Bruce Hector

Lions Finalize Initial 53-Man Roster

August 30th, 2022 at 7:57pm CST by Ely Allen

Detroit got an early start on reducing its roster size Monday, but the team made the final moves toward 53 players Tuesday. Here are the moves from today that got the Lions there:

Houston was the only member of the Lions’ 2022 rookie class that failed to make the initial 53-man roster. The young linebacker should have a good chance to land on the team’s 16-man practice squad Wednesday, if he can clear waivers. On the other hand, undrafted defensive lineman Demetrius Taylor found his way onto the roster after a disruptive preseason. Another undrafted rookie, running back Greg Bell, didn’t make the roster, but will remain with the team on Detroit’s injured reserve.

There were a number of surprising, but necessary, cuts today. Igwebuike had a decent chance to make the roster due to his experience and ability returning kicks. Kennedy led the team in catches, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns during the preseason. His lack of effective use on special teams likely lost him his spot on the final roster. Parker started much of last year at nickel for the Lions. Unfortunately he was expendable after the offseason additions of veteran JuJu Hughes and rookie Chase Lucas.

The winner of the kicking battle has been crowned as Austin Seibert made the final roster over Patterson. Patterson showed plenty of ability during the last couple of weeks and it would be no surprise if he was to be claimed by another team off waivers by tomorrow.

Finally, it appears the backup quarterback battle was won by David Blough, who outperformed Boyle in preseason. Still, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Detroit peruse the mass of recently waived players for a new quarterback. They have the second-highest priority on the waiver wire and should have their pick of the litter if they think they can improve on Blough.

NFL Reserve/Futures Contracts: 1/10/22

January 10th, 2022 at 5:58pm CST by Ben Levine

A bunch of teams had their seasons come to an end yesterday, and these front offices are now starting to prepare for the offseason. Today, a number of players were inked to reserve/futures contracts, which allows organizations to retain (mostly) young, practice squad players throughout the offseason. We’ve compiled today’s reserve/futures contracts below:

Baltimore Ravens

DB Robert Jackson, OT Jaryd Jones-Smith, G/DT Kahlil McKenzie, WR Jaylon Moore, C James Murray, TE Tony Poljan, DB Kevin Toliver, WR Binjimen Victor

Carolina Panthers

RB Spencer Brown, CB Madre Harper, DL Frank Herron, OL Mike Horton, OL Aaron Monteiro, WR Aaron Parker, FB Giovanni Ricci, WR C.J. Saunders, TE Colin Thompson, QB P.J. Walker

Cleveland Browns

TE Miller Forristall, G Hjalte Froholdt, TE Nick Guggemos, CB Nate Meadors, G David Moore, FB Johnny Stanton, OT Alex Taylor, DE Curtis Weaver

Denver Broncos

TE Shaun Beyer, RB Damarea Crockett, WR Travis Fulgham, OT Drew Himmelman, G Zack Johnson, LB Barrington Wade

Detroit Lions

DE Eric Banks, LB Tavante Beckett, DE Bruce Hector, WR Javon McKinley, QB Steven Montez, CB Parnell Motley, OT Dan Skipper, CB Saivion Smith, TE Shane Zylstra

Houston Texans

RB Darius Anderson, WR Jalen Camp, G Sam Cooper, DT Michael Dwumfour, OL Jake Eldrenkamp, DB T.J. Green, DE Demone Harris, WR Damon Hazelton, CB Cre’Von LeBlanc, FB Paul Quessenberry, OL Jordan Steckler, LB Connor Strachan, LB Josh Watson

Jacksonville Jaguars

WR Jeff Cotton, RB Nathan Cottrell, OL Coy Cronk, WR Josh Hammond, OL Jared Hocker, WR Tim Jones, DL Jeremiah Ledbetter, OL Badara Traore

Minnesota Vikings

LB Tuf Borland, S Myles Dorn, WR Trishton Jackson, WR Myron Mitchell, CB Parry Nickerson, T Timon Parris, RB A.J. Rose, DT T.J. Smith

New Orleans Saints

WR Kawaan Baker, LB Sharif Finch, OT Jerald Hawkins, DT Braxton Hoyett, DB Dylan Mabin, DB Jordan Miller, DB KeiVarae Russell, WR Easop Winston

New York Giants

LB Omari Cobb, OT Devery Hamilton, LB Trent Harris, TE Jake Hausmann, DE Niko Lalos, QB Brian Lewerke, DT David Moamat, WR Travis Toivonen

