Rashid Shaheed News

Shaheed didn't provide his usual spark as a big-play receiver Week 18. The 180-pound speedster also couldn't provide any explosive plays on special teams, as he fair caught all five of the punts sent his way. Over 12 games this season, undrafted rookie posted 28 catches on 34 targets for 488 yards and two touchdowns as well as four carries for 57 yards and another touchdown. However, the majority of this production came over the final six games of the season, including three catches of 40 or more yards during this span. This knack for big plays also netted Shaheed the highest yards per reception (17.4) of any Saints receiver with more than five receptions this season. He also recorded 320 kick-return yards and 193 punt-return yards. Shaheed's strong showing to close his rookie campaign could make him a candidate for a similarly explosive role heading into the 2023 season.

Back in favorable weather, Shaheed returned to showcasing his big-play ability. He popped a 58-yard catch late in the second quarter to set up a field goal for the Saints. While that accounted for the majority of his production, Shaheed's involvement in the offense was notable as he managed a career-best six targets even with Chris Olave (hamstring) back in the mix. Shaheed now has at least one reception of more than 20 yards in four of his last five games.

Shaheed stepped up as the Saints' No. 1 receiver with rookie first-rounder Chris Olave (hamstring) inactive Saturday. The undrafted pass-catcher was one of only two New Orleans wideouts to log a target, as the team attempted 15 passes due to the frigid and windy conditions in Cleveland on Saturday. Running back Alvin Kamara was the only other Saints player to log more than two targets or one reception, while tight end Juwan Johnson caught one of two targets for nine yards. Shaheed's production over the previous three games has clearly placed him as the No. 2 wideout ahead of Tre'Quan Smith and Marquez Callaway. With veteran slot Jarvis Landry (ankle) also set to miss the remainder of the regular season on IR, expect Olave, Johnson and Shaheed to serve as the team's top receiving trio when healthy.

Though the undrafted rookie out of Weber State didn't make his NFL debut until Week 6 and was initially deployed as a return man and gadget player, Shaheed has pushed for a more prominent role on offense in recent weeks. His snap share on offense has steadily been trending upward for each of the past six games, culminating in a breakout Week 15 outing against Atlanta in which he hauled in three of four targets for 95 yards and a touchdown while playing 71 percent of the snaps. While he can't be considered a safe bet to match nearly the eight targets per game Olave has earned this season, Shaheed should at least be more of a priority in the passing attack this week than either Tre'Quan Smith or Marquez Callaway. According to Sigler, Shaheed has run 89 routes since Week 11, while Callaway and Smith have ran only 12 and 10, respectively. That said, with heavy winds and temperatures around 10 degrees Fahrenheit in the forecast for Cleveland on Saturday, it wouldn't be surprising if Shaheed's opportunities are limited in the likelihood that both teams favor run-heavy game plans.

Shaheed set a new career high in receiving yards for the second week in a row. He also hauled in a 68-yard touchdown on a pass that traveled 33 yards through the air from change-of-pace quarterback Taysom Hill. This marked the Saints' longest play from scrimmage this season. Shaheed's increased usage over the past four games has paid dividends for New Orleans, as he has now logged three receptions of 20 yards or more and two receptions of 40 yards or more during this span. Shaheed has yet to record more than four targets in a game this season, but he and top wideout Chris Olave should continue to serve as the team's go-to options for long plays down the field moving forward.

Shaheed once again provided an explosive element to the Saints' limited offense, catching a 40-yard pass from quarterback Andy Dalton for the team's longest play from scrimmage Monday night. The undrafted wideout also quickly set a new career high when he reached 71 receiving yards with his third reception of the first half. The speedster came close to breaking the first special-teams score of his career on a 42-yard punt return in the second quarter, but he was forced out of bounds by punter Jake Camarda at the Tampa Bay 40-yard line. Shaheed's dynamic abilities as both a receiver and scoring threat in the open field appear to have earned him a bigger role, as his 36 offensive snaps ranked behind only first-round rookie Chris Olave (41) amongst the Saints' wide receivers. The team will now have a bye week off before taking on the division-rival Falcons on Sunday, Dec. 18.