Returner Recap and Latest News: Week 3

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UPDATES

Tavon Austin has not practiced and is looking unlikely to play this week. The Rams list Austin Pettis as the backup punt returner, though coach Jeff Fisher has not been shy in the past about straying from what his depth chart says.

Cordarrelle Patterson is dealing with a chest injury. While many think that he may play Week 3, the team might look to Marcus Sherels or other players to handle kick returns if they wish to spare Patterson the extra contact.

De'Anthony Thomas was said by Chiefs head coach Andy Reid to be healthy and ready go, but then was downgraded later in the week, leaving his status for Week 3 in doubt.

Dexter McCluster has been a full participant in practice and looks like he may be on track to play Week 3.

Jerrel Jernigan's season is over as he has been placed on Injured Reserve. Jernigan was a backup option in the return game for the Giants.

Dri Archer was practicing on a limited base for the Steelers but may not play if he does not at least get a full practice in this week.

Robert Woods is not likely to see many returns even when he is active, though an injury may sideline him from the Bills' Week 3 game.

With DeSean Jackson not practicing, there is extra risk that Washington may take returns from Andre Roberts to let him focus on offense. Roberts is a step above many of the other return options, so barring any word from the team otherwise I suspect he will continue to handle the returns even with Jackson out.

Week 2 Recap

Top Performers

Quintin Demps showed why the Giants were wise to bring the veteran safety in as a free agent, with 6 kickoff returns for 143 yards, enough to lead the NFL in Week 2 in both kickoff returns and in total return yards. Jordan Todman had 5 returns for 137 return yards against a Washington team that found unexpected offense when Kirk Cousins replaced an injured Robert Griffin III. Devin Hester amassed 118 kick return yards and added 7 on punt returns as he faced a Bengals team who mixed scoring with poor kickoffs.

Ted Ginn Jr scored a punt return touchdown on the way to a league leading 76 punt return yards in Week 2. Julian Edelman in his second year as the primary punt returner for New England picked up 4 returns for 66 yards against the Vikings. Andre Roberts had a league high 7 punt returns though was only able to pick up 59 yards for Washington.

Ginn was not the only returner to find the end zone this week. C.J. Spiller had a game winning 102-yard kickoff return for a score, which showcased why head coach Doug Marrone decided to move Spiller onto returns at the end of preseason.

The Chargers were the worst team in the league in 2013 in touchback percentage on kickoffs. Those woes are continuing this season. San Diego has recorded only one touchback in 11 kickoffs through the first two weeks of the season. Other noteworthy teams include the Bengals, Rams and Raiders, each of whom have managed touchbacks on just one-third of their kickoffs.

All Week 2 Returners

Here are all returners for Week 2.

Returners Year to Date

Here are the top 40 returners for the year based on total return yards.

Week 3 Outlook

Job Changes

Marlon Moore returned from suspension and handled kickoffs in Cleveland in place of Travis Benjamin. Benjamin continued to handle punt returns.

Many people have thought Brandin Cooks would take over some of the return duties for the Saints before the year is out. This seems to have already begun, with Cooks handling three punts while safety Jairus Byrd handled two, though all but one of the punts resulted in a fair catch.

Kansas City had punt returner De'Anthony Thomas miss the team's Week 2 game with an injury, while kick returner Knile Davis was taken off returns as he became the primary running back after an injury to Jamaal Charles. With both starting returners otherwise occupied, the Chiefs turned to Frankie Hammond.

Patrick Chung handled kickoffs for the Patriots for a second straight game, though did not receive many opportunities. Last season New England varied their kick returners for the first half of the season before settling on LeGarrette Blount.

INJURIES OF NOTE

Tennessee's Dexter McCluster was in a walking boot after the team's Week 2 game. If McCluster cannot handle punt returns in Week 3, Leon Washington is one player the team might turn to.

Tavon Austin suffered a mild knee sprain in the Ram's game against Tampa Bay. Austin has a chance to play in Week 3.

De'Anthony Thomas missed the Week 2 game for the Chiefs as expected. His status for Week 3 should be monitored as the week progresses.