New York Jets

K Matt Ammendola, WR Tarik Black, TE Brandon Dillon, OL Grant Hermanns, WR D.J. Montgomery, OL Ross Pierschbacher, DL Hamilcar Rashed, OL Dru Samia, DL Tanzel Smart, OL Isaiah Williams

Seattle Seahawks

DT Myles Adams, WR Matt Cole, LB Aaron Donkor, T Greg Eiland, WR Aaron Fuller, DT Jarrod Hewitt, CB Michael Jackson, WR Cade Johnson, G Pier-Olivier Lestage, DT Niles Scott, WR Cody Thompson, LB Lakiem Williams

Washington Football Team

G Zack Bailey, C/G Beau Benzschawel, G Deion Calhoun, DT Tyler Clark, WR Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR Kelvin Harmon, G Nolan Laufenberg, WR Marken Michel

Minor NFL Transactions: 1/1/22

January 1st, 2022 at 4:56pm CST by Ely Allen

The first minor moves of 2022:

Arizona Cardinals

Activated from IR: LB Tanner Vallejo
Promoted: DL Josh Mauro, CB Kevin Peterson, TE David Wells, CB Jace Whittaker

Atlanta Falcons

Promoted: TE Parker Hesse, WR Austin Trammell, DB Luther Kirk, DB Lafayette Pitts, DE Nick Thurman

Baltimore Ravens

Promoted: OT David Sharpe, DB Robert Jackson, DB Tony Jefferson, T Jayrd Jones-Smith
Placed on IR: OLB Daelin Hayes

Buffalo Bills

Promoted: DT Eli Ankou

Carolina Panthers

Promoted: DE Austin Larkin, RB Spencer Brown, CB Madre Harper, OL Mike Horton, TE Stephen Sullivan, TE Colin Thompson

Cincinnati Bengals

Promoted: CB John Brannon, QB Jake Browning, WR Trent Taylor

Dallas Cowboys

Activated from IR: WR Noah Brown
Promoted: S Darian Thompson

Denver Broncos

Activated from IR: OLB Andre Mintze
Promoted: S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, T Quinn Bailey, T Drew Himmelman, DE Marquiss Spencer, DE Jonathan Harris, LB Barrington Wade, WR Rico Gafford, CB Rojesterman Farris, RB Damarea Crockett, WR Seth Williams, WR Travis Fulgham

Detroit Lions

Promoted: LB Tavante Beckett, G Parker Ehinger, DE Bruce Hector, WR Javon McKinley, TE Ross Travis

Green Bay Packers

Promoted: DL Abdullah Anderson, WR David Moore

Houston Texas

Promoted: WR Jalen Camp, OT Jordan Steckler, CB Cre’Von LeBlanc, RB Jaylen Samuels, WR Jordan Veasy, DT Michael Dwumfour, LB Josh Watson

Indianapolis Colts

Promoted: LS Kyle Nelson, CB Will Redmond, QB Brett Hundley, DT Chris Williams
Released: T Greg Senat, C Joey Hunt

Jacksonville Jaguars

Promoted: CB Lorenzo Burns, DT Doug Costin, WR Jeff Cotton, RB Nathan Cottrell, OL D.J. Fluker, DB Michael Jacquet, S Bradley McDougald, OL Badara Traore, OL Tre’Vour Wallace-Simms

Kansas City Chiefs

Activated from IR: RB Jerick McKinnon

Las Vegas Raiders

Promoted: S Jordan Brown, C Hroniss Grasu, WR Tyron Johnson, DT Damion Square

Los Angeles Chargers

Promoted: LB Cole Christiansen, TE Hunter Kampmoyer

Los Angeles Rams

Signed: WR J.J. Koski
Promoted: CB Grant Haley, WR Brandon Powell

Miami Dolphins

Activated from IR: LB Brennan Scarlett
Promoted: WR Kirk Merritt, C Cameron Tom, DB Chris Milton

Minnesota Vikings

Promoted: DT T.Y. McGill, DE Eddie Yarbrough, S Myles Dorn, CB Tye Smith, DE Kenny Willekes

New England Patriots

Promoted: DL Daniel Ekuale, DB D’Angelo Ross, WR Kristian Wilkerson
Reverted from Designated to Return back to IR: LB Harvey Langi

New Orleans Saints

Promoted: WR Kawaan Baker, C Will Clapp, G Forrest Lamp, DB Bryce Thompson

New York Giants

Promoted: WR Alex Bachman, DT Woodrow Hamilton, WR Pharoh Cooper, OT Derrick Kelly, DT David Moa, WR David Sills

