Tag: wide receivers

Receivers Dorsett, Thompson and Ursua could return to practice Tuesday

Seattle Seahawks wide receivers Phillip Dorsett II, Cody Thompson and John Ursua could return to practice from injuries as soon as Tuesday.

The Seahawks have been down a few wide receivers over the last few days as the players battled some minor injuries. All three – Phillip Dorsett II, Cody Thompson and John Ursua – could all come back as soon as Tuesday following Seattle’s off day.

“Phillip, if everything goes right over this one-day break, he’s going to be back in a limited fashion,” coach Pete Carroll told reporters after the team’s mock game on Sunday.

Dorsett has been suffering from a sore foot but the injury does not appear to be a new issue, according to Carroll.

“Phil, we’re going to have to figure out how he handles it,” Carroll continued. “We know what his condition is and his situation with the sore foot, we’ve just got to manage him really well.”

Carroll said both Thompson and Ursua also have a chance to return on Tuesday but did not provide further specifics.

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Report: No ACL tear for Cowboys WR Ventell Bryant

The second-year receiver appeared to sustain a serious knee injury Sunday night but reportedly received encouraging news on Monday.

Much has been made- understandably- about the formidable arsenal of wide receivers that Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott will have at his disposal in 2020. Of course, there’s the law firm of Cooper, Gallup, and Lamb- an eye-popping trio of starters- but there’s also a host of other talented pass-catchers rounding out the depth chart in Dallas.

One of those promising fill-ins got a quite a scare during Sunday’s practice session with a leg injury that looked quite serious in the moment. But early reports Monday suggest that Ventell Bryant dodged a bullet, leading to hope that he may be back in action for the Cowboys sooner rather than later.

NFL Network’s Jane Slater tweeted that the second-year wideout got good news after an MRI on his left knee.

Bryant, an undrafted free agent out of Temple in 2019, went down as he ran a deep route during the individual-drill portion of Sunday’s event at AT&T Stadium. Early appearances gave the impression of a significant injury.

Those fears were downgraded after practice, as coach Mike McCarthy classified Bryant’s injury as being “not of high concern.”

Bryant, who just turned 24, logged one reception last season, a touchdown on Thanksgiving Day versus Buffalo. But he has impressed during 2020 training camp, competing alongside fellow receivers Cedrick Wilson, Noah Brown, Devin Smith, Jon’Vea Johnson, and others. Bryant has also been a solid contributor on special teams.

The team has yet to comment further on Bryant’s injury or his reported diagnosis.

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Watch: Lions WR coach Robert Prince mic’d up at training camp

Detroit Lions wide receiver coach Robert Prince was mic’d up at this week’s training camp and the results were highly entertaining.

Detroit Lions wide receiver coach Robert Prince was mic’d up during this week’s training camp and the results were highly entertaining.

If you have ever been to a Lions training camp, you’ve probably noticed the high energy individual running around with the wide receivers who excitedly cheers whenever an offensive player makes a great play. He’s a very hands-on coach who will spend time not just passing along tips on technique, but also chest-bumping his players after a score.

If there is a person in Allen Park who doesn’t love Prince, I haven’t met them, Players and coaches alike routinely praise Prince for the coach he is on the field and the person he is in every moment.

“One of the best coaches I’ve ever had,” Danny Amendola said of Prince. “Brings the juice every day. Gets guys in the right mentality. Day in and day out, meetings, practices, games — an amazing coach to play for.”

Prince was hired by former coach Jim Caldwell, but coach Matt Patricia thought highly of him that he made sure to keep Prince in the Lions organization during his coaching tenure.

“‘R.P.’ (Robert Prince) – he’s awesome,” Patricia said. “I mean I love him; I love the way he coaches; I love his energy. He’s super smart, very intelligent, understands the offense. He’s been in a lot of different schemes. He’s great with the players. I think he really develops players, he makes his players better, which as a coach, is what you want. Just couldn’t be a better person.”

To check out Prince’s energy, you can watch the full five and half minute video, click on the YouTube clip below:

ESPN names Alabama ‘Running Back U’ & ‘Offensive line U’

ESPN released their rankings for each positional group and the programs that produce the best players for each of them, Alabama tops some.

There is a never-ending, ongoing debate throughout the college football community about which program reduces the best players at each position on the football field. These debates can range from active collegiate players, active NFL players and retired players that are out of the game.

ESPN’s David Hale broke down each position and ranked the top ten programs to have produced talent at that individual position.

The Crimson Tide topped two lists, the running back and offensive line positions, but were present on almost every other list.

Hale has high praise for Alabama head coach Nick Saban and what he’s been able to create in the backfield.

