New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Ian Book earned his first start on Monday Night Football and, according to the latest NFL rumors, the fourth-round pick was not proud of his debut performance. In other news, Jaylen Waddle is close to setting an NFL record, while Jimmy Garoppolo hopes to battle through a thumb injury.
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NFL Rumors: Ian Book, Jaylen Waddle, Jimmy Garoppolo
After a wave of COVID-19 decimated the New Orleans Saints quarterback room, the team had no choice but to turn to rookie Ian Book against the Miami Dolphins. The results were what you might expect, as the fourth-round draft pick completed 12 of his 20 pass attempts for just 135 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions while also losing 54 yards on eight sacks. Following the game, the rookie acknowledged that this performance simply was not acceptable.
“I’ve got a lot to get better at,” Book said. “It’s bad. We didn’t score a touchdown. You can’t win a game that way…That’s a terrible feeling, throwing a pick-six in your debut. I’ve thrown one pick-six in my life, so that sucks.”
While head coach Sean Payton said that it was impossible to evaluate Book under the unusual circumstances, Book seems to have no problem evaluating himself. In fairness to the rookie, this was basically a no-win situation for the young passer, as he was a fourth-string quarterback for a reason.
Great start to the Ian Book dynasty pic.twitter.com/vf5zJ9OpnK
— Willie Lutz (@willie_lutz) December 28, 2021
Jaylen Waddle Closing In On Rookie Record
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has set the world on fire and is closing in on an NFL record. Following his 10-catch, 92-yard performance on Monday Night Football, the Alabama product is now just five receptions away from breaking the rookie record for receptions in a single season.
Currently, Anquan Boldin holds the honors with 101 receptions with the 2003 Arizona Cardinals. However, thanks to the extra game on the schedule, it feels like it’s just a matter of time before Waddle takes the record on his own. He has a decent shot of claiming the title next week as the Miami Dolphins face off against a banged-up Tennessee Titans secondary. If he can’t haul in five passes in that matchup, then he should be able to do it in Week 18’s must-win battle against the New England Patriots.
Waddle’s fantastic play is one of the biggest reasons for Miami’s seven-game win streak. After starting the season 1-7, Miami now finds itself in the thick of the playoff race with an 8-7 record. With Mac Jones slowing down in recent weeks, Waddle and Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase appear to be the two frontrunners for Rookie of the Year.
Jaylen Waddle hit his waddle celebration after scoring 🤣
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/av2xwetMXt
— ESPN (@espn) December 28, 2021
Jimmy Garoppolo Has Chipped Bone, Torn Ligament in Thumb
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo had a bad outing against the Tennessee Titans, and it turns out there is a reason for the subpar play. According to multiple reports across the league, the quarterback chipped a bone and tore a ligament in his right thumb during the Titans game.
Sources: #49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a chipped bone and torn ligament in his right thumb. His status is in doubt for this weekend, but he’s going to try to gut it out, somehow. He’ll be reevaluated on Wednesday.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 27, 2021
Needless to say, an injury of this scope makes it difficult to throw a football. The quarterback is reportedly going to try and play through this latest setback, but only time will tell if he’s actually able to suit up for Week 17. If not, rookie quarterback Trey Lance will handle starting duties against the Houston Texans.
At 8-7, the San Francisco 49ers currently hold the sixth seed in the NFC playoff race. Controllers of their own destiny, the team will face off against an underwhelming Houston squad in Week 17 before taking on a Los Angeles Rams team that might not have anything to play for. If Garoppolo cannot go, then Lance should be able to guide the 49ers into the playoffs.
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