New York Jets

Promoted: DL Ronnie Blair, TE Dan Brown, CB Lamar Jackson, WR D.J. Montgomery

Philadelphia Eagles

Promoted: DE Cameron Malveaux, LB JaCoby Stevens

Pittsburgh Steelers

Signed: LB Tegray Scales (from Bengals’ practice squad)

San Francisco 49ers

Promoted: TE Tanner Hudson, LB Mark Nzeocha, LB Curtis Robinson
Released: RB Brian Hill

Seattle Seahawks

Activated from IR: OT Jamaro Jones
Promoted: CB Michael Jackson, S Josh Jones, LB Edmond Robinson
Placed on IR: OLB Jon Rhattigan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Promoted: RB Kenjon Barner, WR, Cyril Grayson, P Sterling Hofrichter, LB Elijah Ponder

Washington Football Team

Promoted: DE William Bradley-King, LB De’Jon Harris, CB D.J. Hayden, S Jeremy Reaves, RB Wendell Smallwood, G Deion Calhoun, P Ryan Winslow
Released: WR Antonio Gandy-Golden

Minor NFL Transactions: 12/11/21

December 11th, 2021 at 4:48pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here is how teams finalized their Week 14 rosters:

Atlanta Falcons

Activated from IR: TE Hayden Hurst
Promoted: RB Qadree Ollison, S Shawn Williams
Waived: RB Wayne Gallman

Baltimore Ravens

Promoted: CB Robert Jackson, T David Sharpe

Buffalo Bills

Activated from IR: G Jon Feliciano
Promoted: DE Eli Ankou, DT Brandin Bryant, LB Joe Giles-Harris

Carolina Panthers

Activated from IR: T Cameron Erving
Promoted: RB Reggie Bonnafon, LB Frankie Luvu, OL Patrick Omameh

Chicago Bears

Promoted: LB Charles Snowden

Cincinnati Bengals

Promoted: LB Austin Calitro, LB Keandre Jones

Cleveland Browns

Activated from IR: LB Jacob Phillips
Promoted: DB Herb Miller, DB Jovante Moffatt, WR JoJo Natson
Waived: WR Ja’Marcus Bradley

Dallas Cowboys

Promoted: TE Ian Bunting, RB JaQuan Hardy, S Darian Thompson
Waived: DT Justin Hamilton

Denver Broncos

Activated from IR: LB Micah Kiser, CB Michael Ojemudia

Detroit Lions

Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: CB Mark Gilbert, CB Ifeatu Melifonwu
Promoted: CB Corey Ballentine, LB Curtis Bolton, DE Bruce Hector, CB Parnell Motley, RB Craig Reynolds, CB Nickell Robey -Coleman, RB Rodney Smith, TE Shane Zylstra

Houston Texans

Promoted: DB Grayland Arnold, WR Phillip Dorsett, DL Chris Smith

Kansas City Chiefs

Promoted: DB Dicaprio Bootle, DB Josh Jackson
Placed on IR: DB Chris Lammons

Los Angeles Chargers

Placed on IR: LB Kyler Fackrell
Promoted: DB Ben DeLuca, LB Emeke Egbule, WR Jason Moore

Miami Dolphins

Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: RB Salvon Ahmed

New Orleans Saints

Activated from IR: DB Chauncey Gardner -Johnson
Promoted: G James Carpenter, LB Chase Hansen, WR Kevin White, WR Easop Winston, TE Ethan Wolf

New York Giants

Promoted: WR Pharoh Cooper, DB Jarren Williams

New York Jets

Activated from IR: CB Brandin Echols
Promoted: DE Ronald Blair, TE Dan Brown, WR D.J. Montgomery, WR Vyncint Smith

San Francisco 49ers

Placed on IR: RB Trenton Cannon, CB Emmanuel Moseley
Promoted: WR River Cracraft, RB Brian Hill, CB Saivion Smith, S Jarrod Wilson

Seattle Seahawks

Promoted: LB Edmond Robinson

Tennessee Titans

Activated from IR: S Dane Cruikshank, WR Racey McMath
Placed on IR: TE Tommy Hudson; this is Hudson’s second IR trip, ending his season
Promoted: WR Cody Hollister, DL Kevin Strong
Waived: S Brady Breeze

Washington Football Team

Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: CB Darryl Roberts, DE James Smith -Williams
Placed on IR: G Wes Schweitzer
Promoted: DE William Bradley-King, LB De’Jon Harris, S Jeremy Reaves, C Jon Toth

