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Week 6 Recap

Historical comparisonS

The number of kick returns per game continues to lag behind historical averages since kickoffs were moved up to the 35 yard line. Punt returns are occurring at historical rates, but continue to trail previous season averages by a full yard per return.

TOP PERFORMERS

The Chargers touchback percentage of 15% on kickoffs continues to be a boon to kick returners playing against them. David Reed of Indianapolis was the recipient this week and returned 5 kicks for 124 yards. Darius Reynaud, Dwayne Harris, Brandon Tate and Jacoby Jones all joined Reed in breaking the century mark in kickoff return yards. Devin Hester of the Bears only had 3 returns for 73 yards, but that was still enough to keep him as the season leader with 575 kickoff return yards on 19 returns.

Though Washington only allowed a pair of punt returns, Dwayne Harris took one to the house and scored the only return touchdown of the week. The 109 punt return yards combined with Harris's 113 kick return yards made him the overall return yardage leader for the week. Micah Hyde of the Packers was second in punt return yards with 5 returns for 68 yards.

Job Changes

Week 6 was a wild week as injuries and benchings resulted in a large number of job changes amongst the returner ranks.

In San Diego, Lavelle Hawkins took over the kick return duties from Danny Woodhead.  Woodhead had himself only recently taken the job when Fozzy Whittaker was released by the team.

Washington benched Chris Thompson, leaving him inactive and turning to Josh Morgan to handle most all the return duties. Morgan did not particularly stand out with 1 kickoff return for 20 yards and 4 punt returns for 17 yards total. Depending on either individual returner in Week 7 is a risky proposition as Washington could stick with Morgan or go back to Thompson.

Another healthy scratch was LaMichael James of the 49ers, who was replaced by Kyle Williams. If this continues, Williams will join the small group of returners who handle both kickoffs and punts.

Ravens standout returner Jacoby Jones returned from injury and immediately stepped back into his role as kickoff returner. Jones was eased back into the punt returns, however, as Tandon Doss handled five out of six.

Another player returning from injury was Buffalo's Marquise Goodwin. Goodwin returned 4 kickoffs for 94 yards and looks to be back atop the variety of kick return options for the Bills.

With Falcons elite receiver Julio Jones suffering a major injury, the team will be turning to Robert Alford to handle punt returns. Atlanta previously was using Harry Douglas in the role, but will look to him to focus on filling in as the team's number two wide receiver.

Tennessee has a fine returner in Darius Reynaud, enough so that they felt comfortable releasing his backup, Michael Preston. With Preston gone, the Titans will look to Damian Williams as Reynaud's new backup.

 INJURIES OF NOTE

Randall Cobb suffered a major injury to his knee and will sit on Injured Reserve until at least week 15 when he will be eligible to return. Micah Hyde took over punts while Johnathan Franklin was the deep man on kickoff returns, though Franklin was not able to return any of the kicks that came his way. Expect them both to continue in the job unless the team signs another player.

Houston's Keshawn Martin has been one of the season leaders in kick return yards, but an injured shoulder had the team turn to safety Danieal Manning to handle kickoffs, and safety Shiloh Keo to handle punts. Manning was injured in the game and has been placed on season ending Injured Reserve. After Manning's injury, Martin handled kickoffs for the rest of the game, though injured his shoulder again. Martin will be the team's preferred option if he is able to play, especially now that Shiloh Keo will be starting safety in place of Manning.

David Wilson of the Giants chose to avoid season-ending surgery on his injured neck. Wilson is expected to miss 3-4 weeks. In the meantime, Jerrel Jernigan handled the majority of the kickoff returns. Jernigan's competition for the job is Michael Cox, as running back Da'Rel Scott was released by the team.

The Rams saw their primary kick returner, Benny Cunningham, suffer an ankle injury that reports say looks serious. Tavon Austin has disappointed as a returner in the regular season, with most of his long returns being called back for penalties. If Cunningham cannot play, Austin's opportunities should increase.

The Jets placed kickoff returner Clyde Gates on season-ending Injured Reserve, and then signed former elite returner Josh Cribbs. Cribbs tried out in preseason with the Raiders but was missing his usual burst. That has not stopped New York from placing him atop their kick returner depth chart, ahead of Kyle Wilson who is dealing with his own injury and may not play this week.

Jacksonville's punt returner Ace Sanders showed concussion symptoms and his status for this week's game should be watched closely. Will Blackmon will likely handle punt returns if Sanders cannot play.

Week 7 Team Return Projections

Week 7 Player Return Projections