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Injured Reserve Return Tracker

November 13th, 2024 at 6:50pm CST by Sam Robinson

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 are 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 11:

Arizona Cardinals

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 6

Atlanta Falcons

Designated for return from IR (August 27): 

Designated for return: 

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 6

Baltimore Ravens

Eligible for activation:

Activated: 

Activations remaining: 5

Buffalo Bills

Designated for return from IR (August 27):

Eligible for activation:

Activations remaining: 6

Carolina Panthers

Designated for return:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 3

Chicago Bears

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 4

Cincinnati Bengals

Activated: 

Activations remaining: 5

Cleveland Browns

Reverted to season-ending IR:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 2

Dallas Cowboys

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 7

Denver Broncos

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated: 

Activations remaining: 3

Detroit Lions

Designated for return from IR (August 27):

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activations remaining: 7

Green Bay Packers

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated: 

  • DL Jonathan Ford (Week 8)

Activations remaining: 7

Houston Texans

Designated for return from IR (August 27):

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 3

Indianapolis Colts

Designated for return from IR (August 27):

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 5

Jacksonville Jaguars

Designated for return from IR (August 27):

Activated: 

Activations remaining: 3

Kansas City Chiefs

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 7

Las Vegas Raiders

Eligible for activation from IR:

Eligible for activation from reserve/NFI list:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 7

Los Angeles Chargers

Designated for return from IR:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 5

Los Angeles Rams

Designated for return from IR (August 27):

  • OL K.T. Leveston

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 1

Miami Dolphins

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation from IR:

Eligible for activation from reserve/NFI list:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 5

Minnesota Vikings

Designated for return from IR (August 27):

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 6

New England Patriots

Designated for return from reserve/non-football illness list (August 27):

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 6

New Orleans Saints

Designated for return: 

Activated:

Activations remaining: 5

New York Giants

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 6

New York Jets

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 6

Philadelphia Eagles

Designated for return from IR (August 27):

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 5

Pittsburgh Steelers

Designated for return from IR (August 27):

  • OL Dylan Cook

Eligible for activation:

Activated: 

Activations remaining: 4

San Francisco 49ers

Eligible for activation: 

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated: 

Activations remaining: 5

Seattle Seahawks

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 6

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Eligible for activation:

Activated: 

Activations remaining: 5

Tennessee Titans

Eligible for activation:

Activated: 

Activations remaining: 7

Washington Commanders

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 6

Bucs’ Tristan Wirfs Suffers MCL Sprain

November 11th, 2024 at 10:36am CST by Adam La Rose

NOVEMBER 11: An MRI has confirmed that Wirfs is indeed dealing with an MCL sprain, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. A short-term absence should be expected as a result, but the worst-case scenario has certainly been avoided.

NOVEMBER 10: The Buccaneers’ offensive line has been dealt a notable blow in Week 10. Left tackle Tristan Wirfs exited the game with a knee injury and needed assistance to make it back to the locker room.

Wirfs was ultimately ruled out for the rest of the day, and it remains to be seen what his full prognosis is. At this point, however, the possibility exists for a notable injury. The three-time Pro Bowler is believed to be dealing with an MCL sprain, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports.

An MRI will be needed to determine the full extent of the damage, but a sprain would certainly not constitute the worst-case scenario. Wirfs would likely be able to return to the lineup at some point during the regular season if he does indeed wind up with a sprain being confirmed. Of course, missed time of any duration would be acutely felt up front for Tampa Bay.

Wirfs had a strong start to his career at right tackle, then took over on the blindside last season. The Iowa product continued his streak of top-10 PFF evaluations in 2023, remaining the anchor of the Buccaneers’ O-line during his debut at left tackle. Given his age and status as one of the league’s top tackles, it quickly became clear the 25-year-old be in line for a monster extension this offseason. One was worked out in August, and Wirfs secured an AAV of $28.13MM on a five-year pact. That deal makes him the league’s highest-paid offensive lineman.

As a result, Wirfs’ health over both the short and long term will be a major priority for the Buccaneers. The former No. 13 pick entered today as PFF’s eighth-ranked tackle, so being without him for any stretch would be signficant up front. Of course, Tampa Bay is already shorthanded on offense with Chris Godwin out for at least the remainder of the regular season. Fellow receiver Mike Evans could be back by Week 12, but the team’s passing attack will be tested regardless of which pass-catching options are in place if Wirfs misses time.