Minor NFL Transactions: 12/4/21

December 4th, 2021 at 4:41pm CST by Zachary Links

Today’s minor moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Promoted: LS Beau Brinkley, RB Tavien Feaster, LB Joe Walker, LB Tahir Whitehead, CB Jace Whittaker
Placed on IR: S James Wiggins

Atlanta Falcons

Activated from IR: DE Steven Means
Promoted: RB Qadree Ollison

Baltimore Ravens

Promoted: DB Robert Jackson, RB Nate McCrary

Carolina Panthers

Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: LB Frankie Luvu

Cincinnati Bengals

Placed on IR: WR Auden Tate
Promoted: G Keaton Sutherland, WR Pooka Williams, RB Trayveon Williams

Denver Broncos

Promoted: RB Damarea Crockett
Waived: WR Tyrie Cleveland

Detroit Lions

Promoted: LB Tavante Beckett, LB Rashod Berry, DE Bruce Hector

Houston Texans

Activated from IR: C Justin Britt, LB Christian Kirks ey
Promoted: S Jonathan Owens, RB Jaylen Samuels, DL Chris Smith
Waived: CB Cre’von LeBlanc

Jacksonville Jaguars

Activated from IR: DT Jay Tufele

Las Vegas Raiders

Promoted: TE Matt Bushman, FB Sutton Smith, WR Dillon Stoner

Los Angeles Rams

Promoted: WR Brandon Powell, RB Mekhi Sargent

Minnesota Vikings

Promoted: RB Jake Bargas, DB Myles Dorn, DE Kenny Willekes
Waived: DE Eddie Yarbrough

New York Giants

Promoted: WR Pharoh Cooper, DB Steven Parker, DB Jarren Williams

New York Jets

Signed: K Alex Kessman
Waived: K Matt Ammendola
Promoted: DE Ronald Blair, TE Dan Brown, RB Austin Walter

Philadelphia Eagles

Promoted: S Jared Mayden

Pittsburgh Steelers

Activated from IR: DL Carlos Davis
Promoted: OL Chaz Green

San Francisco 49ers

Promoted: LB Tyrell Adams, WR River Cracraft, LB Justin March

Seattle Seahawks

Promoted: RB Adrian Peterson (story)

Tennessee Titans

Activated from reserve/COVID-19 list: QB Logan Woodside

Wednesday NFL Transactions: NFC North

September 1st, 2021 at 6:10pm CST by Sam Robinson

Following the 53-man roster cutdown deadline Tuesday, many teams will make slight tweaks to their rosters. In addition to waiver claims, teams can begin constructing their 16-man practice squads today. These Bears, Lions, Packers and Vikings moves are noted below.

Here are Wednesday’s NFC North transactions, which will continue to be updated throughout the day.

Chicago Bears

Claimed:

WR Nsimba Webster (from 49ers)

Signed:

DB Marqui Christian

Waived:

WR Rodney Adams

Placed on IR:

OT Teven Jenkins

Signed to practice squad:

DL Auzoyah Alufohai, C Dieter Eiselen, CB Thomas Graham Jr., OL Arlington Hambright, WR Isaiah Coulter, K Brian Johnson, WR Jon’Vea Johnson, OLB Sam Kamara, RB Ryan Nall, WR Dazz Newsome, RB Artavis Pierce, OLB Charles Snowden, DB Teez Tabor

Detroit Lions

Released/Waived:

TE Darren Fells, S Dean Marlowe

Signed to practice squad:

LB Tanner Beckett, LB Rashod Berry, DT Miles Brown, S Jalen Elliott, K Zane Gonzalez, DL Bruce Hector, G Tommy Kraemer, TE Alize Mack, WR Javon McKinley, RB Dedrick Mills, OT Darrin Paulo, RB Craig Reynolds, CB Nickell Robey -Coleman, WR Sage Surratt, TE Brock Wright, TE Shane Zylstra

Green Bay Packers

Signed to practice squad:

DL Abdullah Anderson, QB Kurt Benkert, WR Chris Blair, G Ben Braden, OL Jacob Capra, CB Kabion Ento, S Innis Gaines, LB Tipa Galeai, TE Bronson Kaufusi, K J.J. Molson, DL Willington Previlon, WR Equanimeous St. Brown, RB Patrick Taylor, OL Cole Van Lanen, LB Ray Wilborn, WR Juwann Winfree

Minnesota Vikings

Signed:

LS Andrew DePaola

Claimed:

TE Ben Ellefson (from Jaguars)

Placed on IR:

WR Dan Chisena, RB Kene Nwangwu, TE Irv Smith Jr. (story)

Signed to practice squad:

