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Newsweek
4 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Rookie Tight End Listed as Key Player for Justin Fields, Jets Offense
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The New York Jets know they needed to surround quarterback Justin Fields with talented pass catchers in order to have any chance of having a successful season. It's one of the reasons why they selected Mason Taylor in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. writer Dan Parr expects Taylor to have the biggest impact out of every Jets rookie this season. INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Mason Taylor #TE20 of LSU participates in a drill during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Mason Taylor #TE20 of LSU participates in a drill during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana."Taylor was off to a fantastic start in camp -- he had probably locked down the starting job -- but a high ankle sprain will sideline him for a bit," wrote Parr. "Hopefully it won't become a long-term issue because the Jets are looking very thin at receiver behind Garrett Wilson on the depth chart, with journeymen Josh Reynolds and Tyler Johnson potentially playing leading roles. We know Justin Fields leaned on his tight end during his run as the Bears' starter, and Taylor was already beginning to emerge as the quarterback's new safety valve." Even though Fields and many of the starters will play in the preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers, it will still take time for Fields to settle into a rhythm offensively. When Taylor returns from injury, he will certainly help Fields settle in along with Wilson. However, the Jets offense utilizes their tight ends often -- another reason Parr expects Taylor to have a big role. "Right tackle Armand Membou and safety Malachi Moore are also in line to start from Day 1 and will undoubtedly make a significant impact, but there's no one else at tight end who can provide the pass-catching element that Taylor offers to Tanner Engstrand's offense," he wrote. Taylor and Fields should get some work together in the preseason as he is expected to return from injury before Week 1. More NFL: Jason Kelce Drops Honest Take on Eagles Super Bowl Debate
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Dallas Cowboys Prospect Slowly Earning Larger Role in Training Camp
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Heading into training camp, there weren't many positional battles going on for the Dallas Cowboys. That said, one prospect has shined over the past two and could emerge as the answer in a key area of need. In the Dak Prescott era, the Cowboys have been an extremely pass-heavy offense. Wanting to be a more balanced squad in 2025, the front office addressed the backfield in a variety of ways this offseason. During free agency, Dallas nabbed a pair of veterans in Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders to hold things down in the backfield. However, one rookie is quietly making his way up the depth chart in an effort to have a prominent role in year one. Also read: Cowboys' Micah Parsons Could Lure Former NFL Star Out of Retirement Jaydon Blue #RB03 of Texas stands on the field during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 1, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jaydon Blue #RB03 of Texas stands on the field during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 1, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo by/Getty Images Jaydon Blue getting first team reps amid standing out in Cowboys camp In a recent column for The Athletic, Jon Machota broke down some of the top performers in camp for the Cowboys thus far. Among those mentioned was rookie running back Jaydon Blue. Machota noted that Blue has played so well he's even getting reps with the first team at times. "The running back group has been an interesting one to monitor. Javonte Williams entered camp as the probable No. 1 guy. Miles Sanders then started to stand out a little more. With those two being the veterans, they could get the bulk of the touches early in the season," Machota wrote. "But lately, Blue has been standing out more and more, to the point he's been getting some first-team reps. When given the opportunity, he's been taking care of the football, showcasing his speed, athleticism and quality hands. Each day that goes by, Blue appears to be getting more comfortable with the offense and speed of the NFL game." Also read: NFL Analyst Bashes Dallas Cowboys Coach for Bizarre Reason The Cowboys drafted Blue in the fifth round of this year's draft after he spent his college career at Texas. He is fresh off his best collegiate season, racking up over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns. As a dual-threat back, Blue fits the kind of player the Cowboys are looking for in the backfield. Someone who can establish a running game but also be able to step out and give Prescott another viable target. Jumping two veterans on the depth chart will be an uphill battle for Blue, but he seems to have made a strong first impressions. He'll now need to carry this momentum into the preseason. For more Dallas Cowboys and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
