Today’s practice squad moves:
New York Giants
- Signed: OT Ricky Lee
Washington Commanders
- Released: K Greg Joseph
Aaron Rodgers‘ latest Pat McAfee Show appearance again made reference to (via ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini) potentially being a first-time free agent soon. Although the Jets should not be ruled out from reversing course on their rumored QB divorce and keeping their aging quarterback, a look for 2025 landing spots remains relevant.
The 20th-year veteran has stopped short of confirming he will be back next season, but as of mid-November he was pointing to a return for 2025. If nothing else, Rodgers may want a chance to provide a better conclusion to his decorated career compared to what is transpiring this season in New York. The Jets are 4-11, which will clinch their worst record since Zach Wilson‘s rookie year, and are expected to draft a quarterback.
It is worth wondering if the Jets could keep Rodgers as a bridge, considering he has expressed interest in staying. The 41-year-old passer said he would prefer to stay rather than relocate again, but reports in the wake of Joe Douglas‘ ouster place the team as being ready to move on. Rodgers and Woody Johnson also appeared to disagree on Nathaniel Hackett‘s employment this offseason, and the owner — perhaps on multiple occasions — called for the QB’s benching this year. Rodgers has played better as of late, however, and could be an option for a Jets team that is unlikely to earn a top-two pick. Barring a trade-up, the Jets would not then be in position for one of the top two arms in the 2025 class (Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders) and may then need to expand their options.
Ranking 23rd in QBR and averaging a career-low 6.6 yards per attempt, Rodgers should not be closely associated with his prime years or even the late-prime seasons that brought him his third and fourth MVPs. But he is certainly good enough to hold a starting job somewhere. A team would need to provide an opportunity, and Rodgers carries some baggage at this stage of his career some franchises may be fine avoiding. Though, it is not hard to see a few teams showing a degree of interest.
Sam Darnold will be the 2025 free agent class’ prize, should the Vikings not use their franchise tag on the surging starter. Russell Wilson wants to re-sign with the Steelers, who are expected to pursue a second contract with their starter. But his value is somewhat murky right now. Minnesota’s second-best QB, Daniel Jones, will be a lower-cost option. Justin Fields would be as well, with Jameis Winston an unstable bridge for teams who do not project to land one of the top rookie arms. A host of backup-level options will once again hit the market as well.
The Jets still have Tyrod Taylor under contract; if Rodgers is not brought back, he would be a midlevel stopgap option. But a new GM-HC duo is coming — one that will bring a new offense for Taylor to learn, if he in fact is retained. It would cost more for the Jets to drop Rodgers in 2026 — due to a roster bonus that reminds of his 2023 Packers situation — than it would in 2025, when he would bring a $49MM dead money hit. Like the Broncos and Wilson, the Jets cannot designated Rodgers a post-June 1 cut — which would split the dead money between 2025 and ’26 — until March 12, the start of the 2025 league year. If the team’s new regime would be onboard with absorbing all of that $49MM in 2025, it could cut the cord in mid-February like the Raiders did with Derek Carr in 2023.
Expanding the board for Rodgers beyond New York, the Titans seem like a place to start. A Trade Rumors Front Office piece explored a Rodgers-Tennessee fit last month, and Will Levis has since been benched. The Titans added a host of pieces on offense (Calvin Ridley, Tony Pollard, Lloyd Cushenberry, JC Latham) to improve Levis’ situation but did not see the additions matter much in that regard. With Brian Callahan and Ran Carthon not steering their ship into calm waters post-Mike Vrabel, a semi-desperate solution exists in Rodgers. Beyond Tennessee, some creativity may be necessary.
The Colts reside in a similar situation, having seen 2023 draftee Anthony Richardson display one of the modern NFL’s worst completion percentages. He is still carrying a 47.7% completion rate; only six passers have previously posted sub-50% accuracy numbers (minimum 200 attempts) in a season this century. The Colts have obviously tried the veteran route extensively post-Andrew Luck, with the Matt Ryan experiment potentially making Rodgers a non-starter. But Indianapolis probably will need to look into competition for Richardson in 2025. Its quartet of Day 2 wideout investments, all under contract next year, would benefit from a significant accuracy upgrade.
The Browns are believed to be interested in Darnold; would a regime that has moved onto hotter seats, then, be interested in Rodgers? The latter would not cost as much as Darnold soon will, though a QB contract beyond the rookie-scale level will be an issue for a Browns team stuck with Deshaun Watson. The team is planning to retain the wildly underwhelming starter in 2025, as it would cost $172MM to drop him. Even with Andrew Berry‘s penchant for void years that reduce cap charges in exchange for future hikes, a midlevel starter contract would be a complicated effort. But a veteran-laden Browns roster that observed Joe Flacco elevate Kevin Stefanski‘s offense would at least align with Rodgers’ shortened timeline.
