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Dolphins Place WR Braxton Berrios On IR, Activate CB Cam Smith

October 21st, 2024 at 4:58pm CST by Adam La Rose

Braxton Berrios exited the Dolphins’ Week 7 loss with a signficant knee injury, and it will lead to a notable absence. The veteran receiver/returner has been placed on injured reserve, per a team announcement. Confirming a return will not take place this season, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Barrios suffered an ACL tear.

[RELATED: Tua Tagovailoa Positioned To Return In Week 8]

Berrios has not made a catch this season, although his absence will thin a receiving corps which has been dealt a number of blows on the injury front already this season. Most notably, Miami’s return game will suffer with him out of the fold. Berrios has averaged 14.7 yards per punt return in 2024, the highest figure of his career.

As a pending free agent, the nature of the 29-year-old’s injury will no doubt affect his market value during the spring. Berrios will sidelined for the rest of the season, leaving Miami in need of a new primary returner option. Tyreek Hill and De’Von Achane could handle those duties, but their importance to the team’s offense could lead to another candidate receiving a look.

In a corresponding move, the Dolphins activated cornerback Cam Smith from IR. The second-year cover man was among the many NFL players who were moved to IR during roster cutdowns while being designated for return. As a result, he already accounts for one of Miami’s eight in-season activations. Smith returned to practice when first eligible, and this moves ensures he will not revert to season-ending IR before his 21-day activation window expires.

Smith faced high expectations as a rookie, but the second-rounder did not manage to carve out a role under then-defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. He handled a notable special teams workload, something which may remain the case upon return, but it will be interesting to see if Smith can work his way up the depth chart under new DC Anthony Weaver. On the other hand, Miami’s pass defense is the best in the league at 155 yards allowed per game, so any major lineup changes in the secondary would come as a surprise.

Buccaneers Place CB Jamel Dean, WR Kameron Johnson On IR

October 21st, 2024 at 3:51pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Bucs’ secondary will be shorthanded for tonight’s game and a notable stretch beyond that as well. Cornerback Jamel Dean was placed on injured reserve Monday, per a team announcement.

Dean is dealing with a hamstring injury, and a multi-week absence was recently floated as a possibility. Today’s move ensures he will be sidelined for at least the next four games, something which will be acutely felt at the cornerback spot for Tampa Bay. Dean has remained a full-time starter in 2024, his sixth season with the Buccaneers.

The former third-rounder saw a notable jump in playing time during the 2020 campaign, and since then he has been a staple in the secondary. Especially with Carlton Davis being traded away in the offseason, Dean’s presence has been key this year. He has amassed 43 tackles and four pass deflections while not allowing a touchdown in coverage. With Tampa Bay ranking 29th against the pass this year, losing a first-team corner contributor will hinder the team’s ability to improve over the short term.

2022 fifth-rounder Zyon McCollum has handed starting duties this season, and he will be counted on to remain a central figure on Tampa’s defense moving forward. Tykee Smith has had a strong rookie campaign in the slot, but it will be interesting to see who takes over for Dean on the perimeter. Free agent addition Bryce Hall is uncertain to return this season after he suffered a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle in Week 2; with Dean now out of the picture, the team’s CB depth will be tested.

In addition to Dean, undrafted rookie receiver Kameron Johnson has been moved to IR. The latter has made four appearances this season, seeing rotational usage on offense and special teams. Bringing him back into the fold, just as in Dean’s case, will require using an in-season activation.

On that note, the Bucs activated defensive end Earnest Brown from IR in time for tonight’s contest against the Ravens. Brown had his 21-day practice window opened on October 9, so the team had time to wait with respect to activating him, but he will now be positioned to make his season debut. Tampa Bay has six IR activations remaining.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/19/24

October 19th, 2024 at 8:48pm CST by Ely Allen

Saturday’s practice squad moves:

Denver Broncos

Green Bay Packers

Indianapolis Colts

Los Angeles Chargers

Miami Dolphins

New York Jets

Panthers Activate CB Dane Jackson

October 19th, 2024 at 7:16pm CST by Adam La Rose

A key member of the Panthers’ secondary is set to make his Carolina debut tomorrow. Dane Jackson was activated from injured reserve Saturday, the team announced.

A hamstring injury meant Jackson would not be healthy in time for the start of the season. Carolina was one of many teams which elected to use the IR-designated for return path created this year in his case, avoiding the need to name him to the initial roster while using one of the eight allocated in-season activations. Jackson returned to practice on October 2, so Carolina could have waited until after Week 7 to being in into the fold.

Instead, this move paves the way for the free agent pickup to suit up on Sunday against the Commanders. Jackson played out his rookie contract with the Bills, making 28 starts amongst his 52 appearances. His most productive season came in 2022, when he posted a pair of interceptions along with 12 pass deflections and 57 tackles. As Buffalo underwent a number of changes in the secondary this offseason, though, the 27-year-old departed in free agency.