USA Today
03-08-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Rashid Shaheed has one-word response to teammate's claim about Saints' fastest player
'I'd bet my game check on it' Rashid Shaheed is one of the fastest players in the NFL, but he might have competition from one of his own teammates. New Orleans Saints running back Velus Jones Jr. is known for his speed -- he timed the 40-yard dash in just 4.31 seconds at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, and more recently got the better of the entire Saints defense on a surprise third-down draw play. And he wants it known that he isn't just the fastest player in the running backs room. He'll race anybody at Saints training camp. "Fastest one on the team," Jones confirmed to reporters after Sunday's scrimmage. "But you can't coach speed. I feel like I've shown some glimpses of how dangerous I can be, a home run hitter." Jones was drafted by the Chicago Bears to play wide receiver, but he showed more promise as a rusher, and the Jacksonville Jaguars tried him out in that role last year, too. All told he's gained more yards on the ground (165) than through the air (135) in his three-year NFL career so far, clocking an impressive 8.3 yards per carry. And when he says he's the fastest player in the locker room, that includes Rashid Shaheed. When asked if he could outrace Shaheed one-on-one, Jones answered with confidence: "For sure. For sure. Yeah, I'd bet my game check on that." While we don't have a 40 time to compare them with (Shaheed was still recovering from a college knee injury at his pro day and didn't test in the 40-yard dash), Shaheed has routinely ranked among the league's fastest players. He hit 21.13 miles per hour on his 53-yard touchdown catch against the Arizona Cardinals back in 2022. He reached 20.52 miles per hour on a 47-yard punt return against the Carolina Panthers last season. When he has a runway, he can fly. And Shaheed wasn't fazed by Jones' comments. He shared a one-word response on social media to Jones' claims: "No." If the two line up for a sprint later in camp, they'll draw a lot of eyes.
USA Today
25-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Packers claim speedy former Jets draft pick to help RB depth
The Green Bay Packers are claiming speedy running back Israel Abanikanda off waivers from the San Francisco 49ers, according to Aaron Wilson and agent Shawn O'Gorman. Abanikanda, who is still only 22 years old, was a fifth-round pick of the New York Jets in 2023. He played in six games as a rookie, rushing 22 times for 70 yards and catching seven passes for 43 yards. Inactive for the first 12 games of the 2024 season, Abanikanda was waived by the Jets in December of 2024, leading to his arrival in San Francisco. The 49ers waived Abanikanda (5-10, 216) from the 90-man roster on Thursday. The Packers are strong at the top of the running back depth chart, with Pro Bowler Josh Jacobs, 2024 third-round pick MarShawn Lloyd and backups Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks leading the way. The Packers may see the need for more depth at training camp, considering rookie Amar Johnson is on the non-football injury list with a hamstring injury. Abanikanda would give the roster a sixth healthy running back with Johnson out. Abanikanda was a first-team All-ACC pick and third-team All-American in 2022 after rushing for 1,431 yards and scoring 21 total touchdowns across 11 games. He set Pitt's all-time record for rushing yards in a game when he gained 320 yards against Virginia Tech in 2022. Abanikanda also has experience returning kickoffs, including one kickoff return touchdown while at Pitt. While he didn't participate at the NFL Scouting Combine, Abanikanda had an excellent pro day, hitting 41" in the vertical leap, covering 10-8 in the broad jump and running the 40-yard dash in the 4.3-second range. His unofficial Relative Athletic Score was 9.88 out of 10.0 given his pro day results. Abanikanda will need to pass a physical on Saturday to be officially signed to the Packers roster. The team doesn't practice again until Sunday.