OT Zack Bailey, FB Jake Bargas, LB Tuf Borland, TE Zach Davidson, S Myles Dorn, G Dakota Dozier, G Kyle Hinton, WR Myron Mitchell, CB Parry Nickerson, WR Whop Philyor, RB A.J. Rose, CB Tye Smith, DE Kenny Willekes

Lions Down To 53

August 31st, 2021 at 3:26pm CST by Zachary Links

The Lions have their 53-man roster in place. On Tuesday, the Lions officially cut:

Released

Waived

LB Tavante Beckett
LB Rashod Berry
S Jalen Elliott
DT Bruce Hector
G Tommy Kraemer
TE Alize Mack
WR Javon McKinley
RB Dedrick Mills
T Darrin Paulo
RB Craig Reynolds
WR Sage Surratt
LB Jahlani Tavai
TE Brock Wright

Placed on Reserve/Suspended

DE Jashon Cornell

The Lions will carry three quarterbacks for now in Jard Goff, Tim Boyle, and David Blough. Boyle is currently dealing with an injured thumb, which will keep him sidelined for two months. But, in order to hang on to him and dress him ASAP, they’ll have to carry him on their initial 53-man roster. Fortunately, Goff has proven largely durable during his five-year career. He did not miss a start due to injury until late last season, when a thumb surgery sidelined him.

Minor NFL Transactions: 7/27/21

July 27th, 2021 at 5:42pm CST by Ben Levine

We’ve collected today’s minor moves below:

Arizona Cardinals

Waived: DL Ryan Bee

Chicago Bears

Signed: WR Justin Hardy, WR Jon’Vea Johnson
Waived: DB Rojesterman Farris, WR Khalil McClain

Denver Broncos

Signed: C Brett Jones
Released: C Patrick Morris

Detroit Lions

Claimed off waivers (from Titans): DT Bruce Hector

Minnesota Vikings

Reverted to reserve/NFI list: DT Jaylen Twyman

New York Jets

Signed: DE Jeremiah Valoaga

San Francisco 49ers

Signed: DT Anthony Zettel
Waived: WR Andy Jones

Washington Football Team

Signed: DE Bunmi Rotimi
Waived: TE Deon Yelder
Waived/injured: DE Jalen Jelks

Minor NFL Transactions: 7/26/21

July 26th, 2021 at 9:48am CST by Zachary Links

We’ll keep track of today’s minor moves here.

Arizona Cardinals

Signed: OL Marcus Henry

Atlanta Falcons

Signed: LB Emmanuel Ellerbee, OL Jason Spriggs
Cut: RB Tony Brooks-James

Cincinnati Bengals

Signed: WR Reece Horn

Dallas Cowboys

Signed: CB Kyron Brown

Denver Broncos

Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: S Jamar Johnson, CB Kary Vincent

Houston Texans

Placed on PUP list: OL Marcus Cannon, OL Lane Taylor
Cut: LS Mitchell Fraboni

Indianapolis Colts

Placed on IR: DT Rob Windsor (out for year)

Kansas City Chiefs

Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: LS James Winchester

Las Vegas Raiders

Signed: P Corliss Waitman
Cut: K Dominik Eberle

Los Angeles Rams

Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: WR Tutu Atwell

Miami Dolphins

Signed: TE Carson Meier
Cut with injury settlement: TE Jibri Blount

Minnesota Vikings

Placed on PUP list: K Riley Patterson

New Orleans Saints

Signed: DE Kendall Donnerson
Placed on PUP list: WR Michael Thomas
Placed on NFI list: OL Derrick Kelly

San Francisco 49ers

Signed: DE Eddie Yarbrough

Seattle Seahawks

Signed: WR Darece Roberson
Cut: CB Saivion Smith

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Signed: DB Chris Cooper

Tennessee Titans

Signed: DL Kyle Peko, Anthony Rush,
Cut: DL Bruce Hector

Minor NFL Transactions: 4/22/21

April 22nd, 2021 at 4:25pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

We’ll keep track of today’s minor moves here:

Dallas Cowboys

Re-signed: WR Cedrick Wilson (RFA), DL Antwaun Woods (RFA)

Tennessee Titans

Signed: DT Bruce Hector, LB B.J. Bello, DB Chris Jones, DL Woodrow Hamilton

The first two defensive players the Titans took flyers on, Hector and Bello, both spent a little bit of time in Philadelphia with new Tennessee defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Jones started three games for the Vikings last year.

Released:

Waived:

Waived/injured:

Placed on reserve/physically unable to perform:

Chicago Bears

Detroit Lions

Green Bay Packers

Minnesota Vikings