game without noticing Tommy Townsend,” Toub said.  “He was outstanding for us. You saw him have those kind of days in practice where he bombs the ball, but we’ve just never seen him transfer it to a game like he did. It was really good to see. He had seven punts and he was really bombing the ball and placing it where we needed it especially the one that went out on the one-yard line. That was amazing.”

While Townsend’s job is secure, other players, especially those on the fringe of the Chiefs’ depth chart, are hoping to impress Toub in a secondary role on special teams to make the final 53-man roster. His input could make or break the dreams of any number of players on the team, and Toub made it clear that cutting down the roster during the preseason process is no easy feat.

“You know, it’s hard,” Toub explained about roster cuts. “Sometimes you lose guys that you want to keep, but you go in, you make your arguments for guys and they have to be solid offensive or defensive players first obviously. Then it’s our job to turn those guys down the line into really good special teams players and that’s the way it works. We don’t keep a lot of players just because they play special teams. That’s not what’s really happening here. They got to play offense and defense first and then we turn them into better players.”

With such a sterling track record of player development, Toub has already made an obvious impact on the current Chiefs roster. Guys like Marcus Kemp, Dorian O’Daniel, and Ben Niemann have all been involved in the special teams game in previous years, and look like locks to make the team again this season.

One surprising addition to Toub’s crew in Saturday’s game was cornerback Mike Hughes, a former first-round pick by way of Minnesota that Kansas City traded for this offseason to shore up the secondary. In his new role as a kick returner, Hughes seems to have impressed Toub, who made a point to comment on his performance to the media.

“He did a nice job,” Toub told reporters. “We put him in there as punt returner and kick returner. The kick return he really hit it, did a nice job. I told our guys to come out no matter where the ball was kicked, that’s why he came out eight deep. Everybody got under a block, they did a good job blocking. We were one block away from scoring on that play, but he really hit it. It was encouraging to see him do that and we knew he had return ability and it was good to see it in a game.”

The Chiefs’ trip to Arizona this weekend will give Toub another opportunity to assess the talent at his disposal. With rugged competition all over Kansas City’s roster, his experimentation with different players in new situations on punts, kicks, and returns could culminate in a few personnel decisions that might surprise some fans. There is a premium on versatility for this team that has become something of an identity. If Toub can get even a little extra out of anyone on the Chiefs’ roster, it could give them the edge they need to win another title.

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Chiefs LB Anthony Hitchens indicates he has returned from reserve/COVID-19 list

The Chiefs’ defensive signal-caller says he’s back in the building after a stint on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

The Kansas City Chiefs are getting a boost to their defense before they return to practice this week.

Chiefs LB Anthony Hitchens posted on Twitter on Wednesday afternoon, indicating that he’s back in the building after nearly a full two-week absence. Kansas City placed Hitchens on the reserve/COVID-19 list back on December 22. This was believed to be a result of a high-risk close contact, but his extended stay suggests that he could have contracted the virus.

Hitchens, who is the Chiefs’ defensive signal-caller, missed the final two games of the regular season. This forced Ben Niemann and Darius Harris to wear the green dot in his absence, getting the calls from the sideline and relaying those to the rest of the defense.

In 14 starts this season, Hitchens has 78 combined tackles, two tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, and a pass breakup. He still finished the year second on the team in total tackles, despite missing those final two games.  Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo spoke about his season back in early December, describing him as the “glue guy” on the defense.

“To me, he’s the glue,” Spagnuolo said of Hitchens. “You don’t have the luxury of seeing the guys like I do and seeing the interaction and the little things that he does. I showed one this morning from yesterday’s practice—I actually made the point that we all should feel fortunate that we have Hitch as a MIKE linebacker because he does a lot of things before the ball is snapped and he helps everybody else play better. I’m sure glad we got him; I think he’s playing some really good football. He always has played aggressive, he always has tackled physically, and I think he brings that to the game. I think all of us, I’m talking about players and coaches, appreciate what he does.”

The team appreciation for Hitchens has likely grown fonder in his absence. His return to action will be a big boost for a defense that is looking to make a statement during the playoffs.