New York Times
24-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Packers training camp: Matthew Golden's new nickname and 8 more observations
GREEN BAY, Wis. — It didn't take long for the Packers' rookie first-round pick to earn a nickname in Green Bay. Special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia has dubbed wide receiver Matthew Golden 'Bullet.' Previously, the veteran coach Bisaccia told tight end Tucker Kraft to watch legendary former New York Giants tight end Mark Bavaro. This year, Bisaccia told Golden to look up 'Bullet' Bob Hayes, the only man to ever win Olympic gold and a Super Bowl. Advertisement Hayes, who died at age 59 in 2002, won the 100-meter gold in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics with a then-world-record-tying time of 10.06 seconds. Golden, who ranked second at this year's NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.29-second 40-yard dash, possesses similar speed. Hayes also wore No. 22 in the NFL, which is Golden's number with the Packers. Hayes played wide receiver for the Cowboys for the next 10 years after achieving gold, winning a Super Bowl and earning three All-Pro honors while leading the NFL twice in touchdown catches. Hayes was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009. The Packers hope Golden can forge a similar path. Golden didn't know who Hayes was before Bisaccia's referral, but he has since learned about all his accomplishments. The nickname has stuck, but Golden said Bisaccia is the only one who calls him 'Bullet.' 'That's just between me and him. That's definitely between me and him,' the rookie said on Thursday. 'Coach Rich, one of the guys I definitely connected with when I first got here. That's a coach, he gon' joke sometimes, but at the same time, he gon' stay on you.' For the ones who wore the G before the G@amfam — Green Bay Packers Football Club (@packers) July 24, 2025 Bisaccia's special teams haven't always been sterling during his three years in Green Bay, but players rave about him. Count running back Josh Jacobs, cornerback Keisean Nixon and cornerback Nate Hobbs among that group after all played for him with the Raiders. Hobbs even said earlier this offseason that Bisaccia, then the Raiders' interim head coach, changed his life in 2021 by forgiving him after Hobbs was arrested as a rookie for driving under the influence (Hobbs later pleaded guilty to a careless driving charge after his blood-alcohol content was found to be below the legal limit). Advertisement Golden, 21, is next in the line of players with whom the 65-year-old Bisaccia has connected. While Golden figures to see most of his time on offense, he's also worked at punt returner for Bisaccia since arriving in Green Bay. 1. The injury report didn't change much after one practice. Rookie seventh-round cornerback Micah Robinson returned from a knee injury that sidelined him on Day 1, while linebacker Quay Walker (ankle) was activated from the physically unable to perform list on Wednesday but is only participating in walkthroughs for the time being. Remaining sidelined were wide receiver Christian Watson (ACL recovery), center Elgton Jenkins (back), defensive lineman Collin Oliver (hamstring; GM Brian Gutekunst expects him back in a couple weeks), running back Amar Johnson (hamstring) and offensive lineman John Williams (back). 2. Head coach Matt LaFleur said former Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett will be a defensive analyst for the Packers, providing an offensive perspective for that side of the ball. Hackett, who coached under LaFleur from 2019 to 2021 before the Broncos hired him as head coach in 2022, was spotted at practice on Wednesday. Hackett was the Jets' offensive coordinator in 2023 and 2024 for former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. 'He's a guy that I really respect and we've had a lot of great times together,' LaFleur said of Hackett. 'He's been in the linebacker room and kind of just going through the film and gives them a good offensive perspective … he'll be in and out throughout the course of the year.' 3. The Packers are working plenty of players at punt returner, including wide receivers Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, Mecole Hardman, Will Sheppard and Golden, along with cornerback Keisean Nixon. Both Golden and Wicks botched punts on Thursday. Golden's muff bounced off his knee after he sprinted forward to field the ball from the machine. Nixon proclaimed that the returners were lining up too far back. After they adjusted, Wicks had a ball go right through his hands and hit him in his manhood before falling to the ground. After coming up gimpy, Wicks returned to the drill and made a couple of catches in the ensuing 11-on-11 period. What do we think Matt LaFleur is telling Brian Gutekunst here? — Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) July 24, 2025 4. The defense dominated a two-minute period in which it looked like the offense's goal was to advance into field-goal range from deep in its territory with the score 0-0 near the end of the first half. The No. 2 offense went first and the drive ended with linebacker Isaiah Simmons tipping a Malik Willis pass near the line of scrimmage before cornerback Carrington Valentine made a sliding interception. The No. 1 offense followed and, despite a couple of short completions from quarterback Jordan Love, Hobbs sent them packing after breaking up a sideline out to Wicks on third down. The play prior, Hobbs jumped offsides on Love's hard count. He tapped his chest to signify his fault and atoned for his mistake in short order. Advertisement 'I wanted to jump him, make him get into his route and apply the pressure on him … surprise him a little bit,' Hobbs said of his aggressive approach defending Doubs. 