The Buccaneers have just lost to the 49ers, leaving them with a 4-6 record. Top spot in the NFC South is not yet out of reach, but overtaking the Falcons in that respect would be difficult with further injuries on offense. Wirfs’ outlook will be worth watching closely given his significance to Tampa Bay’s O-line and the team’s postseason chances as a whole.

Bucs WR Mike Evans Expected To Return In Week 12

November 10th, 2024 at 12:48pm CST by Rory Parks

Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans, who is missing his third straight game today due to a hamstring injury, is hoping to return to the field after Tampa Bay’s Week 11 bye, as ESPN’s Jenna Laine reports. That is in keeping with the club’s initial prognosis.

Evans, 31, was already dealing with the hamstring ailment when he entered the Bucs’ Week 7 contest against the Ravens, and he aggravated it during the game. That proved to be a brutal outing for Tampa Bay, which lost Evans for a time and his top running mate, Chris Godwin, for at least the remainder of the regular season.

The Bucs were 4-2 going into the Baltimore game, but they lost to the Ravens and are now in the midst of a three-game losing streak. They nonetheless have a reasonable chance of making the postseason – particularly if they knock off the 49ers today – and getting Evans back on the field would go a long way towards achieving that goal.

Prior to the opening of free agency in March, Evans re-signed with Tampa Bay, agreeing to a front-loaded two-year, $41MM deal. While Godwin was off to the better start to the 2024 season and was in second place in the league in terms of receiving yardage when he suffered his injury, Evans was also playing well. Last year’s receiving TDs leader, Evans recorded six scores though six-plus games this year while catching 26 balls for 335 yards. 

Though tight end Cade Otton has stepped up in the absence of Evans and Godwin, quarterback Baker Mayfield has not yet developed a rapport with rookie wideout Jalen McMillan, and offseason acquisition Sterling Shepard has just 15 catches despite seeing a fairly significant snap share over the past six games. Second-year pro Trey Palmer has also failed to make much of an impact.

Knowing that there was a good chance Evans would be cleared after just three missed games and the Week 11 bye, Tampa Bay opted against placing him on injured reserve, which would have required him to miss the Week 12 matchup with the Giants as well. Evans, who has famously topped the 1,000-receiving yard mark in each of his first 10 professional seasons – which is a reflection of both his skill and durability – will be hard-pressed to make it 11 for 11. Still, his return should provide a lift to the Bucs’ offense. 

Minor NFL Transactions: 11/9/24

November 9th, 2024 at 9:11pm CST by Ely Allen

Today’s minor moves, including standard gameday practice squad elevations:

Arizona Cardinals

Atlanta Falcons

Buffalo Bills

Chicago Bears

Dallas Cowboys

Denver Broncos

Detroit Lions

Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts

Kansas City Chiefs

Los Angeles Chargers

Miami Dolphins

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

  • Elevated: LB Curtis Bolton, WR Isaiah Hodgins

New York Jets

San Francisco 49ers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

Washington Commanders

Spector will miss at least the next four games as a result of the Bills’ move. He has remained a mainstay on special teams this year, having also done so in 2022 and ’23. The former seventh-rounder has made three starts on defense, however, so his absence will be felt moving forward. Linebacker has been a position hit hard by injuries this season, and Buffalo’s depth at the second level will now be tested even further.

Wattenberg had his 21-day practice window opened by the Broncos earlier this week, paving the way for today’s activation. The 27-year-old operated as the team’s starting center prior to going down after having won a summer competition for the gig with Alex Forsyth. Forsyth handled first-team duties over the past four games, drawing a superior PFF evaluation and therefore potentially playing his way into an extended look atop the depth chart. At a minimum, having Wattenberg back will give Denver – a team with three IR activations left – depth up front.

2024 NFL Trades

November 5th, 2024 at 10:06pm CST by Sam Robinson

We have reached the 2024 trade deadline, which came one week later than the league’s usual endpoint. An offseason measure to move the deadline back one week passed, sliding the deadline beyond Week 9 after it had resided the Tuesday following Week 8 since 2012. That opened the door to more activity this year.

