- Keith Kirkwood
- #18
- Team NO
- Pos WR
- Status IAInactive
-
Makes minor impact again in 2023
Kirkwood caught five of nine targets for 37 yards and one touchdown across 13 games during the 2023 regular season.
Analysis: Kirkwood played in a career-high 13 games, and his 225 offensive snaps tied his previous career high from his 2018 rookie campaign. The 30-year-old also caught a touchdown for the first time since 2018; but, he still failed to log more than five receptions for the fifth year in a row, totaling just 11 catches in 23 games during this span. Kirkwood signed a one-year, $1.01 million contract with the Saints in February of 2023, and he was released before re-signing with the team shortly thereafter…read more
Published: Mon, Jan 15 at 8:03pm by Rotowire.com
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Logs touchdown in big win
Kirkwood hauled in his only target for seven yards and one touchdown during Sunday's 24-6 win versus the Giants.
Analysis: Derek Carr found Kirkwood open over the middle of the end zone for his first of three passing touchdowns Sunday. The 28-year-old wideout has seen consistent playing time in a reserve role over the past four weeks while Michael Thomas (knee) has been on IR. However, Kirkwood has now logged just three receptions over this span, and his touchdown catch Sunday marked his first reception since the Week 12 loss to Atlanta. He also totaled just one target despite the absence of No. 1 wideout Chris…read more
Published: Sun, Dec 17 at 4:51pm by Rotowire.com
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Records three catches Sunday
Kirkwood played 25 of the Saints' 72 snaps on offense and finished with two catches for 20 yards on three targets in Sunday's 24-15 loss to the Falcons.
Analysis: Re-signed during the Saints' Week 11 bye after New Orleans lost Michael Thomas (knee) to injured reserve, Kirkwood ended up stepping into a more prominent role than anticipated Sunday. Kirkwood saw elevated snaps in part due to starting wideouts Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (quadriceps) exiting early due to injuries, but the 28-year-old was still able to outpace fellow reserve receivers A.T. Perry (one catch for seven yards on two targets) and Lynn Bowden (no catches on two…read more
Published: Tue, Nov 28 at 9:28am by Rotowire.com
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Back with Saints
New Orleans signed Kirkwood to its active roster Tuesday, Brooke Kirchhoker of NOF Network reports.
Analysis: The Saints waived Kirkwood on Saturday, but now they've decided to bring him back on board. He's drawn just four targets over seven games in 2023, returning one reception for one yard.
Published: Tue, Nov 14 at 4:08pm by Rotowire.com
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Let go by New Orleans
The Saints waived Kirkwood on Saturday, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.
Analysis: Kirkwood saw his snap count on offense gradually decrease over the course of the season before he was a healthy scratch for the last two games. He finishes his stint with the Saints with one catch on four targets for four yards. Kirkwood will seek his next options should he clear waivers.
Published: Sat, Nov 11 at 12:34pm by Rotowire.com
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Won't play Week 8
Kirkwood (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Colts.
Analysis: Kirkwood played in the first seven games of the season as a depth wide receiver and has one catch on four targets for four yards. For Sunday's contest against the Colts, the Saints have opted to sit Kirkwood in favor of fellow receiver A.T. Perry, who will be making his first appearance of the year.
Published: Sun, Oct 29 at 9:19am by Rotowire.com
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Sees one target Week 1
Kirkwood failed to bring in his only target during Sunday's 16-15 victory against the Titans.
Analysis: Kirkwood was targeted on a deep pass from Derek Carr in the third quarter, but he was essentially invisible while playing 22 offensive snaps Sunday. The veteran role player was the Saints' only other available wideout aside from the team's starting trio of Chris Olave, Michael Thomas and Rashid Shaheed. Barring injuries elsewhere, Kirkwood figures to see fringe, if any, usage this season, especially when/if rookie A.T. Perry (coach's decision) is active or Tre'Quan Smith (groin) returns from IR…read more
Published: Mon, Sep 11 at 7:57pm by Rotowire.com
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Returns to practice squad
Kirkwood reverted to the Panthers' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.