If the Steelers cannot reach a deal with Wilson, their roster would also line up with a potential Rodgers one-off. On the surface, Rodgers’ antics probably do not mesh with this organization — as interesting as a fit with Mike Tomlin would be — though the team may still need to see how Wilson performs over the next few weeks to determine whether a substantial raise is called for. How different Wilson and Rodgers’ price points will be also checks in as an issue for what still seems like a poor fit in Pittsburgh, even though the team — which famously does not negotiate in-season — has both Wilson and Justin Fields due for free agency.
The Raiders dropped several spots in the draft order thanks to their Week 16 win over the Jaguars, and Rodgers did have them on his destination list during his 2021 offseason standoff with the Packers. That said, the Raiders are squarely in rebuilding mode and do not seem a likely landing spot. With the Giants now moving toward the No. 1 overall pick, neither do they.
We fired up a similar poll two years ago, as rumors circulated about Tom Brady being likely to leave the Buccaneers after 2022. The legendary passer was connected to teams but did not end up playing again, retiring for a second time. Rodgers, who classified himself as “90% retired” two offseasons ago before joining the Jets will have retirement squarely in play once again. Will the future first-ballot Hall of Famer take that route or end up with one of these teams? Vote in PFR’s latest poll and weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section.
Today’s minor transactions and standard gameday practice squad elevations:
Arizona Cardinals
- Elevated: T Jackson Barton, RB Michael Carter
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed to active roster: WR Chris Blair
- Elevated: WR Dylan Drummond
- Waived: LB Rashaan Evans
Buffalo Bills
- Elevated: S Kareem Jackson, WR Jalen Virgil
Carolina Panthers
- Elevated: RB Mike Boone, T Brandon Walton
Chicago Bears
- Signed to active roster: RB Darrynton Evans
- Placed on IR: G Ryan Bates
Cincinnati Bengals
- Elevated: DE Isaiah Thomas
Cleveland Browns
- Elevated: CB Kahlef Hailassie, WR James Proche
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed to active roster: CB Andrew Booth
- Elevated: LB Darius Harris, T Dakoda Shepley
- Placed on IR: CB Trevon Diggs (story)
Detroit Lions
- Activated from IR: S Ifeatu Melifonwu
- Signed to active roster: OLB Mitchell Agude, WR Tom Kennedy, DL Chris Smith
- Elevated: RB Jermar Jefferson, S Loren Strickland
- Waived (via injury settlement): DT David Bada
- Waived: WR Maurice Alexander
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed to active roster: CB Kyu Blu Kelly
- Elevated: TE John Samuel Shenker
Los Angeles Rams
- Elevated: CB Charles Woods
Miami Dolphins
- Activated from reserve/PUP: LB Cameron Goode
- Elevated: WR Erik Ezukanma
- Waived: DT Neil Farrell
Minnesota Vikings
- Elevated: S Bobby McCain, TE Nick Muse
New England Patriots
- Signed to active roster: RB Terrell Jennings
- Elevated: WR Alex Erickson, LB Monty Rice
New York Giants
- Signed to active roster: DB Raheem Layne
- Elevated: OLB Boogie Basham, T Tyre Phillips
New York Jets
- Elevated: DT Bruce Hector, S Jarius Monroe
Philadelphia Eagles
- Elevated: FB Khari Blasingame
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed to active roster: LB Jalen Graham, T Austen Pleasants
- Elevated: DT Alex Barrett, RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn
- Waived: T Sebastian Gutierrez
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed to active roster: QB Jaren Hall
- Elevated: CB Artie Burns
- Placed on IR: OLB Trevis Gipson
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Elevated: P Jack Browning
Washington Commanders
- Elevated: DT Carl Davis
After being activated from injured reserve in early November, Bates only played two games before suffering a concussion. The 27-year-old has not played since Week 11 and will now miss the remainder of the season on IR. Bates is under contract through 2025.
Bobby Okereke‘s second season with the Giants has come to an end. The veteran linebacker was placed on IR Saturday, per a team announcement. 
Okereke is dealing with a back injury, and his last appearance came during New York’s loss to Dallas on Thanksgiving. His status for the remainder of the campaign was in doubt as he missed each of the past two games, but it is now official he will not play again in 2024. Three contests remain in the Giants’ season, but the move to IR ensures a four-game absence.