The 2024 offseason also featured extensive work, as teams added starters and depth pieces. Here are the trades involving veteran players (or rookies already drafted) to take place this year:

March 4

Bears chose defensive end Austin Booker at No. 144

March 9

Broncos sent Seahawks No. 136, included 203 in trade with Jets for QB Zach Wilson

March 10

Patriots chose QB Joe Milton at 193

March 11

Bucs drafted WR Jalen McMillan at No. 92; Lions traded No. 201 to Eagles

Panthers traded down from No. 39, giving Rams access to DT Braden Fiske; team moved No. 141 in Bills deal that sent WR Xavier Legette to Carolina. Giants chose RB Tyrone Tracy at 166.

March 12

Bengals chose DB Daijahn Anthony at No. 224 

March 13

Texans traded No. 232 to Vikings

Ravens chose WR Devontez Walker at No. 113, QB Devin Leary at 218; Jets drafted RB Braelon Allen at 134

March 14

Commanders traded Nos. 78, 152 to Eagles in trade that sent CB Cooper DeJean to Philadelphia; Seahawks moved down from No. 102, drafted G Sataoa Laumea at 179

Bolts traded No. 110 to Patriots 

March 15

Steelers chose LB Payton Wilson at No. 98; Eagles traded No. 120 to Dolphins in package that brought back 2025 third-rounder

March 16

Fields must play in 51% of Steelers’ offensive snaps for pick to elevate from sixth to fourth round

March 22

Chiefs traded No. 221 to Bills; Titans chose OLB Jaylen Harrell at 252

March 29

Pick would have become second-rounder had Reddick played 67.5% of Jets’ 2024 defensive snaps and recorded at least 10 sacks. Reddick’s holdout ensured Philly’s pick will land in Round 3.

April 3

Texans dealt No. 189 to Lions for Nos. 205, 249

April 12

Browns chose CB Myles Harden at No. 227

April 22

In trade that gave Vikings J.J. McCarthy draft real estate at No. 10 overall, Jets sent No. 203 to Minnesota; Broncos chose C Nick Gargiulo at 256

April 27

May 9

August 9

August 11

August 14

Dallas carried Phillips on its active roster for two games, meeting minimum requirement for conditional sixth to transfer

August 22

Pick did not convey due to Commanders cutting York before he played in two games with team

August 23

August 24

August 26

August 27

August 28

October 14

October 15

Pick would upgrade to second-rounder if Adams earns first- or second-team All-Pro recognition or is on Jets’ active roster for 2024 AFC championship game or Super Bowl LIX

October 23

Pick would become fourth-rounder if Hopkins both plays 60% of Chiefs’ remaining offensive snaps and Kansas City advances to Super Bowl LIX

October 28

October 29

Robinson’s playing time will determine if Jags pick climbs to a fourth-rounder and whether Vikings will end up receiving 2026 seventh

November 4

November 5

Sixth-rounder going to New Orleans comes from pick Saints sent Commanders for John Ridgeway 

Minor NFL Transactions: 11/4/24

November 4th, 2024 at 6:01pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here are Monday’s minor moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Detroit Lions

Kansas City Chiefs

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

For one game, at least, the Buccaneers have the Chiefs outflanked in the wide receiver injury department. Chris Godwin is out until at least the playoffs, should Tampa Bay qualify, and Mike Evans is expected to miss at least two more games due to the hamstring injury he suffered. The team endured another blow recently, with third-round rookie Jalen McMillan sustaining a hamstring injury during a Friday practice. A former Saints regular, Callaway has not played in a game this season.

Minor NFL Transactions: 10/31/24

October 31st, 2024 at 6:52pm CST by Adam La Rose

Thursday’s minor moves:

Jacksonville Jaguars

New York Jets

Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Released: T Dylan Cook

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Gipson was issued a six-game PED suspension in July, but he has yet to be reinstated by the league. Today’s development marks a step in that direction, however, since it allows the 34-year-old to begin practicing. Once he is brought back into the fold Gipson will take on a role in the Jags’ secondary (or at least on special teams) as he plays what could be the final season of his 13-year career.