Analysis: Kirkwood was active for third time this season in Week 18, as he filled in for Shi Smith (illness) and Terrace Marshall (foot). He did not record a reception but was targeted once on 10 offensive snaps. Kirkwood ends the campaign with three receptions for 17 yards, his best totals since his rookie season in 2018.
Published: Mon, Jan 10 at 8:14pm by Rotowire.com
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Elevated for finale
Kirkwood was elevated from the Panthers' practice squad Saturday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
Analysis: Kirkwood hasn't been active since Week 8, but with Shi Smith (illness) likely sidelined and Robby Anderson (quadriceps) questionable, the team is in need of depth at wide receiver. Even with those potential absences, Kirkwood is likely to work behind at least DJ Moore and Brandon Zylstra.
Published: Sat, Jan 8 at 2:14pm by Rotowire.com
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Sent back to practice squad
Kirkwood reverted to the Panthers' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's official transaction log.
Analysis: Kirkwood was called upon with Terrace Marshall (concussion) unable to play Sunday against the Falcons. Kirkwood played 47 percent of the Panthers' offensive snaps, filing in behind only DJ Moore and Robby Anderson at wide receiver. Despite the abundance of snaps, Kirkwood only had one target, which he was unable to corral. If Marshall can't go Week 9 against the Giants, Kirkwood will hope to be elevated to the active roster again.
Published: Mon, Nov 1 at 6:22pm by Rotowire.com
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Moves to active roster
The Panthers elevated Kirkwood on Saturday.
Analysis: Kirkwood made his first appearance of the season last week, catching three of five passes for a total of 17 yards in the loss to the Giants. The fourth-year wide receiver saw 27 of the 64 offensive snaps in the aforementioned contest with nominal No. 3 wideout Terrace Marshall out with a concussion. Given that Marshall will once again be unable to suit up Sunday, Kirkwood could be in line for a similar workload.
Published: Sat, Oct 30 at 10:11am by Rotowire.com
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Returns to practice squad
Kirkwood reverted to Carolina's practice squad Monday, per the NFL's official transaction log.
Analysis: Kirkwood hauled in his first three catches of the season in Week 7 against the Giants, logging 29 of his team's 64 offensive snaps in the loss. He was also on the field for 10 special-teams snaps.
Published: Mon, Oct 25 at 7:46pm by Rotowire.com
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Catches three passes
Kirkwood caught three of five targets for 16 yards in Sunday's 25-3 loss to the Giants.
Analysis: Kirkwood was activated with fellow wideout Terrace Marshall (concussion) sidelined. In his first action of 2021, the veteran finished third on the Panthers in receiving yards, but his total was underwhelming overall. Kirkwood's status for Week 8 versus the Falcons could depend on Marshall's availability, but the depth receiving role in a struggling Panthers offense doesn't coincide with much fantasy value anyway.
Published: Mon, Oct 25 at 8:01am by Rotowire.com
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Elevated by Carolina
Kirkwood was elevated from the Panthers' practice squad Saturday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
Analysis: Kirkwood made just one appearance during the 2020 campaign and hauled in one of two targets for 13 yards. He'll serve as depth at wide receiver while Terrace Marshall (concussion) is out.
Published: Sat, Oct 23 at 2:01pm by Rotowire.com
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Waived by Carolina
The Panthers waived Kirkwood on Tuesday, Darin Gantt of Panthers.com reports.
Analysis: Kirkwood suffered a severe concussion during a training-camp practice, causing him to be taken off the field on a stretcher and immediately sent to the hospital. The move was made without an injury designation, so it appears that he has fully healed from the incident. Kirkwood caught one of two targets for 13 yards during his lone regular-season appearance in 2020 and will likely land on a practice squad during the 2021 campaign.
