Rookie Roundup Week 4 includes high flyers and low riders.
Week 4 of the NFL season has come and gone, and rookies continue to leave our jaws dropped to the floor. From ankle breakers on Toy Story to wild comebacks, I have you covered for everything rookie related that happened this week. Let’s dive in to the Rookie Roundup Week 4 recap.
What is Rookie Roundup?
For those who are new here, each week I recap everything rookies. From stats to advanced analytics, what went right, or wrong, and looking ahead to future matchups. I cover it all, so you don’t have to. If you missed last week, you can view it here.
Rookie Roundup Week 4 Recap
Thursday Night Football
Lions @ Packers
The Detroit Lions dominated from start to finish; so much so that Jahmyr Gibbs has trouble getting on the field. Gibbs played in 37% of snaps, comparatively to David Montgomery’s 71%. This game script was never in favor of Gibbs. He’s a flex option with upside, at most, going forward. Sam LaPorta continued to have himself a year. Although he didn’t have a huge impact in this one, he’s a must start going forward.
Green Bay Packers’ rookies found themselves in a pickle. Jayden Reed had a middling day, and Luke Musgrave suffered an injury that took him out the game early in the contest. Tucker Kraft came into the tight end spot for some early career reps. Overall better days ahead for the team as a whole, but be weary putting these two in lineups going forward. Especially with Christian Watson back in action.
- Jahmyr Gibbs: 8 CAR, 40 YD|4 REC, 11 YD
- Sam LaPorta: 4 REC, 56 YD
- Jayden Reed: 3 REC, 55 YD
- Luke Musgrave: 1 REC, 1 YD
- Tucker Kraft: 2 REC,|| 5 YD
Sunday Slate
Falcons @ Jaguars
Bijan Robinson was the lone star in this London Toy Story. The Atlanta Falcons never got into rhythm and relied on Bijan to move the chains. He is a walking highlight reel. I could attach a clip of him every week if I wanted to, but I like to give others the spotlight as well.
Bijan Robinson today
— Not Bijan (@InBijanWeTrust) October 1, 2023
• 14 carries, 105 yards
• 5 catches, 32 yards pic.twitter.com/JmJUwQfbAZ
If you flip the script 180 degrees, you’ll find Tank Bigsby. He hasn’t been much of a performer for the Jacksonville Jaguars, only seeing 12% of snaps the last two games.
- Bijan Robinson: 14 CAR, 105 YD | 5 REC, 32 YD
- Tank Bigsby: 3 CAR, 10 YD
Dolphins @ Bills
The continuing story of the NFL is the emergence of Miami Dolphins‘ rookie running back De’Von Achane (which was found out to be pronounced A-Chan). He is lightning on the field, averaging 10.9 yards per touch . He found the end zone twice more this week as well.
Dalton Kincaid has gotten off to a slow start, but saw the second most targets of all Buffalo Bills players. He isn’t worth a roster spot right now, but is worth keeping an eye on going forward
- De’Von Achane: 8 CAR, 101 YD, 2 TD | 3 REC 19 YD
- Dalton Kincaid: 4 REC 27 YD
Broncos @ Bears
This game was unsurprisingly a must watch. Two bottom-tier defenses facing off helps the underwhelming offenses look better than they are. Rookie running back Jaleel McLaughlin took advantage of these opportunities. Javonte Williams went down with a hip injury, and McLaughlin immediately became a must add to your teams. I’m not entirely sure how often I need to say the next man’s name, but somebody get Marvin Mims the dang ball! He is a top performer on this team, yet continues to see limited work. Stash him if you have a deep bench.
Roschon Johnson did not make an impact on this game. It was the Khalil Herbert show for the majority of the game and what looks like the season as well.
- Jaleel McLaughlin: 7 CAR, 72 YD | 3 REC, 32 YD 1 TD
- Marvin Mims: 2 REC, 47 YD
- Roschon Johnson: 5 CAR, 13 YD | 1 REC 2 YD
Ravens @ Browns
Zay Flowers is the only rookie to highlight from this game, and it was not spectacular. Just an average day all around for him.