Jackson inked a two-year, $8.5MM deal including $5.13MM guaranteed to join the Panthers. That pact set him up to handle a first-team role opposite Jaycee Horn, but his debut with the team was delayed due to the injury. Now that he is healthy, Jackson will be tasked with aiding a defense which ranks last in scoring and sits 23rd against the pass. The team moved on from veteran slot man Troy Hill earlier in the week, paving the way for younger options to see playing time on the inside.

That decision, coupled with Jackson’s activation, could spark improved play in the secondary for the 1-5 Panthers. Part of the former seventh-rounder’s 2025 compensation is already locked in, so a poor showing over the coming months would not stand to threaten his roster security. Strong play could, however, make him a key member of at least the team’s short-term plans moving forward.

Minor NFL Transactions: 10/19/24

October 19th, 2024 at 6:29pm CST by Ely Allen

Today’s minor moves and standard gameday practice squad callups:

Carolina Panthers

Cincinnati Bengals

Cleveland Browns

Detroit Lions

Green Bay Packers

Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Rams

Miami Dolphins

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

New York Jets

Philadelphia Eagles

Pittsburgh Steelers

San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks

Autry was hit with a six-game PED suspension in July, leaving the Texans without a key figure along the defensive line. The free agent pickup could have suited up by means of Houston using his one-week roster exemption; instead, he has been activated in time for Week 7. Autry, 34, posted a career-high 11 sacks last season and he will look to make an immediate impact during his Texans debut. Especially with Mario Edwards having been issued a four-game suspension of his own earlier this week, he should have a notable role right away.

Falcons Place OLB Lorenzo Carter On IR

October 19th, 2024 at 4:14pm CST by Ely Allen

The Falcons made a surprising roster move today. It’s been a fast-moving situation for outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter, who has played in every game so far this season. The sequence of events has led to Carter being placed on injured reserve, per Falcons digital team reporter Terrin Waack.

The situation began on Wednesday of this week, when it was reported that Carter was in the NFL’s concussion protocol. He had originally been placed on the team’s injury report under the designation of “illness” after not practicing, but Atlanta updated the designation to “concussion” by the end of the day. Carter missed the next two practices before ultimately being ruled out for tomorrow’s game.

What makes this sequence of events so surprising is that concussions rarely warrant a stint on IR. At a minimum, we’ve seen players navigate the league’s concussion protocol in days. To see Carter being ruled out for the next four weeks because of the head injury adds some concern and intrigue to the situation.

Carter had been the starter across from Matt Judon for every game this season, except for one in which the team only started one outside linebacker. In his extended absence, Arnold Ebiketie and James Smith-Williams will likely be fighting for the available snaps across from Judon.

To fill the newly open spot on the 53-man roster, Atlanta signed veteran cornerback Kevin King from the practice squad. King has appeared in all six games this season between time on the active roster and practice squad, mostly contributing on special teams.

Additionally, the Falcons announced that cornerback Natrone Brooks and defensive end Demone Harris will function as their standard gameday practice squad elevations in Week 7.

Jaguars CB Tyson Campbell Activated From IR

October 19th, 2024 at 2:40pm CST by Ely Allen

The Jaguars are getting some much-needed help in the secondary this week as the team announced that cornerback Tyson Campbell has been activated from injured reserve. After leaving the team’s season opener with a hamstring injury, Campbell finally gets back to the field for a Week 7 matchup against New England in old England.

With Campbell out of the lineup, the Jacksonville secondary has been picked apart all throughout the first six weeks of the season. Through six games, the Jaguars defense ranked dead last in passing yards allowed, passing touchdowns allowed, and passes intercepted. While it’s hard to imagine that Campbell comes in and turns them into a top pass defense unit all by himself, the team’s performance so far has nowhere to go but up.

It makes sense that the Jaguars were patient in returning Campbell to the field. Last year the young corner was nagged with injury. He missed two games about a third of the way through the season and tried to come back but only played half of the defense’s snaps before leaving the game and missing two additional weeks. He attempted to come back one more time and played all of the team’s defensive snaps in that game, but he would miss the next two weeks again with injury. This time, they placed him on IR and allowed him time to rest and recover

In addition to activating Campbell, the Jaguars also announced their two gameday practice squad elevations for tomorrow morning. Running back Jake Funk and defensive end Joe Gaziano will be joining the team for their trip to London.

Titans Place WR Treylon Burks On IR

October 19th, 2024 at 1:48pm CST by Adam La Rose

OCTOBER 19: It’s officially going to be a four-game absence, at least, for Burks, who, according to ESPN’s Turron Davenport, has officially been placed on injured reserve today.

