New York Jets wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Top rookie performers from NFL Week 6

By Jack Dougherty | Last updated Oct 19, 2026 2:44 PM ET

There weren't many standout statistical performances in NFL Week 6, but there were a few pass-catching rookies who broke out on Sunday. Let's check out the three best rookie performers from Week 6.

New York Jets WR Omar Cooper Jr.

Cooper played only five snaps in Week 1 before suffering an ankle sprain that landed him on injured reserve. The rookie out of Indiana returned to the field in Week 6 and promptly showed why he was worth a first-round pick.

Cooper torched the New England Patriots' secondary for 103 yards on six catches. He also had the play of the game for New York when he caught a deep shot from Geno Smith for a 48-yard touchdown in the third quarter.

Omar Cooper Jr. had an outstanding (full) debut. Separated consistently vs. man coverage. Finished w/ 6 catches for 103 yards & TD with another TD called back https://t.co/ByK4TFenet
— Mike Renner (@mikerenner_) October 19, 2026

Cooper looks like he's going to be a valuable weapon for the Jets for a long time.

Pittsburgh Steelers WR Germie Bernard

After a slow start to his rookie season, Bernard is starting to emerge as one of Aaron Rodgers' favorite targets. In Pittsburgh's overtime win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6, the Alabama product caught 11 of his 12 targets for 87 yards and a touchdown.

Bernard was the eighth wide receiver off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft, but he'll have as good a chance as anyone to win Offensive Rookie of the Year if he keeps this up.

Baltimore Ravens TE Josh Cuevas

With Matt Hibner and Durham Smythe sidelined with injuries in Week 6, Cuevas played a season-high 23 snaps against the Cleveland Browns. He sure made the most of them, too, as he reeled in four catches for 44 yards and his first career NFL touchdown.

Mark Andrews is clearly over the hump as a pass-catcher, so the Ravens must be thrilled to see Cuevas emerging as a red-zone threat.

Jack Dougherty

Jack Dougherty has been writing professionally since 2015, contributing to publications such as GoPSUSports. com, Centre Daily Times, Associated Press, and Sportscasting. com

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