- Zay Flowers: 3 REC, 56 YD
Bengals @ Titans
Not much rookie action happening in this game. Tyjae Spears took a backseat this game to Derrick Henry.
- Tyjae Spears: 5 CAR 40 YD | 3 REC 18 YD
Rams @ Colts
This was a close game led by some all-stars in the making. Puka Nacua continues his onslaught and Anthony Richardson tore up the field once again. Richardson is, as expected, a monster in the ground game. He scored his fourth rushing touchdown on the season. Nacua continues to shatter records as well. He now has the most receptions and yards in a rookies first four games. Josh Downs also made a short appearance throughout the game.
- Anthony Richardson: 11/25, 200 YD, 2 TD | 10 CAR, 56 YD, 1 TD
- Puka Nacua: 9 REC, 163 YD, 1 TD
- Josh Downs: 2 REC, 34 YD
Buccaneers @ Saints
Not much rookie action in this blowout. Trey Palmer caught a touchdown in Mike Evans absence.
- Trey Palmer: 2 REC, 6 YD, 1 TD
Commanders @ Eagles
There were no rookies of note in this game.
Vikings @ Panthers
Bryce Young is still looking for his confidence game. He didn’t play poorly here, but he didn’t contribute much to making the game competitive. The Panthers defense made it competitive, as Jordan Addison was left with nothing.
- Bryce Young: 25/32, 204 YD
- Jordan Addison: Zip, Zap, Zoop
Steelers @ Texans
CJ Stroud looks like a bonafide stud. He already has two career games over 300 passing yards, and doesn’t look to slow down any time soon. He is a pure passer that makes his wide receivers better. All of this is being done behind an offensive line that is missing multiple starters as well. Tank Dell didn’t get his share in this game, but he is due coming soon.
- CJ Stroud: 16/30, 306 YD, 2 TD | 4 CAR, 16 YD
- Tank Dell: 1 REC, 16 YD
Raiders @ Chargers
Aidan O’Connell got his first career start, and things did not go as planned. Long story short, he made the Chargers defense look like an all-pro team (they’re very bad). Quentin Johnston‘s role was not expanded in this game, as coach Staley had alluded to. On a quick note, I have not forgotten about Michael Mayer. The Raiders have not used tight ends at all this year. I will be the first person to let you know when he makes his true debut.
- Aidan O’Connell: 24/29, 238 YD, 1 INT
- Quentin Johnston: 1 REC, 18 YD
Patriots @ Cowboys
No notable rookies to take a look at from this game.
Cardinals @ 49ers
Cardinals’ wide receiver Michael Wilson has established himself as a force to be reckoned with. He caught all seven of his targets and found the end zone twice, in what became his breakout game of his rookie campaign. Check your waiver wire to see if he’s still there and scoop him up.
- Michael Wilson: 7 REC, 76 YD, 2 TD
Sunday Night Football
Chiefs @ Jets
Ever since Rashee Rice‘s Week 1 score, he has been a middle of the pack option to play on fantasy football rosters. He did see the second most targets behind Travis Kelce in Week 4, but that’s nothing to write home about. The Chiefs will continue to use a wide receiver by committee approach until someone truly breaks out.
- Rashee Rice: 3 REC, 32 YD
Monday Night Football
Seahawks @ Giants
I’m not entirely sure what to make of the Seahawks’ highly drafted offensive rookies. Jaxon Smith-Njigba was tied for most targets on the day, but didn’t have an impact on any of them. Zach Charbonnet is also hidden in Kenneth Walker‘s shadow; Walker continues to dominate the ground and pound game. Charbonnet’s snap percentages are sneakily rising, so I don’t mind stashing him on the back of your bench. JSN on the other hand is not worth a roster spot for the foreseeable future.
Jalin Hyatt continues to be a depth piece from a workload perspective. He did jump to 60% of snaps played, which topped both Isaiah Hodgins and Parris Campbell. I wonder if this was due to the game getting out of hand, or the Giants turning a new leaf over to their younger players. Also, where is Eric Gray?
- Zach Charbonnet: 5 CAR, 31 YD | 1 REC, 9 YD
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba: 3 REC, 5 YD
- Jalin Hyatt: 2 REC, 10 YD