After playing out his rookie contract with the Colts, Okereke inked a four-year, $40MM deal in free agency to join the Giants. Expectations were high as a result, and the 28-year-old delivered 149 tackles along with career highs in sacks (2.5) and forced fumbles last year. His statistical output for 2024 will check in at a lower figure in several categories after only 12 games played, but his absence will continue to be felt on defense.
The Giants have already been hit by injuries on that side of the ball, including most notably Dexter Lawrence‘s season-ending dislocated elbow. Okereke will join Lawrence in turning his attention to rehab ahead of the 2025 campaign, one in which none of his base salary is guaranteed. The Stanford product is due a $3MM roster bonus early in the new league year, however, so his ability to heal in full will be an important storyline for team and player. Darius Muasau will likely continue in a starting role alongside Micah McFadden to close out the season.
The Giants also moved Patrick Johnson to IR, ending his campaign. The former seventh-rounder made one appearance this season with the Eagles (in Week 1), but since that time he has been with New York. Johnson has hardly played on defense this year, but he has been a key contributor on special teams during his 12 Giants games. The Tulane product is a pending free agent.
After being shut out during this year’s HC interview cycle, Mike Vrabel is expected to resurface as one of the top candidates in 2025. Vrabel has built considerable momentum considering where his stock was coming off his Titans firing, to the point staff options are starting to emerge in connection with the second-chance HC aspirant.
Vrabel has already been connected to the Bears, Jets and Patriots. It would stand to reason the six-year HC veteran will take a few interviews. Unlike former mentor Bill Belichick, Vrabel appears likely to become an NFL head coach again soon.
Prior to what could be a blitz of Vrabel rumors over the next several weeks, SI.com’s Albert Breer connected him to two offensive coordinator options during an interview with ESPN 1000‘s Kap & J.Hood; h/t Yardbarker.com. Browns pass-game specialist Tommy Rees is coming up in connection with a Vrabel hire, while Breer adds Josh McDaniels — whose Patriots tenure overlapped with Vrabel’s linebacker run in New England — is also being mentioned as a potential Vrabel OC.
Vrabel has worked as a Browns consultant this year, doing so while Rees has served as the team’s QBs coach. Rees previously spent three years as Notre Dame’s OC and was Alabama’s offensive play-caller in Nick Saban’s final season. Rees is just 32 and has been an NFL staffer for one year, but he certainly brings worthwhile college credentials.
A veteran of the HC interview circuit, McDaniels appears highly unlikely to be asked to lead a team again. His one season leading an offense away from the Patriots (a 2011 Rams gig) did not go well, either. But McDaniels being onboard during Tom Brady‘s rise and again during the legend’s extended run in his 30s and 40s should keep him in conversations. Though, the ex-Raiders coach did not partake in any known interviews following that firing. McDaniels and Vrabel overlapped in New England from 2001-08, and Breer notes the Cleveland-area natives have maintained a relationship since. McDaniels makes for a natural North Carolina OC candidate, seeing as he helped his former boss pick a destination in recent weeks. But McDaniels has not coached in college since 1999.
Vrabel, 49, is also being loosely tied to one of his former Titans coworkers. Not every team looking to hire a head coach will be in the GM market; the Bears are not, and it does not look like the Saints are firing Mickey Loomis. But the Jets are; the Jaguars may be in this boat soon, too. If a GM slot is available, Breer adds Ryan Cowden could be a name to watch. Cowden took a job with the Giants after his interim GM stay with the Titans wrapped. Vrabel wanted Cowden to be named full-time GM in Tennessee, with that being among the causes of friction between the then-Titans HC and ownership.
An interesting competitor could emerge for Vrabel as well. Ryan Day’s Ohio State status may depend on how the Buckeyes fare in the upcoming playoff, and Graziano adds rumblings have pegged Vrabel as a top candidate if that job becomes open. Vrabel is an Ohio State alum who coached under Urban Meyer from 2011-13, between his retirement as a player and debut as an NFL assistant.
Belichick looks to have taken the North Carolina job because no surefire NFL landing spot would reveal itself. Vrabel, however, probably has a much better shot to land a job soon. Though, it will be interesting to see where Ohio State — should the Big Ten power move on from Day — would fall in Vrabel’s pecking order.
This NFL season saw several teams slip out of contention quicker than usual, slimming wild-card races and expanding the pursuit for the No. 1 overall pick. Two teams now lead that race.
While no prospect on the Caleb Williams level is dangling for the Raiders and Giants, an interesting showdown has formed. With three weeks to go, the Giants would currently hold the top 2025 draft choice. But based on projected strength of schedule, the Raiders would win the tiebreaker if the results held. The team with the weaker overall strength of schedule would win that. The Giants still have a game against the 12-2 Eagles, while the Raiders’ upcoming matchup with the 3-11 Jaguars works in their favor.
