The New Orleans Saints need production from unlikely sources if they're going to keep up with the Cincinnati Bengals. And they got an early boost from wide receiver Rashid Shaheed. Never heard of him? That's because he was called up from the practice squad yesterday.
Rashid Shaheed was elevated from the practice squad yesterday.
— NFL (@NFL) October 16, 2022
He goes 44 yards for the @Saints TD!
: #CINvsNO on CBS
: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/LIF7AUwqzz pic.twitter.com/KB0Y7bjCPQ
The jet sweep was executed perfectly. Shaheed came across the formation in a pre-snap motion and Dalton handed the ball to him but faked as if he was handing the ball off to running back Alvin Kamara.
The Bengals were fooled, as was anyone who thought the Saints didn't have enough playmakers for today's game.
Fans and reporters took to Twitter after the early highlight.
Rashid Shaheed was elevated from the practice squad yesterday.
— NFL (@NFL) October 16, 2022
He goes 44 yards for the @Saints TD!
: #CINvsNO on CBS
: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/LIF7AUwqzz pic.twitter.com/KB0Y7bjCPQ
Shaheed!!!
— Lance Moore (@LanceMoore16) October 16, 2022
Wow. Welcome the NFL, Rashid Shaheed. Saints missed on their deep shot to the speedy undrafted rookie on the opening drive. But this time he scores on the jet sweep.
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) October 16, 2022
Next Gen Stats says Shaheed hit 19.49 miles per hour on that touchdown run.
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) October 16, 2022
He's getting hugs and high fives from everyone on the sideline
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) October 16, 2022
Welcome to the league my boy!!!! YESAHHHHHHH
— Deonte Harty (@tayynation1) October 16, 2022
Shaheed played for Weber State in college and went undrafted during the 2022 NFL Draft. Per Weber State, Shaheed holds the record (7) for most kickoff returns for touchdowns at the FCS level.
The Saints announced before the game they would be without their top three wide receivers, Michael Thomas (foot), Jarvis Landry (ankle), and Chris Olave (concussion).
Young players need to make the most of the moments they are given. Shaheed did just that, and it couldn't have come at a better time for the Saints.
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