To fill Burks’ spot on the 53-man roster, Tennessee has signed defensive tackle Abdullah Anderson from the practice squad to the active roster. Additionally, cornerback Gabe Jeudy-Lally and quarterback Trevor Siemian have been elevated as standard gameday practice squad callups for tomorrow’s game. Siemian signed back with the team 10 days ago as starting passer Will Levis deals with an AC joint sprain.

OCTOBER 18: Treylon Burks is once again positioned to miss time. The third-year receiver suffered a knee injury in practice yesterday, and Titans head coach Brian Callahan said injured reserve is under consideration at this point.

[RELATED: Titans Not Shopping DeAndre Hopkins]

“We’re working through it,” Callahan said (via the team’s website). “It will be some time, no matter what. How long, we’ll see. We’re not totally sure yet… We’re just waiting on some final word from the doctors and all that, on what that’s going to look like. But I would expect him to miss some time.”

An IR stint would ensure at least a four-game absence for Burks, who has yet to put together a full season in the NFL. The former first-rounder was limited to 11 contests during his rookie season, and he logged that many appearances again last year. Underwhelming production during that time made the Arkansas product a potential trade candidate, but Tennessee elected to keep him in the fold.

Doing so initially appeared to be conditional on taking on a special teams role, although Burks has not been a regular third phase contributor so far. His 48% snap share on offense is nevertheless the lowest of his career, and he has managed no more than one reception during any game in 2024. Receiver targets have been centered on DeAndre Hopkins, along with free agent additions Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd.

This coming spring, a decision will need to be made on Burks’ fifth-year option. Picking up the option would lock the 24-year-old into a salary of $15.28MM for the 2026 season. His level of play has certainly not justified such a commitment, meaning next season is on track to serve as a walk year. In terms of more immediate concerns, Burks will look to minimize the time he misses before trying to take on a larger role in Tennessee’s low-output offense. Upon further testing, a decision with respect to IR will be made relatively soon.

Ravens To Place WR Deonte Harty On IR

October 19th, 2024 at 12:46pm CST by Ben Levine

Deonte Harty is set to miss at least the next four games. Ravens coach John Harbaugh told reporters that the receiver/returner will be placed on injured reserve with a knee injury, per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.

Harty has been dealing with a knee issue for several weeks. The injury forced him to miss Baltimore’s Week 5 contest, but the special teams ace managed to return in Week 6. Now, Harty will be out until at least Week 11. Fortunately, there’s some light at the end of the tunnel, as Harbaugh told reporters that the former All-Pro return man is expected back this season.

The former UDFA made a name for himself as a rookie in New Orleans, earning All-Pro recognition after leading the NFL in punt returns (36) and punt return yards (338). Harty ultimately spent four seasons with the Saints, including 2020 and 2021 campaigns where he had a combined 56 receptions. He spent the 2023 season with the Bills, where he had 15 receptions while also returning 26 punts.

Harty caught on with the Ravens back in April and was quickly tasked with guiding their return game. In five appearances, the 26-year-old has returned four kickoffs for 98 yards and eight punts for 85 yards. He’s only seen time on six offensive snaps. With Harty sidelined, the team could turn to some combination of Justice Hill, Tylan Wallace, and practice-squad RB Chris Collier to lead their return game.

Browns Activate RB Nick Chubb, S Juan Thornhill

October 19th, 2024 at 11:51am CST by Ben Levine

The Browns are getting some major reinforcement on both sides of the ball. The team announced that they’ve activated both running back Nick Chubb and safety Juan Thornhill to the active roster.

[RELATED: Browns’ Nick Chubb To Return In Week 7]

All signs had been pointing to Chubb returning for Week 7, with the star running back basically confirming his impending activation in an essay earlier this week. Chubb hasn’t seen the field since suffering a major knee injury in Week 2 of last season. After undergoing a pair of procedures over the past year, Chubb naturally landed on the reserve/PUP list for the start of the 2024 campaign. The impending free agent returned to practice earlier this month, and it sounded like the Browns would let the player make the final call regarding a return date.

Ultimately, Chubb settled on Week 7, where he should immediately return to the top of the depth chart. The Browns are hoping the veteran can provide a spark to a struggling offense. Jerome Ford has led the rushing attack for the start of the season, with D’Onta Foreman recently stealing a chunk of carries. Ford’s 5.4 yards-per-carry actually ranks 14th in the NFL, but the team’s overreliance on Deshaun Watson and the passing game has limited the team’s RB production. Perhaps Chubb’s return will have OC Ken Dorsey rethinking his offensive approach.

Thornhill returned to practice earlier this week. The defensive back suffered a calf injury during the season opener that required a stint on injured reserve. The former Chiefs draft pick started all 11 of his appearances during his first season in Cleveland in 2023, finishing with 54 tackles. The Browns’ safety corps have struggled with health this season, but when whole, Thornhill should return to his starting spot alongside Grant Delpit.

Chubb’s activation does not count toward the Browns’ in-season activation total, which now sits at five following today’s Thornhill transaction.

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