The Giants have not held the No. 1 pick in the common draft era (1967-present), last making a choice atop a draft in 1965 (running back Tucker Frederickson). Their Eli Manning trade occurred after the Chargers had chosen the quarterback to start the 2004 draft. The Raiders have held the top pick once in the common draft era, famously choosing JaMarcus Russell to start the ’07 draft. Both teams have coaches fighting for their jobs, but each also has seen All-Pros (Dexter Lawrence, Maxx Crosby) removed from equations. Losers of 10 straight, the Raiders follow their Jaguars matchup with games against the Saints and Chargers. The Giants, who have dropped nine consecutive games, go Falcons-Colts-Eagles to close the season.
Five 3-11 teams sit behind the Raiders and Giants presently, with the NFL having nine teams who have already lost double-digit contests. If a Giants or Raiders win occurs, there are candidates to move toward pole position in what could be races for Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward. Though, a non-Giants or Raiders team finishing in the top two creates a bit more intrigue, as both those clubs are in dire need of QB help.
With an eye on teams’ projected strength of schedule based on current records, here is how the draft order looks with three games to go:
- Las Vegas Raiders (2-12)
- New York Giants (2-12)
- New England Patriots (3-11)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (3-11)
- Carolina Panthers (3-11)
- Tennessee Titans (3-11)
- Cleveland Browns (3-11)
- New York Jets (4-10)
- Chicago Bears (4-10)
- New Orleans Saints (5-9)
- Miami Dolphins (6-8)
- Indianapolis Colts (6-8)
- Cincinnati Bengals (6-8)
- Dallas Cowboys (6-8)
- San Francisco 49ers (6-8)
- Atlanta Falcons (7-7)
- Arizona Cardinals (7-7)
- Seattle Seahawks (8-6)
- Los Angeles Chargers (8-6)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6)
- Los Angeles Rams (8-6)
- Washington Commanders (9-5)
- Denver Broncos (9-5)
- Baltimore Ravens (9-5)
- Houston Texans (9-5)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4)
- Green Bay Packers (10-4)
- Minnesota Vikings (12-2)
- Buffalo Bills (11-3)
- Philadelphia Eagles (12-2)
- Detroit Lions (12-2)
- Kansas City Chiefs (13-1)
The Lions spent Sunday afternoon going blow-for-blow with the Bills, combining for the highest-scoring performance in the NFL this season. They ended up falling just short of Buffalo, and that loss compounded with a number of injuries to make this a rough day for Detroit.
The first such injury occurred when cornerback Khalil Dorsey appeared to suffer a serious leg injury. He was carted off the field with the injured leg in an air cast. Per ESPN’s Eric Woodyard, head coach Dan Campbell told the media after the game that Dorsey’s injury was similar to what happened to Aidan Hutchinson. In short, Dorsey is not expected to play again in the 2024 NFL season.
Additionally, today’s game saw defensive tackle Alim McNeill and cornerback Carlton Davis depart with injuries, as well. McNeill left the field with a knee injury and, after a visit in the blue medical tent, was carted off to the locker room, while Davis suffered a jaw injury. According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Campbell relayed that “he doesn’t feel good about the chances” of either player returning this year.
If all three players are placed on injured reserve, they would join 18 other players on IR. They would up the number of defensive players on IR from 13 to 16. The Lions have overcome incredible adversity so far this year and still currently hold the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Here are some updates on a couple other injuries around the NFL:
- We mentioned earlier this week that Giants rookie starting safety Tyler Nubin would miss the rest of the season on IR with an ankle injury. Per Ryan Dunleavy of New York Post Sports, head coach Brian Daboll believes that Nubin’s injury will probably require ankle surgery. This means that Nubin will likely spend most of the offseason working to recover in time for the 2025 season.
- The Texans needed to elevate practice squad tight end Irv Smith today as rookie fourth-round tight end Cade Stover was a surprise scratch from today’s game. Stover logged the first absence of his NFL career due to an emergency appendectomy performed last night, according to Kimberley A. Martin of ESPN. Stover is expected to make a full recovery.
This offseason brought a change in how teams could construct their 53-man rosters while retaining flexibility with injured players. Clubs were permitted to attach return designations to two players (in total) placed on IR or an NFI list before setting their initial rosters.
In prior years, anyone placed on IR before a team set its initial 53-man roster could not be activated in-season. All August 27 IR- or NFI-return designations, however, already count against teams’ regular-season limit of eight. This introduces more strategy for teams, who will be tasked with determining which players injured in-season will factor into activation puzzles as the year progresses.