'The first hard count, I didn't go for. The second hard count … I jumped offsides. A mistake we can't have. But I knew if I was to jump offsides, I had to make that play to get us off the field. So I told my teammates, 'That's on me. I promise I'll make that play.' That builds trust. When your teammates looking around and are like, that could lose a game … you've got to know, as a man, you've got to be accountable. I just told my guys, 'I've got you all. I promise.' That builds trust.' The No. 3 offense came up empty to finish the period after safety Omar Brown picked off quarterback Taylor Elgersma over the middle. 'We were in man. It's been a while since I've been in man. I'm usually in the post,' said Brown, a 2024 undrafted Broncos signing who played in two games for the Packers last season. 'Today was third down. Just playing man and playing ball pretty much. Seen the throw, slipped it and caught it … it means something to me. It's my second camp, so every pick means something to me. I just can't wait to do it in a game, honestly.' 5. Wide receiver-turned-cornerback Bo Melton doesn't seem to be a slouch at his new position. Melton, who has played wideout the last three seasons in Green Bay, broke up a pass from Elgersma for wide receiver Savion Williams on a crossing route early in practice. Later in the day, Reed praised Melton for his performance when they met on the sideline. 'Day one was good, did some nice things,' LaFleur said before practice of Melton. 'I just love the attitude and what he's all about, what he represents. His story is awesome, just how he's had to earn everything in this league. And I think that's a good lesson for all our players, whether you're a first-rounder or seventh-rounder, a UDFA. It doesn't matter. Just, you got to earn it every day, and he definitely has done that.' 6. A potential name to watch in camp is offensive lineman Travis Glover. The 2024 sixth-round pick played only 13 offensive snaps in the regular season as a rookie before being thrown into the wild-card round game against the Eagles when then-left guard Elgton Jenkins went out with a stinger. Glover committed a penalty for being illegally downfield before committing holding penalties on consecutive plays in the second quarter. Glover was then benched for Kadeem Telfort but later re-entered when center Josh Myers suffered a leg injury. On Thursday, Glover was the first-team left guard for multiple 11-on-11 periods while starter and marquee free-agent signing Aaron Banks watched from the sideline (unclear if he suffered a mid-practice injury). Glover said his main goal is to re-earn the trust of his teammates, coaches and front office, not just because of how his playoff debut went, but every time he steps on the field. 'That's the biggest moment that you probably could have — first round of the playoffs, going against the Eagles, thrown in there when Elgton went down,' Glover said. 'So I just take it as, 10 years later I can look back at it and be like, I remember when I got thrown in that fire. I didn't perform, but my next year I went out there and took it.' 7. Defensive tackle Kenny Clark posted arguably the worst statistical season of his career in 2024 with only one sack (fewest since his 2016 rookie year) and four tackles for loss (second-fewest since his rookie year). However, the longest-tenured Packer and three-time Pro Bowler revealed this offseason that he suffered a toe injury in Week 1 that affected him 'a lot' throughout the year. He waited until January for surgery and was limited this offseason, but said Thursday that he's made it through two camp practices unscathed. Advertisement 'All that stuff is behind me,' said Clark, who enters Year 10 still at only 29 years old. 'Yesterday was my first day practicing and didn't really have no issues. Today, again, had no issues, so I'm feeling great … It's good not to think about it. I'm not going to lie, yesterday, just having my first practice, you don't really know what to expect coming back, especially with the foot. Today I felt a lot more comfortable. I'm allowed to play free and be me.' 8. The quote of the day on Day 2 of training camp comes from Hobbs. Outside the new Packers locker room are 13 vertical banners on a wall, each painted with a year the Packers won a world championship. The second-to-last banner says '2010.' There is an empty banner to the right of it. 'I feel like it's been too long,' said Hobbs, one of the newest Packers. 'From 2010, there's a big old gap. That's not good enough. That's not the standard. That's not the Green Bay standard. If you're coming here to just work and get better yourself, you're wrong. There's no point in coming here.'
