The Atlanta Falcons placed kick returner/wide receiver Jakeem Grant (hamstring) on Injured Reserve on Thursday. Atlanta signed Grant to a one-year contract last Saturday, and he was expected to compete for a role as a return specialist. He injured his hamstring this week at practice, and it's unclear how much time he will miss. However, Grant could play again this year if he is able to reach an injury settlement with the team. The 2016 sixth-round pick was set to experience his first action this season since 2021 after suffering back-to-back season-ending injuries the previous two preseasons (Achilles, knee). With him and Rondale Moore on IR, Atlanta is expected to seek more depth behind Avery Williams to compete for kick-returner duties.
The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms with free agent wide receiver Jakeem Grant Sr. on Saturday. The former sixth-round pick has spent a majority of his career with the Miami Dolphins. He tore his Achilles in 2022 which prompted his release from the Cleveland Browns. Grant is an All-Pro returner as his best season as a wideout came in 2020 with the Dolphins. The Falcons are likely going to use Grant primarily as a returner but he could see some snaps at wideout with Rondale Moore done for the season. There is unlikely to be any fantasy value here.
Jakeem Grant Sr. To Take Part In Jets Minicamp On Tryout Basis
Two-time All-Pro return man and wide receiver Jakeem Grant Sr. will take part in the New York Jets' minicamp this week on a tryout basis, according to a source. Grant is attempting to make a comeback of sorts after missing each of the last two years due to injury. He suffered a torn Achilles in training camp in 2022 and a season-ending knee injury in the preseason last year while with the Cleveland Browns. Grant was an All-Pro return man in 2021, though, with the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins, and he could give the Jets some veteran experience on special teams in 2024 if they sign him. The former sixth-round pick of the Dolphins in 2016 out of Texas Tech has never made much of an impact on offense in his seven NFL campaigns, posting a career-high 36 receptions in 2020 for 373 yards and only one touchdown in 14 games (four starts).
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jakeem Grant Sr. (knee) landed on the injured reserve list on Sunday and will miss the 2023-24 campaign. The 30-year-old, who also missed all last season with an Achilles injury, suffered a ruptured patellar tendon during the preseason finale against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. Although he wasn't expected to be a viable fantasy option as a wideout, his effectiveness as a return man isn't good for the Browns special teams unit this season.
Cleveland Browns returner Jakeem Grant (knee) likely suffered a broken patella during Week 3 of the preseason, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Head coach Kevin Stefanski added that he hopes Grant's patella is not torn. An MRI will be conducted Sunday to confirm the diagnosis. Nevertheless, it's an unfortunate development for the Browns and their talented 30-year-old special teamer, especially after he missed all of 2022 with a torn Achilles. Grant has never been a major contributor in the passing game, but his value as a returner is tremendous. In his absence, Donovan Peoples-Jones and Jerome Ford (hamstring) would likely handle punt and kick returns, respectively.
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jakeem Grant Sr. (knee) exited Saturday's preseason finale against the Kansas City Chiefs. The 30-year-old, who missed all last season with an Achilles injury, suffered a knee injury in this one. Even worse, he was taken off the field on a cart, which isn't a promising sign. Grant isn't expected to be a direct fantasy asset this season. However, his success as a return man over the years makes him a valuable commodity for the Browns special teams unit. There should be an update on Grant's condition soon.
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jakeem Grant Sr. (Achilles) will return punts and kicks during the team's preseason finale against Kansas City on Saturday. The returner injured his Achilles last training camp and hasn't seen game action since. Signs have pointed to Grant opening the season as the lead return man. He is often taking the first-team reps during those drills. The 30-year-old has six return touchdowns in his career but he can be ignored in almost all fantasy leagues.
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jakeem Grant Sr. (Achilles) returned to full-team drills at training camp for the first time on Monday. Grant isn't guaranteed anything heading into the 2023 regular season, but the Browns signed him 17 months ago expecting him to revive their return game and at least help occasionally on offense. When he's been active at practice, he's mostly been at the front of the line on kickoff and punt returns. Fellow speedster and return-game option Jaelon Darden (leg) has missed the last five practices, so the return jobs are still wide open. The 30-year-old Grant will only make the team if he stays healthy and is able to win a special teams job as a returner, so he can be ignored in the vast majority of fantasy leagues.
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jakeem Grant Sr. (Achilles) did not suit up for Thursday's preseason game versus the New York Jets. The 30-year-old wideout remains limited in practice as he attempts to work his way back from a torn Achilles tendon. He has been first in line for kick return drills, but hasn't been able to practice at full speed yet. Grant hasn't played since 2021 when he split the season between the Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears. His speed is what is going to make him an attractive asset to the roster. However, it's unlikely he has a consistent role as a pass-catcher, assuming he makes the Browns roster.
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jakeem Grant Sr. (Achilles) took part in practice on Tuesday and was able to log his most reps since rupturing his Achilles during training camp last year. Grant was signed before the 2022 season to bring an element of explosiveness to the return game but never wound up suiting up for the team after the injury. He is reportedly looking as speedy and shifty as he did back in 2021 when he was a Pro Bowler. The Browns will certainly welcome Grant back into the fold as they look to improve upon a disappointing 2022 season.