All players designated for return on August 27 were eligible to be activated beginning in Week 5, though any player placed on IR after a team set its initial 53 has not been designated for return and therefore does not yet count toward a club’s eight-activation limit. Players who receive return designations after Week 5 also appear on this list.
Here is how teams’ activation puzzles look going into Week 17:
Arizona Cardinals
Designated for return:
- CB Elijah Jones (Dec. 5)
- K Matt Prater (Dec. 18)
Activated:
- OL Christian Jones (Week 8)
- DL Darius Robinson (Week 9)
- RT Jonah Williams (Week 12)
Activations remaining: 5
Atlanta Falcons
Designated for return from IR (August 27):
Eligible for activation:
Activated:
- OLB Lorenzo Carter (Week 11)
- C Drew Dalman (Week 11)
- LB Nathan Landman (Week 6)
- DT Ruke Orhorhoro (Week 14)
Activations remaining: 3
Baltimore Ravens
Eligible for activation:
- WR Deonte Harty (story)
Activated:
- RB Rasheen Ali (Week 7)
- CB Jalyn Armour-Davis (Week 8)
- CB Arthur Maulet (Week 8)
- DT Michael Pierce (Week 15)
- CB T.J. Tampa (Week 16)
Activations remaining: 4
Buffalo Bills
Designated for return from IR (August 27):
- RB Darrynton Evans (released Oct. 29)
Activated
- DT DeWayne Carter (Week 14)
- OL Tylan Grable (Week 16)
- LB Matt Milano (Week 13)
- DE Dawuane Smoot (Week 15)
- LB Baylon Spector (Week 15)
Activations remaining: 2
Carolina Panthers
Activated:
- RB Jonathon Brooks (Week 10)
- DT Jaden Crumedy (Week 10)
- S Sam Franklin (Week 8)
- S Jordan Fuller (Week 10)
- CB Dane Jackson (Week 7)
- S Nick Scott (Week 15)
- WR Adam Thielen (Week 11)
- TE Ian Thomas (Week 6)
Activations remaining: 0
Chicago Bears
Eligible for activation:
- S Jaquan Brisker (story)
- TE Stephen Carlson
- CB Jaylon Jones
- OL Bill Murray
- LS Patrick Scales (story)
Activated:
- OL Ryan Bates (Week 10)
- OL Larry Borom (Week 9)
- RB Travis Homer (Week 8)
- DE Jacob Martin (Week 8)
Activations remaining: 4
Cincinnati Bengals
Activated:
- DT McKinnley Jackson (Week 5)
- DE Myles Murphy (Week 5)
- P Brad Robbins (Week 5)
Activations remaining: 5
Cleveland Browns
Reverted to season-ending IR:
- RB Nyheim Hines (story)
Eligible for activation:
- WR David Bell
- CB Tony Brown
- LB Tony Fields
- T James Hudson (likely out for season)
- LS Charley Hughlett
- LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (story)
- TE Geoff Swaim
Activated:
- LB Mohamoud Diabate (Week 6)
- G Michael Dunn (Week 6)
- DT Michael Hall (Week 15)
- CB Myles Harden (Week 15)
- DT Maurice Hurst (Week 6)
- G Wyatt Teller (Week 8)
- S Juan Thornhill (Week 7)
Activations remaining: 1
Dallas Cowboys
Eligible for activation:
- S Markquese Bell
- DB Caelen Carson
- DE DeMarcus Lawrence (story)
- OL Asim Richards
Activated:
- CB DaRon Bland (Week 9)
- WR Brandin Cooks (Week 13)
- OL Chuma Edoga (Week 12)
- DE Marshawn Kneeland (Week 12)
- CB Amani Oruwariye (Week 14)
Activations remaining: 3
Denver Broncos
Reverted to season-ending IR:
Eligible for activation:
- RB Tyler Badie (story)
Activated:
- OLB Baron Browning (Week 7)
- RB Audric Estime (Week 6)
- CB Damarri Mathis (Week 7)
- T Mike McGlinchey (Week 7)
- C Luke Wattenberg (Week 10)
Activations remaining: 3
Detroit Lions
Designated for return:
- LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin (Dec. 19)
Eligible for activation:
- ILB Alex Anzalone (story)
- ILB Derrick Barnes (could miss rest of season)
- DL John Cominsky (return unlikely)
- OLB Aidan Hutchinson (playoff comeback on table)
- CB Ennis Rakestraw (story)
- WR Kalif Raymond (story)
Activated:
- DT Brodric Martin (Week 12)
- S Ifeatu Melifonwu (Week 11, Week 16)
- CB Emmanuel Moseley (Week 12)
Activations remaining: 4
Green Bay Packers
Designated for return:
- TE Luke Musgrave (Dec. 11)
Eligible for activation:
- RB MarShawn Lloyd (story)