Bucs Sign CB Troy Hill To Practice Squad

October 29th, 2024 at 10:05pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Buccaneers are signing veteran cornerback Troy Hill to their practice squad, per Greg Auman of Fox Sports, fortifying Tampa Bay’s injured secondary.

Hill, a 10-year veteran, appeared in six games with two starts for the NFC South rival Panthers this season, recording 32 total tackles across 236 defensive snaps. He was released on October 18 as Carolina elected to give their young cornerbacks more developmental playing time after a 1-5 start.

With 119 total appearances and 60 starts under his belt, the 33-year-old Hill brings valuable veteran experience to the Buccaneers as they contend with multiple recent injuries to defensive backs. Bryce Hall suffered a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle in Week 1, and Jamel Dean joined him on injured reserve with a hamstring injury on October 21.

Tampa Bay used just three cornerbacks on defense in Week 9’s loss to the Falcons, so Hill could be in line for elevations from the practice squad as soon as he acclimates to his new team. The Buccaneers will be his sixth NFL team, suggesting that the veteran corner should be able to pick up the scheme and contribute to the defense quickly.

The Buccaneers released undrafted rookie linebacker Kalen DeLoach from their practice squad in a corresponding move.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/29/24

October 29th, 2024 at 8:13pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Here are the most recent practice squad transactions from around the NFL:

Arizona Cardinals

Carolina Panthers

Chicago Bears

Indianapolis Colts

Los Angeles Chargers

Miami Dolphins

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

Philadelphia Eagles

Pittsburgh Steelers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

Washington Commanders

The Vikings cut Gaskin from their active roster on Tuesday, but as a vested veteran, he did not need to pass through waivers before re-signing to Minnesota’s practice squad. Gaskin played in the Vikings’ first five games this season, but has not appeared since October 6. His familiarity with the offense could lead to activations from the practice squad if Minnesota needs running back depth.

Herndon will join the Saints after playing in Jacksonville for six seasons, with 83 total appearances and 34 starts for the Jaguars since 2018. The veteran cornerback only started five games over the last two years, but played in 15 games for almost 900 snaps as a rotational member of the Jaguars’ secondary. His experience could lead to quick elevations from the practice squad once he learns the Saints’ defense.

The Commander signed the 30-year-old Hart to give them more depth at offensive tackle. The veteran has 67 starts and 98 total appearances over his eight-year career, though he hasn’t played in the NFL since a 2022 stint with the Bills.

Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin Aiming For Postseason Return

October 29th, 2024 at 8:58am CST by Adam La Rose

Chris Godwin‘s recovery process is underway, with his ankle surgery having recently taken place. His injury will sideline him for the remainder of the Buccaneers’ regular season, but he is leaving the door open to a playoff return.

“I mean, I think that’s best-case scenario, right?” Godwin said when asked about his recovery timeline (via ESPN’s Jenna Laine). “Like absolute best case. For all involved. Everything lines up. That’s what you kind of aim for.”

Given those remarks, it should still be considered unlikely Godwin plays again in 2024, even if the Bucs manage a postseason berth. Tampa Bay lost both Godwin and Mike Evans in Week 7 (although the latter’s hamstring injury is not as serious), severely thinning out the team’s receiver depth chart. The Bucs lost the game in which both wideouts went down, along with Sunday’s divisional tilt against the Falcons.

Tampa Bay now sits at 4-4 as a result, so another NFC South title is far from a certainty at this point. Reaching the playoffs will be a challenge given the injuries faced on offense (along with the team’s underwhelming showings on defense). In the event the Buccaneers were able to qualify for the playoffs, though, it would at least open the door to an eventual return on Godwin’s part.

The 28-year-old’s last major injury came in 2021, when he suffered ACL and MCL tears. Godwin managed to top 1,000 yards in each of the past two campaigns, and he was well on his way to surpassing that mark once again in 2024 with a yards per game average of 82.3 (the second-highest of his career). A strong showing would have boosted his market value, but the pending free agent’s attention is now on recovering as quickly as possible.

No talks on an extension are believed to have taken place leading up to the 2024 campaign, leading to plenty of uncertainty surrounding Godwin’s future. Team and player would certainly welcome a return during the postseason, should that become a possibility.

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