“It’s interesting that, about the same time the NFL moved away from an offensive model built around running backs, Nick Saban arrived at Alabama and turned the tailback position into the cornerstone of the Tide’s success,” writes Hale. “Before Saban arrived in 2007, Shaun Alexander had already won an NFL MVP, but that was about the extent of Alabama’s RBU résumé. Now, though? Mark Ingram, Derrick Henry, Kenyan Drake and Josh Jacobs are all NFL fixtures, and even Trent Richardson and T.J. Yeldon came with impressive pedigrees. Next up? Najee Harris could be in the Heisman mix for 2020.”

Hale also named Alabama ‘Offensive Line U,’ above other programs such as Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Ohio State and Michigan.

“It’s only fitting that the school that gets the RBU tag also wins OLU, and Alabama’s crew up front certainly earned the moniker. Eight Alabama linemen have been selected within the first 50 picks of the draft, and seven earned All-America honors during the past decade, while Chris Samuels, Evan Mathis and Ryan Kelly have all become Pro Bowlers during the Position U era. Current tackle Alex Leatherwood looks like a lock to be the next high draft choice coming off Alabama’s offensive line in 2021.”

While Alabama only led two positional groups, they were mentioned in various others.

The Crimson Tide ranked No. 2 for linebackers, No. 2 for defensive line and  No. 8 for wide receivers.

Notre Dame in NFL: Chase Claypool turning heads in Steelers camp

It’s hardly a surprise to anyone who watched him since the middle of 2018, but Chase Claypool continues to impress in Steelers training camp

Anyone who watched Chase Claypool at Notre Dame saw a player that took some time to develop but for his final year and a half wearing blue and gold, was as impressive as any player on the team.

Last year saw Claypool record 66 receptions for 1037 yards and 13 touchdowns while taking home team MVP honors.  He was eventually selected in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers and he’s been impressive so far in training camp.

Steelers tight end Eric Ebron took to Twitter to show praise to the rookie wide receiver.

NBC Sports analyst who you know from Notre Dame telecasts, Chris Simms, shared a comp for Claypool that had a fantastic NFL career, even if this guy wasn’t always the best teammate.

In nine seasons between 2007 and 2015, Brandon Marshall pulled in 1000 yards receiving all but once.  He also hauled in 77 touchdown receptions in that time.

I think it’s safe to say if Claypool turns out to have a career like Marshall, Steelers fans and Notre Dame fans will be thrilled.

Here’s to hoping if that’s the case that Claypool isn’t sitting here 13 years from now without every playing in an NFL postseason game like Marshall did.

Ryan says Julio Jones is ‘the premier wide receiver in the league’

QB Matt Ryan and WR Julio Jones will play together as a duo for the tenth-straight year in 2020.

The Atlanta Falcons are entering the new season with uncertainty a number of different positions, but quarterback and wide receiver aren’t among them.

Matt Ryan and Julio Jones will play together as a duo for the tenth-straight year in 2020. After Sunday’s training camp practice, Ryan spoke about what it means to build a long-term connection with such a special player.

“He is the most humble, hard-working superstar that there is, and the absolute best teammate you could ask for,” Ryan said of Jones.

The Falcons QB was unwavering in his declaration that Jones is the best receiver in the NFL. “To me, there’s no debate about it,” Ryan concluded.

Watch his full statement on Jones, as shared by ESPN’s Vaughn McClure below.

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Texas Football Recruiting: Quinn Ewers putting in work on the trail

Texas quarterback commits to the 2020 recruiting class, Quinn Ewers is trying to entice top recruits to play for the Longhorns.

It was a commitment that sent shockwaves throughout the country when Southlake Carroll quarterback Quinn Ewers made it official. The number one quarterback in the country decided he would stay home and play for his childhood team the Texas Longhorns. Much like Jalen Milroe before he decided to exit stage left, Ewers is putting in work recruiting for the 2022 class.

It shouldn’t be a difficult task, as already seen on social media. Recruits tweeted in response to his commitment, mostly teasing about coming to play for the Longhorns. It is very early in the process for the 2020 Texas football recruiting class but with a player the caliber of Ewers leading the way, big things could be on the horizon.

According to Mike Roach of 247Sports, Ewers spent Friday night working with another commit in Phaizon Wilson. Outside of Wilson, he had top targets Evan Stewart and Armani Winfield. The quarterback of the future is already working on getting these top targets to the Forty Acres.

Evan Stewart of Liberty (Frisco)

Stewart is a four-star wide receiver out of Frisco. He currently ranks as the seventh best wide out in the country and sixth best Texas prospect. The 6’0″ pass catcher hasn’t indicated at this point which way he is leaning but his offer list is impressive.

Offers

  • Baylor
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Michigan
  • Notre Dame
  • Oklahoma
  • Texas

Armani Winfield of Lewisville

Winfield is another Dallas area product that Ewers worked with on Friday. Prior to the commitment of Ewers, it seemed like Winfield to Oklahoma was a foregone conclusion. His crystal ball projections were pointing towards Norman. However, as of late Texas is picking up steam to land the talented receiver. Winfield is the 12th ranked wide out and Texas prospect. The Longhorns could look to the four-star wideout to the fold.

