Leon's List - 2023 Week 2
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Leon’s List is a weekly post about waiver wire players I’m keeping an eye on.
Kyren Williams (RB - LAR)
The Rams seem to be spreading out the run game this year. Cam Akers had 22 carries to Kyren Williams’ 15 carries. But Williams did more with his carries, producing 52 yards and a touchdown. From an eye test standpoint, he also looks to be the better running back. I could see him taking the lead back role sooner rather than later.
Gus Edwards (RB - BAL)
JK Dobbins suffered an achilles injury during the Ravens’ Week 1 game and will be out for the season. Gus Edwards and Justice Hill split the carries in that game, with 8 touches each. Although Hill ended up with two touchdown, I like Edwards going forward. He’s had more touches, yards, and touchdowns than Hill last year.
Having said that, I’m not loving the Ravens’ running back situation. Lamar Jackson is always a threat on a ground and could vulture touchdowns. It was also reported that Melvin Gordon was promoted from the practice squad.
Joshua Kelley (RB - LAC)
From the Chargers’ Week 1 game, it seemed that Joshua Kelley was the sole running back on a majority of the snaps in the second half. The stats say that he and Austin Ekeler split the carriers with 16 each. Kelly was productive with his touches, grabbing 91 yards and a touchdown.
Ekeler is currently listed as Questionable. Coach Brandon Staley reports that he is dealing with an ankle injury. If he is unable to go, Kelly could be in line for a huge game.
Puka Nacua (WR - LAR)
Puka Nacua is a rookie 5th round pick from BYU. He also has an awesome name. On Sunday, he lit up the Seahawks for 119 yards on 10 catches. He was targeted 15 times. Guess how many times Tyreek Hill was targeted this past week? 15. I’m not saying he’s the next Hill but he is getting a ton of balls thrown his way. And he’s apparently talented enough to make the most of it.
I don’t see this as a one week trend, especially with Cooper Krupp out for at least three more weeks.
Kendrick Bourne (WR - NE)
Kendrick Bourne led all Patriots receivers with 11 targets. He converted those targets into 6 catches for 64 yards and 2 touchdowns. I don’t think Mac Jones is going to throw 54 times every week this season. But I see Bourne getting the majority of the looks for this offense.
Hayden Hurst (TE - CAR)
I mentioned last week the Panthers lack some serious talent in their receiving corps. I am sad to report that Week 1 proved that I might be right.
However, the Panthers have Hayden Hurst. He led the team in both targets and catches this past week. He ended up with 5 catches for 41 yards and a touchdown. This landed him as TE2 for the week.
I can see Bryce Young continuing to lean on him throughout the season.
Tags: #football