Unlike last week where there was optimism amongst many West Virginia alums, week two of the NFL preseason seems to have a vastly different feel. While there are a few bright spots, much of the news that broke within the past week was humbling for several former Mountaineers. Although the unfortunate news overshadowed the positive reports, some players proved they deserved a spot on a 53-man roster.
Geno Smith, QB, Seattle Seahawks
When the Seahawks announced that Drew Lock had come down with COVID-19, the quarterback battle for the team seemed to swing in Geno Smiths’ favor. However, Smith did little to supplant himself as the starter for the Seahawks Thursday night. The former Mountaineer went 10 for 18 and 112 yards. Although there were quite a few drops, Smith did not go out and grasp the opportunity.
Earlier this week, Pete Carrol, head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, said, “We have two number ones,” when asked about the quarterback competition. However, with Lock set to receive a good amount of playing time against the Cowboys in the third and final preseason game, Smith might be in jeopardy of starting the season as the backup. Surely, Mountaineers fans will want to monitor how Smith performs when the Seahawks take on the Cowboys this Friday night.
Kevin White, WR, New Orleans Saints
Another familiar face has received unfortunate news. White, a former first-round pick, has bounced around the NFL since entering the league. When he signed with the Saints a season ago, White proved he could still play at a high level, competing in five games for the Saints and catching one pass for 38 yards.
When the Saints traveled to Green Bay to take on the Packers, White recorded one catch for 18 yards. Unfortunately, this was not enough to stand out in a crowded Saints wide receiver room, as New Orleans placed White on IR. As the team announces more cuts in the coming weeks, it will be intriguing to see if the Saints release the former Mountaineer with an injury settlement.
Karl Joseph, FS, Pittsburgh Steelers
Karl Joseph and Kevin White have many similarities, including being drafted in the top ten and having injury-riddled professional careers. After spending much of 2021 on the Steelers practice squad, the Steelers brought back the safety this spring in hopes he could help out the secondary and be a significant contributor to the special teams unit. Unfortunately, these expectations never became a reality as the safety injured his ankle playing on special teams.
On August 16th, the Steelers announced that they had placed the former West Virginia product on season-ending injured reserve. Although Joseph will sit out the 2022 NFL season, he will rehab his ankle in hopes of returning to the field next fall.
Kyzir White, LB, Philadelphia Eagles
Unlike the first three former Mountaineers on this list, Kyzir White is trending in a positive direction. After signing a one-year, $5 million deal with Philadelphia this offseason, White has only impressed the Eagles organization. After intercepting a pass in the first preseason game, White had an impressive outing when practicing against the Cleveland Browns last week. He even hauled in an interception guarding one of the best running backs in the NFL, Nick Chubb.
The Eagles Defensive Coordinator, Jonathan Gannon, also praised the fifth-year linebacker; “He’s extremely intelligent. (Kyzir is) executing at an extremely high level in the run and pass game.” Although White has played at a tremendously high level up to this point, Mountaineer faithful will monitor if his play translates to the regular season when the Eagles travel to Detriot in week one.
Rasul Douglas, CB, Green Bay Packers
One of the biggest surprises for Mountaineers fans last season was the emergence of Rasul Douglas. The cornerback spent three seasons with the Eagles before being cut right before the season in 2020. After spending stints with the Panthers, Raiders, and Texans, Douglas landed on the Arizona Cardinals practice squad. The cornerback soon received a call from the Packers, asking him to contribute to their defense. Just weeks later, Douglas had played himself into the starting lineup and prepared to face his previous team. Undoubtedly, the cornerback’s biggest play of his career was intercepting a pass to seal a Packers victory over the Cardinals.
This preseason, Douglas seems to have picked up where he left off. Although he has not seen action in either of the two preseason games, he is receiving high praise from the league’s brightest star. Aaron Rodgers, the MVP of the NFL the last two seasons, said, “Again, (Douglas) reminds me of Charles (Woodson). Rasul has a lot of the same characteristics with his ball-hawking ability, coverage skills, understanding of concepts, and his trash talking. I love 29; he’s a hell of a player.” With such high praise, West Virginia fans will undoubtedly cheer for Douglas on Sundays this fall.
Will Grier, QB, Dallas Cowboys
Geno Smith is not the only former West Virginia player in a quarterback competition. Grier was a third-round pick of the Carolina Panthers after spending two seasons in Morgantown. Last year, the Panthers released Grier, giving the Cowboys a chance to pick up the former West Virginia product. Although the quarterback missed the first preseason game with a groin injury, he proved he could back up Dak Prescott going into the regular season in week two.
Grier completed six of ten attempts for 98 yards and had a scramble for nine yards on 4th down to keep the drive alive.
Although this was a small sample size, Cooper Rush, also competing for the backup quarterback position, completed three of six passes for 32 yards. Grier will have an opportunity to earn a spot on the Cowboys’ when Dallas takes on the Seahawks this weekend.
Tavon Austin, WR, Buffalo Bills
One of the fan favorites in Morgantown received disheartening news this week following the second preseason game. On Monday, the Buffalo Bills announced that the team had cut Tavon Austin.
Since being drafted eighth to the St. Louis Rams, Austin has had a stellar NFL career. His best season came in 2016 when Austin caught 58 passes for 509 yards and three touchdowns. The return specialist also had 44 punt returns for 336 yards. The former Mountaineer spent time with the Cowboys, Packers, and Jaguars in addition to the Rams. While Austin may receive another chance in the NFL, especially with teams constantly looking for return specialists, one thing is certain, his college and professional careers were electrifying.
Photo By Kamil Krzaczynski / AP