Top teams

  • Oklahoma
  • Texas
  • Texas A&M

The way the 2022 Texas football recruiting class has started out, it seems like it could be one of those program changing classes. Texas hasn’t had issues with getting top targets to the Forty Acres, but a five-star quarterback hasn’t been one that have been able to get. Mike Yurcich brining in Ewers could change things.

With a new staff in place it has become a wait and see approach on how development looks. Texas is sitting as the sixth-best class in the 247Sports team rankings, and while it is early there is no reason they can’t challenge for the top spot. Let’s see how good of a recruiting Quinn Ewers can be.

Receivers David Moore and Freddie Swain suffer minor injuries in camp

Seattle Seahawks wide receivers David Moore (ankle) and Freddie Swain (groin) suffered minor injuries in training camp this week.

The Seattle Seahawks have been fortunate throughout the first week of on-the-field practices during training camp. Relatively few players have suffered new injuries despite having only a virtual offseason this year.

Coach Pete Carroll did report that rookie wide receiver Freddie Swain has a groin issue and veteran David Moore hurt his ankle.

“D-Mo just turned his ankle a little bit,” Carroll said via Zoom ahead of Monday’s practice. “We’ll see if he can go today, it was just a couple days ago. It’s not serious at all. It may take another day or so.”

Moore did not practice on Sunday but was able to return to the field Monday afternoon after all.

As for Swain, he likely won’t be able to participate over the next few days.

“Freddie just got little bit of a groin thing that just kind of nicked him, so we’ve got to make sure that we don’t let that get worse, so he’ll be quiet for a couple days now,” Carroll explained. “And Freddie’s had a really good start so far, so we have seen him already, and he’s made a good first impression.”

The Seahawks resume practice Tuesday afternoon.

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Russell Wilson will have plenty of options to throw to this season

Seahawks QB Russell Wilson will have plenty of options to throw to as the tight ends and running backs will also factor into the air game.

Seattle Seahawks training camp is in full swing, with the offensive and defensive players finally able to take the field together. Monday should mark the most exciting day for fans so far when the pads come on for the first time this summer.

Over the last week, it’s been obvious that quarterback Russell Wilson will have his choice of players to throw to this season, with multiple offensive options at his disposal.

Wide receiver Tyler Lockett – Wilson’s No. 1 go-to target – explained during his press conference on Friday.

“We’re starting to move people around a lot more, so you’ll never know where people are going to line up,” Lockett told reporters via Zoom. “That’s where our dangerous weapons are going be able to succeed.”

“You don’t know who we’re going to run the ball with, you don’t know who we’re going to throw the ball to – we added so many additions, and the people we added to our team are also selfless,” Lockett continued. “That’s what you have to be able to have in a team is selfless people that want each other to succeed.”

The Seahawks beefed up their tight end game with the addition of veteran Greg Olsen and the return of Will Dissly from injury. Wide receiver D.K. Metcalf is looking to shine in his sophomore season. Finally, don’t look past the running backs, who also could factor into Seattle’s receiving game this season.

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Amari Cooper sets high goal for himself in 2020

Former Alabama WR Amari Cooper, now on the Cowboys, sets a high goal for himself in 2020. Though difficult, not impossible for Cooper.

Former Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper is set to begin his second full season with the Dallas Cowboys after being traded by Oakland in 2018. Playing in Dallas was seemingly a career-saving change for Cooper, and he’s apparently just getting started.

When speaking with DallasCowboys.com’s David Helman, Cooper revealed goals for himself and the team for the 2020 season.

Cooper, who shares the field with fellow high-profile receiver Michael Gallup, had high praise for Dallas’ 2020 first-round draftee, former Oklahoma wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.

While speaking about Lamb, Cooper revealed a difficult, but achievable goal: Having three wide receivers finish the year with over 1,000 yards.

“You have to draft the best player on the board — everybody understands that,” Cooper said. “I think he’s a great receiver. And I think with me and Michael Gallup going for 1,000 yards last season, I think the expectation is to have three 1,000-yard receivers this year.”

Last year, Cooper and Gallup both caught for over 1,000 yards. In fact, that is not a benchmark the former Alabama star often misses. In his five NFL seasons, four were concluded with over 1,000 receiving yards.

Though it isn’t something new to Cooper, he acknowledges that he still has to take the time during the offseason to train.

In an attempt to perfect his craft, Cooper states that he and his fellow skill position teammates have been working for months, despite league facilities having been closed for the past few months due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

“Me, Dak, some of the other receivers, tight ends, running backs – we’ve all been working together pretty consistently for months now,” said Cooper. “Working on our route running, working on the offense and everything like that. We’ve been getting a lot of work in, getting that timing right as if we were going to minicamp or OTAs.”

Cooper and the Cowboys will enter the 2020 season with a new head coach, Mike McCarthy, who coached the Green Bay Packers from 2006-2018 and won a Super Bowl during his time there.