- OL Jordan Morgan (story)
Activated:
- DT Jonathan Ford (Week 8)
- RB MarShawn Lloyd (Week 12; later placed on IR a second time)
Activations remaining: 6
Houston Texans
Eligible for activation:
Activated:
- WR Nico Collins (Week 10)
- G Kenyon Green (Week 16)
- LB Christian Harris (Week 15)
- DT Kurt Hinish (Week 7)
- DE Dylan Horton (Week 5)
- DE Jerry Hughes (Week 10)
- CB Jeff Okudah (Week 11)
Activations remaining: 1
Indianapolis Colts
Designated for return from IR (August 27):
- DE Samson Ebukam (story)
Designated for return:
Activated:
- DT DeForest Buckner (Week 8)
- LB Jaylon Carlies (Week 16)
- C Ryan Kelly (Week 16)
- DL Tyquan Lewis (Week 12)
- LB Cameron McGrone (Week 8)
Activations remaining: 2
Jacksonville Jaguars
Eligible for activation:
- OL Cooper Hughes
Activated:
- CB Tyson Campbell (Week 7)
- WR Devin Duvernay (Week 10)
- LB Foye Oluokun (Week 8)
- RB Keilan Robinson (Week 12)
- S Andrew Wingard (Week 10)
Activations remaining: 3
Kansas City Chiefs
Designated for return:
- TE Peyton Hendershot (Dec. 23)
Eligible for activation:
- TE Jody Fortson
- WR Skyy Moore (story)
Activated:
- WR Marquise Brown (Week 16)
- K Harrison Butker (Week 15)
- RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (Week 7)
- RB Isiah Pacheco (Week 13)
Activations remaining: 4
Las Vegas Raiders
Eligible for activation:
- CB Jakorian Bennett
- LB Luke Masterson
- DL Christian Wilkins (story)
Activated:
- TE Michael Mayer (Week 11)
- QB Aidan O’Connell (Week 13)
- S Trey Taylor (Week 6)
Activations remaining: 5
Los Angeles Chargers
Designated for return:
- RB J.K. Dobbins (Dec. 23)
Eligible for activation:
- CB Eli Apple (story)
- S Alohi Gilman (story)
- WR Brenden Rice
- CB Asante Samuel Jr. (story)
Activated:
- WR DJ Chark (Week 9)
- LB Junior Colson (Week 14)
- RB Gus Edwards (Week 10)
- TE Hayden Hurst (Week 16)
- CB Deane Leonard (Week 12)
- LB Nick Niemann (Week 6)
Activations remaining: 2
Los Angeles Rams
Reverted to season-ending IR:
- G KT Leveston (practice window expired Dec. 11)
Eligible for activation:
- S John Johnson (story)
- OL Conor McDermott
- DL Larrell Murchison
- LB Troy Reeder
Activated:
- OL Steve Avila (Week 10)
- OL Jonah Jackson (Week 10)
- DL Larrell Murchison (Week 5; later placed on IR a second time)
- WR Puka Nacua (Week 8)
- OL Joe Noteboom (Week 10)
- CB Darious Williams (Week 5)
Activations remaining: 1
Miami Dolphins
Designated for return from reserve/NFI list:
- LS Blake Ferguson (Dec. 4)
Eligible for activation from IR:
- OLB Tyus Bowser (story)
- WR Tanner Conner
Activated:
- WR River Cracraft (Week 10)
- WR Grant DuBose (Week 15)
- QB Tyler Huntley (Week 13)
- S Patrick McMorris (Week 13)
- CB Cam Smith (Week 7)
- QB Tua Tagovailoa (Week 8)
Activations remaining: 2
Minnesota Vikings
Designated for return from IR (August 27):
- OLB Gabriel Murphy (waived Nov. 27)
Eligible for activation:
- LB Ivan Pace (story)
- DL Taki Taimani
Activated:
- LS Andrew DePaola (Week 14)
- TE Nick Muse (Week 12)
- K Will Reichard (Week 14)
- G Dalton Risner (Week 9)
Activations remaining: 3
New England Patriots
Designated for return:
- T Caedan Wallace (Dec. 9)
Eligible for activation:
- LB Curtis Jacobs
- LB Oshane Ximines
Activated:
- CB Alex Austin (Week 12)
- DL Christian Barmore (Week 11)
- S Marte Mapu (Week 5)
Activations remaining: 5
New Orleans Saints
Eligible for activation:
- WR Bub Means
- WR Chris Olave (story)
Activated:
- DB Will Harris (Week 10)
- C Shane Lemieux (Week 10)
- C Erik McCoy (Week 11)
- RB Kendre Miller (Week 6, Week 14)
- LB Nephi Sewell (Week 11)
Activations remaining: 2
New York Giants
Designated for return:
- LB Dyontae Johnson (Dec. 4)
- OL Austin Schlottmann (Dec. 11)
Eligible for activation:
- WR Gunner Olszewski
- OLB Azeez Ojulari (story)
- DL Armon Watts
Activated:
- LB Matthew Adams (Week 5)