Published: Tue, Aug 31 at 11:56am by Rotowire.com
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Out of hospital
Kirkwood (concussion) was released from the hospital Tuesday, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Kirkwood was taken off the practice field via a stretcher Tuesday after a collision, and early signs about his recovery have been positive. Per Steve Reed of the Associated Press, Kirkwood has been diagnosed with a concussion and has returned to team facilities.
Published: Tue, Aug 3 at 11:55am by Rotowire.com
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Early signs are positive
The early signs on Kirkwood's condition are positive after the wideout was taken off the field on a stretcher Tuesday in the wake of a collision during practice, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
Analysis: At this stage, it's uncertain how much time Kirkwood might miss, but coach Matt Rhule relayed afterward that the receiver had movement in his extremities and wasn't dealing with pain in his neck area. Kirkwood, who caught one of two targets for 13 yards during his lone regular-season appearance on 2020, is in the mix for a depth slot in the Panthers' WR corps.
Published: Tue, Aug 3 at 10:05am by Rotowire.com
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Sticking in Carolina
The Panthers re-signed Kirkwood (shoulder) to a one-year deal Monday, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Kirkwood only appeared in one contest in 2020, in which he secured one of two targets for 13 yards. He spent most of the season rehabbing from a broken clavicle, which he subsequently re-injured after briefly returning to the lineup Week 6. As a rookie with the Saints back in 2018, Kirkwood had 13 grabs for 209 yards and two scores (all career-high marks) across eight games.
Published: Mon, Feb 22 at 10:00am by Rotowire.com
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Designated for IR
The Panthers placed Kirkwood (shoulder) on injured reserve Tuesday, Myles Simmons of the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Kirkwood spent the first five weeks on IR with a broken clavicle before making his season debut in this past Sunday's loss to the Bears, logging a 51 percent snap share and hauling in one of two targets for 13 yards. The 26-year-old wideout re-injured his left clavicle during the game and will be shut down until a Week 10 matchup against the Buccaneers, at the earliest.
Published: Tue, Oct 20 at 1:33pm by Rotowire.com
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Makes season debut
Kirkwood caught one of two targets for 13 yards in Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Bears.
Analysis: Kirkwood made his team debut after missing Carolina's first five games with a broken collarbone. Although he only managed one catch, making minimal impact from a statistical standpoint, it's notable that Kirkwood featured for over half of the Panthers' offensive snaps, trailing only DJ Moore and Robby Anderson among wideouts.
Published: Mon, Oct 19 at 6:29am by Rotowire.com
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Officially activated
Kirkwood (shoulder) was officially elevated off the Panthers' injured reserve Saturday, Alaina Getzenberg of The Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: Kirkwood suffered a broken clavicle during training camp and has yet to make his debut with Carolina as a result. He is now set to help add depth at receiver for the team while also potentially contributing on special teams.
Published: Sat, Oct 17 at 9:18am by Rotowire.com
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To be activated from IR
Kirkwood (shoulder) is expected to be activated from injured reserve this week, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: The former Saint has yet to make his debut for Carolina after sustaining a broken clavicle during training camp. He was designated to return from injured reserve Sept. 30 upon resuming practice participation, beginning the three-week clock for the Panthers to either place him on season-ending IR or bring him onto the active roster. Carolina elected for the latter option, meaning that Kirkwood will add depth at receiver for the Panthers' top-five passing attack.
Published: Thu, Oct 15 at 4:48pm by Rotowire.com
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Designated to return
Kirkwood (shoulder) is participating in Wednesday's practice, Myles Simmons of the Panthers' official site reports.
Analysis: The Panthers now have a 21-day window to decide whether to bring Kirkwood to the active roster or allow him to revert to season-ending IR. He'll play a depth role at wideout if activated.
