Tag: wide receiver

Will JuJu Smith-Schuster play this week? Injury updates for Chiefs WR

Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is dealing with a hamstring injury. Here are the latest updates.

The Kansas City Chiefs have dealt with injuries in their receiving corps all season and will have to be without wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster when they face the Denver Broncos in Week 10.

Smith-Schuster, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury, was held out of every practice that Kansas City conducted this week and was officially ruled out for the AFC West showdown against Denver on Friday.

The extent of Smith-Schuster’s injury remains unclear, but if his recent absences from the Chiefs’ practices are any indication, his condition hasn’t improved substantially.

See Kansas City’s full Week 10 injury report, which was posted by Chiefs Senior Team Reporter Matt McMullen on Twitter:

 

Smith-Schuster has missed Kansas City’s last two games against the Las Vegas Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers after leaving the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVII rematch with the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7.

Stay tuned to see how Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid decide to compensate for Smith-Schuster’s continued absence.

Fans react to Diontae Johnson’s recent drama in Baltimore

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Former Steelers WR Diontae Johnson is seemingly back to stirring up drama in Baltimore.

Well, Baltimore, Pittsburgh tried to warn you. It has seemingly taken former Steelers receiver Diontae Johnson only two weeks with his new team to find himself embroiled in drama once again.

While Steelers fans laughed off the trade that sent Johnson from Carolina to the Ravens, no one could have predicted his impact would be minimal to nonexistent.

Johnson has played only 22 total snaps in his first two weeks with the Ravens, seeing just two targets and one reception for six yards during that time.

The former Steelers wide receiver proved exactly why Pittsburgh dealt him to Carolina in the first place, as Johnson took his frustrations—and immaturity—to social media following the Ravens’ Week 10 victory.

Johnson has since deleted the tweet, foreshadowing a potential implosion within the Ravens’ organization just waiting to happen. Here are some of the best fan reactions to Diontae Johnson’s Week 10 meltdown.

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Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy describes learning from DeAndre Hopkins: ‘I try to pick his brain’

Kansas City #Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy describes learning from DeAndre Hopkins: ‘I try to pick his brain’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy spoke to reporters on Friday about DeAndre Hopkins’s influence on his development since arriving a few weeks ago.

“I try to pick his brain as much as possible without being super annoying,” said Worthy. “Ask him, like, little questions, like, How’d you go about this when you’re this age, and stuff like that, just little things. Just make sure I stay tuned with everything he went through.”

Since being traded to the Chiefs, Hopkins has made an immediate splash. His breakout performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Monday adds to his legacy. Worthy described Hopkins’ presence in the locker room as the veteran mentor.

“Just as calm and poised through times like in the game, he was super calm, chill, relaxed,” said Worthy. “So when somebody’s like dad in your room, and he’s a vet, he’s been there, made plays, it just makes everything easier.”

Worthy had a miscue in the Week 9 victory but has played well overall this season. He will pick up even better habits from one of the best receivers of his generation as the postseason push gets underway.

Broncos scouts are zeroing in on these college football teams

Broncos scouts have been paying close attention to Oregon and Washington games this fall. Here are the prospects to know from those schools.

Going into this weekend’s slate of college football games, the Denver Broncos have spent more time scouting the Oregon Ducks and Arizona Wildcats than any other college football programs.

That’s according to NFL draft pundit John Vogel, who reported last week that Denver scouts have attended three Oregon games and three Wildcats games this fall. Broncos general manager George Paton also attended the Washington Huskies game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in September.

The most notable prospect among the four colleges mentioned is Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, the top receiver in the 2025 class. The Wildcats’ offense also features offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea.

Oregon has a host of prospects who could interest Denver’s staff, including receivers Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart, offensive tackles Josh Conerly and Ajani Cornelius, defensive linemen Derrick Harmon and Jordan Burch, and running back Jordan James.

Washington’s prospects of note include running back Jonah Coleman, safety Kamren Fabiculanan and receiver Giles Jackson. Meanwhile, the Rutgers’ offense features offensive tackle Hollin Pierce and running back Kyle Monangai.

With Broncos scouts and executives checking in on those programs, the above players will be worth monitoring this fall. The 2025 NFl draft will be held in Green Bay from April 24-26. Denver holds seven picks.

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Sean Payton says Broncos WRs need to have high football IQ for these scenarios

“Generally, guys with good football IQ do well in scramble drills,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said.

Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix has made some big plays on the ground this season, rushing 58 times for 295 yards, 27 first downs and four touchdowns through nine games.

Nix’s mobility puts a huge strain on defenses, especially when the quarterback buys time and then finds a receiver down the field. Last week, he did a great job finding running back Javonte Williams in the middle of the field for a first down on a scramble drill.

Scramble drills involve improvisation, but Broncos coach Sean Payton has said there’s a method to the madness.

“Well, we coach a scramble drill,” Payton said on Wednesday. “We have rules. Widest, flush, clear, second. Certainly, you want guys moving in the direction of the quarterback. Javonte kind of came out of it, and so there’s a point at which we’re not going to throw it all the way back.

“That was a heads up play and generally, guys with good football IQ do well in scramble drills. Generally, guys maybe that aren’t so tuned in maybe struggle with it, but it is something especially when you have a quarterback like Bo.”

This week, Denver will face one of the NFL’s best scrambling quarterbacks in Patrick Mahomes. The Kansas City Chiefs star has given the Broncos plenty of headaches over the years on scramble drills. Nix and Co. will look to return the favor on Sunday.

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Chiefs OC Matt Nagy describes veteran wide receiver’s ‘instant synergy’ with Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City #Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy describes DeAndre Hopkins’ ‘instant synergy’ with Patrick Mahomes | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy addressed the media on Thursday, gushing about DeAndre Hopkins’ quick grasp of the gameplan and syncing up with Patrick Mahomes.