- K Graham Gano (Week 10)
- OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (Week 12)
Activations remaining: 5
New York Jets
Designated for return from IR:
Eligible for activation:
- LB Zaire Barnes
- K Greg Zuerlein (story)
Activated:
- S Chuck Clark (Week 11)
- DT Leki Fotu (Week 6)
- WR Allen Lazard (Week 14)
- OL Xavier Newman-Johnson (Week 13)
- G Wes Schweitzer (Week 14)
- TE Kenny Yeboah (Week 9)
Activations remaining: 2
Philadelphia Eagles
Designated for return from IR (August 27):
- TE Albert Okwuegbunam (released Nov. 5)
Designated for return:
- WR Britain Covey (Nov. 20)
- DE Bryce Huff (Dec. 18)
Eligible for activation:
- DT Byron Young
Activated:
- LT Jordan Mailata (Week 11)
- WR Ainias Smith (Week 8)
Activations remaining: 5
Pittsburgh Steelers
Designated for return from IR (August 27):
- OL Dylan Cook (released Oct. 31)
Eligible for activation:
- T Troy Fautanu (regular-season return not expected)
- C.J. Henderson (story)
- DL DeMarvin Leal
- DL Logan Lee
- WR Roman Wilson
Activated:
- DT Montravius Adams (Week 15)
- LB Tyler Matakevich (Week 10)
- OLB Jeremiah Moon (Week 5)
- WR Ben Skowronek (Week 10)
- DB Cory Trice (Week 14)
Activations remaining: 2
San Francisco 49ers
Reverted to season-ending IR:
- OL Jon Feliciano (story)
Eligible for activation:
- LB Tatum Bethune
- CB Darrell Luter
- P Mitch Wishnowsky (story)
Activated:
- DL Kalia Davis (Week 5)
- DE Yetur Gross-Matos (Week 11)
- S Talanoa Hufanga (Week 14)
- RB Christian McCaffrey (Week 10)
- WR Ricky Pearsall (Week 7)
Activations remaining: 3
Seattle Seahawks
Designated for return:
- CB K’Von Wallace (Dec. 11)
Eligible for activation:
- G Anthony Bradford (story)
- T George Fant (story)
- DL Cameron Young
Activated:
- CB Artie Burns (Week 15)
- T George Fant (Week 9; later placed on IR a second time)
- T Stone Forsythe (Week 16)
- S Rayshawn Jenkins (Week 12)
- OLB Uchenna Nwosu (Week 14)
- S Jerrick Reed II (Week 8)
Activations remaining: 2
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Designated for return:
- WR Kameron Johnson (Dec. 12)
- LB Markees Watts (Nov. 27)
Eligible for activation:
- LB SirVocea Dennis (out for regular season)
- CB Bryce Hall (story)
- S Jordan Whitehead (story)
Activated:
- DE Earnest Brown IV (Week 7)
- CB Jamel Dean (Week 12)
- LS Evan Deckers (Week 10)
- WR Rakim Jarrett (Week 8)
Activations remaining: 4
Tennessee Titans
Designated for return:
- WR Colton Dowell (Dec. 16)
Eligible for activation:
- C Lloyd Cushenberry (story)
- CB L’Jarius Sneed (story)
Activated:
- CB Chidobe Awuzie (Week 14)
- T Jaelyn Duncan (Week 17)
- LB Cedric Gray (Week 9)
Activations remaining: 5
Washington Commanders
Designated for return:
- DT Jonathan Allen (Dec. 18)
Eligible for activation:
Activated:
- WR Jamison Crowder (Week 15)
- DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste (Week 12)
- LB Jordan Magee (Week 8)
- QB Marcus Mariota (Week 5)
Activations remaining: 4
Saturday’s minor moves and standard gameday elevations:
Arizona Cardinals
- Elevated: P Michael Palardy
- Placed on IR: RB Emari Demercado, P Blake Gillikin
Baltimore Ravens
- Activated from IR: DT Michael Pierce
- Elevated: CB Desmond King, LB William Kwenkeu
Buffalo Bills
- Elevated: S Kareem Jackson, QB Mike White
Carolina Panthers
- Elevated: RB Mike Boone, LB Jacoby Windmon
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed to active roster: QB Logan Woodside
- Elevated: T Andrew Coker, K Cade York
- Placed on IR: LB Joe Bachie
Dallas Cowboys
- Elevated: CB Andrew Booth, T Dakoda Shepley
Denver Broncos
- Elevated: G Nick Gargiulo, CB Reese Taylor
Detroit Lions
- Elevated: S Jamal Adams, LB Abraham Beauplan
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Elevated: DE DJ Coleman
- Placed on IR: TE Evan Engram (story)
Houston Texans
- Elevated: TE Irv Smith Jr.