Published: Wed, Sep 30 at 10:32am by Rotowire.com
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Begins season on IR
The Panthers placed Kirkwood (shoulder) on injured reserve Monday, Myles Simmons of the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Kirkwood suffered a broken clavicle during training camp and underwent surgery to repair the injury. The 26-year-old receiver won't be eligible to return until the Panthers' Week 4 game versus the Cardinals, which will take place nearly seven weeks after Kirkwood suffered his injury.
Published: Mon, Sep 7 at 10:39am by Rotowire.com
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Breaks clavicle
Kirkwood broke his clavicle at Sunday's practice, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: After undergoing surgery, Kirkwood "will be out several weeks," per Bill Voth of the team's official site. Like the Panthers' new starting quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, Kirkwood spent the last two seasons with the Saints. However, Kirkwood's lacking production -- all 13 of his career catches occurred in 2018 -- implies he only has a practice rapport with Bridgewater. Kirkwood's current injury also doesn't help his case for regular-season reps, but at least Week 1 is four weeks in the future,…read more
Published: Sun, Aug 16 at 12:22pm by Rotowire.com
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Existing familiarity in Carolina
Kirkwood (hamstring) should benefit from his existing familiarity with Panthers wide receiver coach Frisman Jackson, fellow wideout Robby Anderson and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater as he heads into his first season with Carolina, Myles Simmons of the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Kirkwood spent the past two seasons in New Orleans alongside Bridgewater, while Jackson was his position coach for two of his collegiate seasons at Temple, where he shared a receiver room with Anderson. The 26-year-old was limited to only one game last year due to the hamstring issue before signing with the Panthers this offseason. Now healthy, Kirkwood will compete with Seth Roberts and Pharoh Cooper for the No. 4 spot on the depth chart in camp.
Published: Wed, Jun 24 at 3:59pm by Rotowire.com
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Follows Bridgewater to Carolina
Kirkwood (hamstring) signed a one-year contract with the Panthers on Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Kirkwood will follow quarterback Teddy Bridgewater from New Orleans to Carolina, placing himself in a wide receiver corps led by D.J. Moore (concussion) and Curtis Samuel. The 27-year-old was limited to just one game in 2019 due to a hamstring injury, but when fully healthy he stands to be in the mix to compete for the Panthers' No. 3 or No. 4 receiver gig.
Published: Thu, Mar 19 at 12:42pm by Rotowire.com
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Season over
Kirkwood (hamstring) will not return this season, Amie Just of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.
Analysis: Kirwood's season is over after New Orleans elected not to activate him. Kirkwood returned to practice in mid-November but failed to show enough to convince the Saints to add him back to the active roster. He suffered a serious hamstring injury back in Week 1.
Published: Wed, Dec 4 at 2:18pm by Rotowire.com
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Designated to return from IR
Kirkwood (hamstring) returned to practice Wednesday, opening a three-week window for the Saints to activate him from IR, Amie Just of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.
Analysis: Kirkwood suffered a serious hamstring injury Week 1 against the Texans, but he's made the necessary strides in recovery. The Saints have until Dec. 4 to activate Kirkwood from IR. However, the 26-year-old wideout is eligible to be activated as soon as Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, although Kirkwood would need to respond superbly to the practice week for that to happen.
Published: Wed, Nov 13 at 4:10pm by Rotowire.com
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Could return this year
Coach Sean Payton said Kirkwood (hamstring) is "doing well," Amie Just of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports. "He's been moving well and running well," Payton said. "We'll keep paying attention to that and keep working with him and getting him to where he's able to play."
Analysis: It sounds like Kirkwood has a shot to return this season. The 25-year-old receiver has been on injured reserve since Week 3, and he's eligible to be activated from IR before Week 13's matchup against the Falcons. Kirkwood contributed 15 catches for 217 yards and three touchdowns over nine games last year, including one playoff contest, so he could add solid depth upon return.
Published: Wed, Nov 13 at 10:17am by Rotowire.com
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