The Chiefs return to practice on Thursday as they prepare for potential opponents in the divisional round. Expect an official transaction, returning Hitchens from the reserve/COVID-19 list to happen either later today or tomorrow.

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REPORT: Jaylen Waddle may return for national championship

Alabama receiver Jaylen Waddle injured his ankle on Oct. 24 against Tennessee, he was thought out for the season but might face Ohio State.

The Alabama Crimson Tide lost one of their most important pieces midway though the 2020 season when junior wide receiver Jaylen Waddle suffered an ankle injury that required surgery.

While Waddle’s injury hurt the Crimson Tide, it did not slow them down on their path to the national championship, which they will play for on Jan. 11 against Ohio State in Miami.

Rumors have swirled regarding his return. Fans were hopeful he would be back for the SEC Championship, then the Rose Bowl, neither of which he was active for.

AL.com’s Matt Zenitz reported today Waddle will return to practice tomorrow, a good sign that he could be a factor in the fight for championship No. 18 for Alabama.

There’s no official word from the program whether he will participate in the game, but more information should become available as he returns to the practice field.

Wisconsin football seniors 2021 roster decision tracker

Soon Wisconsin football seniors will decide whether to return to school and use their extra year of eligibility or enter the NFL Draft

In the wake of the challenging year that 2020 has been on many fronts, the NCAA chose to grant an extra year of eligibility to both fall and winter athletes.

What that did, in essence, is make 2020 a free redshirt year for every member of the Wisconsin Badger football team—in other words allowing seniors to return next year under the same designation, juniors can return as juniors and so on.

Related: Way-too-early power rankings for the 2021 Big Ten football season

Over the next few weeks and months, we will hear from the Badger senior class about whether they are choosing to return to the team for another season or have this season be their final as a college football player.

There is some information becoming available now, though it is necessary to note that none of these decisions have been made completely official thus far—these are merely from their quotes about their post-grad plans on the @BadgerFootball Twitter account.

Here is a tracker of the decisions made by the Wisconsin senior class:

(This post will be updated as more information becomes available and as the players individually publicize their decisions).

Saints designate Drew Brees to return from injured reserve

The New Orleans Saints designated quarterback Drew Brees to return from injured reserve, after four weeks recovering from rib injuries.

Here’s some very welcome news: the New Orleans Saints have designated Drew Brees to return from the injured reserve list on Wednesday, as first reported by Nick Underhill for NewOrleans.Football and confirmed on the NFL daily transactions wire.

This is an important first step for Brees and the Saints, as it clears the injured quarterback to return to practice. It’s too soon to say whether he’ll be ready for Sunday’s game with the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, and he still remains on injured reserve, for now. But it is a step in the right direction.

Brees missed four games while recovering from 11 broken ribs and a punctured lung, with backup Taysom Hill going 3-1 in his stead. He’ll have three weeks to practice with his teammates before the Saints must make a decision on whether to activate him or not, but this is a good sign that he’s on his way back before the end of the regular season. The team can activate him at any time, so keep an eye out to see whether he’ll be on the field for the upcoming Week 15 matchup.

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Sheldon Rankins activated from Saints’ injured reserve

The New Orleans Saints activated defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins from injured reserve, making him eligible to play against the Falcons.

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The New Orleans Saints defensive line got a big boost on Saturday with the return of Sheldon Rankins, who returned from injured reserve and will be eligible to dress out for Sunday’s matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. Rankins had missed four games after exiting Week 8’s meeting with the Chicago Bears with a knee injury, but he’s since been able to practice and is now ready to shimmy.

Rankins, 26, is nearing the end of a contract year in New Orleans and is looking to close out the season on a high note. While a series of leg injuries have limited his availability through the first five years of his Saints career, Rankins remains one of their most effective interior pass rushers.

Before landing on injured reserve, he was right there with defensive tackle David Onyemata in quarterback pressures (13, to Onyemata’s 14) through the first 8 weeks of the season, per Pro Football Focus. His PFF pass rush productivity rating of 5.8 was also close to Onyemata’s 6.0. So the pair should remain a formidable duo inside next to nose tackle Malcom Brown.

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