Kansas City Chiefs
- Elevated: LB Swayze Bozeman, TE Anthony Firkser
Los Angeles Chargers
- Elevated: WR Laviska Shenault, TE Eric Tomlinson
- Placed on IR: WR Jalen Reagor
Miami Dolphins
- Activated from IR: WR Grant DuBose
- Signed to active roster: DT Matt Dickerson
- Elevated: T Ryan Hayes, LS Zach Triner
- Waived: QB Skylar Thompson
New England Patriots
- Elevated: TE Jack Westover
New Orleans Saints
- Activated from reserve/PUP: DE Tanoh Kpassagnon
- Placed on IR: LB D’Marco Jackson
New York Giants
- Signed to active roster: QB Tim Boyle
- Placed on IR: G Jon Runyan (story)
- Elevated: DB Raheem Layne
New York Jets
- Signed to active roster: CB Kendall Sheffield
- Elevated: TE Zack Kuntz, WR Brandon Smith
Philadelphia Eagles
- Elevated: FB Khari Blasingame
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Activated from IR: DT Montravius Adams
- Placed on IR: T Calvin Anderson
Seattle Seahawks
- Activated from IR: CB Artie Burns
- Elevated: QB Jaren Hall, RB George Holani
- Placed on IR: S Jerrick Reed II
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Elevated: P Jack Browning, S Ryan Neal
Tennessee Titans
- Elevated: G Arlington Hambright, TE Thomas Odukoya
Washington Commanders
- Elevated: DT Carl Davis
Demercado has taken a backseat to Florida State third-round rookie Trey Benson, but he has averaged 9.3 yards per carry on 24 carries this year. Palardy will take over punting duties with Gillikin landing on injured reserve.
Jackson signed with Bills in late July, and although he was among the team’s final roster cuts he was immediately retained via a practice squad deal. This elevation means Week 15 will mark his first time spent on the active roster this season. The 36-year-old has started all but 10 of his 203 NFL games, but last season was marred by suspensions which led to his Broncos release. Jackson could suit up for Buffalo down the stretch as a gameday elevation in a bid to rebuild his stock to a degree.
With the playoffs nearly out of reach and quarterback Joe Burrow dealing with a few ailments (wrist and knee), the Bengals don’t seem to be taking any chances. Jake Browning will continue serving as the primary backup, while Woodside’s promotion will allow him to act as the emergency backup.
Adams has seen his biggest NFL roles during his time in Pittsburgh. Though he hasn’t gotten the same number of starts as he had in 2022 and 2023, he’s continued the same level of production. After missing the last four games, he’ll be looking to return to the field as early as tomorrow.
Wednesday’s minor roster updates:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed to active roster: RB Carlos Washington Jr.
- Placed on IR: RB Jase McClellan
Buffalo Bills
- Designated to return from IR: DT Dawuane Smoot, LB Baylon Spector
Chicago Bears
- Signed off Packers’ practice squad: DT Jonathan Ford
- Placed on IR: WR DeAndre Carter
Cleveland Browns
- Designated to return from IR: DT Mike Hall Jr.
Los Angeles Rams
- Reverted to season-ending IR: G KT Leveston
Miami Dolphins
- Designated to return from IR: WR Grant DuBose
New York Giants
- Signed off Cardinals’ practice squad: CB Divaad Wilson
- Designated to return from IR: OL Austin Schlottmann
- Placed on IR: S Tyler Nubin
New York Jets
- Signed off Colts’ practice squad: CB Jaylin Simpson
- Placed on IR: WR Irvin Charles
Seattle Seahawks
- Designated to return from IR: CB Artie Burns, S K’Von Wallace
It’s unfortunate news for the rookie second-round safety, Nubin. After starting the first 13 games of his first season in the NFL, the top-drafted safety in the 2024 NFL Draft will end the year on injured reserve with an ankle injury. Nubin had graded out as the 34th-best safety in the league, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), before the injury.
Charles will miss the remainer of the season, as well, and perhaps some of next year. The former undrafted receiver will be undergoing surgery for a torn ACL.