There’s there has been an instant synergy with Pat (Patrick Mahomes) and DeAndre (Hopkins) instant, and sometimes those take a lot more for some guys than others, but he’s come in here and has just picked up.” said Nagy. “I don’t use the term lightly, but these guys are really Pat and D-Hop are really thinking the same way on certain routes, especially in zone, which is crazy because it doesn’t normally always happen like that. It normally takes time, but from the first practice, second practice, till our last game. “

Hopkins fits in seamlessly with the offense and Mahomes. In his home Arrowhead Stadium debut last Monday night, he caught eight passes for 86 yards and two touchdowns.

“There’s some stuff in there that he that they’re putting on tape that makes it tough, especially when you put (Travis) Kelce on the same side, or other side that thinks the same way,” said Nagy. “As long as he and Pat have been doing it, that’s tough.

Since arriving in Kansas City, Kelce has praised Hopkins for his veteran skills. Both players were vital to the overtime victory in Week 9.

“So it’s really neat to see when guys are thinking like Pat, and for D-Hop, he’s been doing it a long time,” said Nagy. “it’s been instant with him.”

WR Mike Williams feels ready to make big time plays for Pittsburgh

WR Mike Williams let Pittsburgh fans know exactly who he is and what he’s capable of—a playmaker who will earn the right to be on the field.

The Pittsburgh Steelers winning culture has clearly resonated with WR Mike Williams, who has shown nothing less than the heart of a champion since his arrival.

In an article titled “Week 10 Blog: Focus still on stopping the run” on the Steelers’ official website, fans can find Williams’ comments about what he brings to the Steel City, stating: “I’m a playmaker. I want to make plays. I want to get the ops. I’m going to go out and work and show that I deserve to be on the field.”

Williams’ passion and desire are completely understandable, as the WR seemingly fell out of favor with Jets QB Aaron Rodgers, which Williams summarized as the beginning of the end of his time in New York.

Will Steelers fans be able to witness the Russell Wilson-Williams combination begin as early as Week 10’s game against the 7-2 Washington Commanders? Fans can look forward to this matchup, which can only be described as a battle of the behemoths, on November 10th at 1:00 PM EST.

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Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman refuses to be known as a ‘forgotten receiver’

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman refuses to be known as a ‘forgotten receiver’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman has proven himself a reliable option on the team. He earned Pro Bowl honors as a rookie and performed well in the most significant moments of the team’s successful run. He spoke with reporters on Wednesday about his role in the offense and possibly being the ‘forgotten receiver’ due to the arrival of DeAndre Hopkins.

“No, I don’t know. Man, I don’t really look at it like that. I think I’m more just; I’m always a guy of opportunity. I have always been like that since I got here, and that’s how I played that role. Whenever the opportunity comes or presents itself, just take advantage of it, no matter the circumstances.” said Hardman. “As far as a forgotten receiver. No, maybe they do. But, once I make a big play, they still know I’m there, you know, in a sense, but I’m just a guy whenever an opportunity presents itself, I just take advantage and just keep going like that.”

The three-time champion was the hero during Super Bowl LVIII, scoring the game-winning touchdown in overtime. This season, he’s been primarily utilized on special teams as the team’s top returner while appearing on several offensive sets in games. Hardman has nine catches for 75 yards and has a rushing touchdown on the season through nine weeks.

Insider believes Steelers pursued D.K. Metcalf at trade deadline

After an eventful trade deadline, insider Jeremy Fowler believes Pittsburgh was one of several teams in inquire about a D.K. Metcalf trade.

It appears Pittsburgh’s trade to acquire WR Mike Williams, which Steelers fans have excitedly embraced, may not have happened if the Seattle Seahawks hadn’t treated trade talks as a “nonstarter,” per insider Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.

In an ESPN article co-written with fellow insider Dan Graziano, Fowler revealed several interesting and previously unheard details from the trade deadline. One notable scoop was Fowler’s claim that not only did Pittsburgh “scour the earth for receiver help,” but the ESPN insider also believes the Steelers were one of several teams to inquire about a possible trade for Seahawks WR D.K. Metcalf.

While a Russell Wilson-Metcalf reunion would have been an amazing sight for fans of the Black and Gold to behold, the trade would likely have been far too expensive for Steelers’ GM Omar Khan‘s tastes.

There is no refuge in looking back at what could have been, as the team now has a bona fide WR2, and the Wilson-Williams combo could be ‘DangeRuss.’

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Steelers-Commanders matchups to watch: Joey Porter Jr. vs Terry McLaurin

CB Joey Porter Jr. faces WR Terry McLaurin in a key Week 10 positional matchup as the Steelers take on the Commanders in a pivotal showdown.

One of the premier matchups heading into the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 10 contest versus the Commanders is none other than Pittsburgh’s young shutdown CB Joey Porter Jr., taking on Washington’s elite WR Terry McLaurin.

JPJ has had an up-and-down start to the 2024 season, to say the least. Through eight games, Porter Jr. has allowed 20 receptions on 32 targets. According to PFF, he is also allowing 11.7 yards per reception, which ranks 75th out of 205 eligible cornerbacks. However, in his past two performances, JPJ has allowed an impressively small 25 yards combined in Weeks 7 and 8 against strong wide receiver units.

‘Scary’ Terry appears to be on the verge of a breakout 2024 campaign, hauling in six touchdowns, which is tied for the second-most in the NFL, and 598 receiving yards on 42 receptions. With an average of 14.2 yards per reception, McLaurin looks to be a major threat in Week 10’s contest.

Can the second-year CB lock down McLaurin in Week 10? Or will McLaurin exploit Porter Jr.’s over-reliance on physicality?

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