Yamon

Figurs

Figurs is a non-factor at receiver, so he’ll have to impress as a kickoff returner to stay with the team into next season. His time with the Bucs in 2009 suggests he’s an extreme longshot.

Yikes. Figurs’ speed makes him a decent kick returner, but he’s well below average as a receiver. The Raiders will be using Louis Murphy, Zach Miller and Darren McFadden as their top three receiving options.

The Raiders, unsurprisingly, love Figurs’ speed. What is surprising is that they’re picking an injury-prone journeyman over an even faster player in Jacoby Ford. The rookie may still be behind after missing time in August with a quad injury.

The move is surprising, as Figurs caught two balls for 17 yards (more than Darrius Heyward-Bey) in Week 1 while serving as the No. 3 receiver and top return man on both kicks and punts. The Raiders will turn the return game over to Jacoby Ford and Johnnie Lee Higgins, but wouldn’t specify roles.

“I think Yamon Figurs has stepped it up,” Cable said. “Jacoby Ford. We’ve got to teach him to get his feet up underneath him when he’s coming out of breaks a little bit. Johnnie Lee Higgins has shown some things.” The fact that Figurs was the first name mentioned is an indictment of the entire group. This will remain a fluid depth chart beyond the starters.

Figurs, a Kansas State alum, was the nation’s best special teams gunner in 2006 and also averaged over 14 yards-per-punt return, better than Ted Ginn. He’s limited as a receiver, but likely to unseat B.J. Sams for a roster spot.

The Ravens used starting safety Ed Reed on punt returns in his absence, and the Pro Bowler returned one 63 yards for a score. If Sams misses next week’s game, rookie return specialist Yamon Figurs will likely get the nod.

Sams will be replaced on kickoffs by rookie Yamon Figurs - it shouldn’t be a huge loss. On punts, either Figurs or Ed Reed will take over. Sams was a revelation as a rookie, but this is the second straight year that has ended in a trip to the IR.

Ed Reed could also see action on punts in certain situations. Figurs won’t be used much as a receiver, but was an electrifying returner at Kansas State.