Transactions News & Rumors

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/11/25

Here are Tuesday’s practice squad moves from around the NFL:

Atlanta Falcons

Buffalo Bills

Carolina Panthers 

Cleveland Browns

Detroit Lions

Los Angeles Chargers

  • Released: LS Peter Bowden

Los Angeles Rams

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

New York Giants

New York Jets

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Washington Commanders

The Panthers waived White from their practice squad on Nov. 8, but the team quickly brought the veteran signal-caller back. White will continue to provide experienced depth behind Bryce Young and Andy Dalton. He served as the Panthers’ emergency third QB in their Week 9 win over the Packers.

Bills Place Landon Jackson On IR, Open T.J. Sanders’ Practice Window

Bills rookie defensive end Landon Jackson tore his MCL and PCL in the first quarter of a 30-13 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday, according to insider Jordan Schultz. Buffalo placed Jackson on injured reserve on Tuesday. Jackson is expected to make a full recovery, per Schultz, but he’s facing an extended absence.

Jackson is now the fourth member of the Bills’ nine-player 2025 draft class to land on IR. First-round cornerback Maxwell Hairston, second-round defensive tackle T.J. Sanders, and sixth-round corner Dorian Strong have all been shelved with various injuries this year.

Strong is out for the foreseeable future with a neck issue, but Hairston made his debut in Week 8. Sanders, who has missed five straight games after undergoing knee surgery, could rejoin the Bills’ defense soon. They opened his 21-day practice window on Tuesday, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN reports.

The Bills used a third-rounder on Jackson after a productive run at Arkansas, but they’ve gotten little from that investment so far. The team has made Jackson a healthy inactive in six of its nine games. In the three contests Jackson has played, the 22-year-old has combined for a mere 30 defensive snaps.

The Bills plugged Jackson in against the Dolphins a week after losing Michael Hoecht for the rest of the season with an Achilles tear. They also were without A.J. Epenesa in Miami because of a concussion. If Epenesa returns this week against the Buccaneers, he’ll rejoin a group of ends consisting of Joey Bosa, Greg Rousseau, and Javon Solomon.

While Jackson may be done for the year, a potential Sanders return would add another option to a depleted defensive line. The Bills traded up to draft Sanders 41st overall. The former South Carolina Gamecock got off to a slow start during the first four games of his career, however, recording two tackles.

Ed Oliver, the Bills’ most effective D-tackle, will not return during the regular season after suffering a torn biceps in Week 8. With him and Sanders on IR, DaQuan Jones, fourth-round rookie Deone Walker, Larry Ogunjobi, Jordan Phillips, and Phidarian Mathis represent the team’s healthy DT options. The injury issues have contributed to the Bills’ woes against the run. They rank 30th in the league in rushing yards per game allowed.

Scouring the open market for help, the Bills tried out free agent defensive lineman Morgan Fox on Tuesday, Getzenberg relays. Fox has gone unsigned since the Falcons released him in August, which came as a surprise after he signed a two-year deal with them in March. A former Ram, Panther, and Charger, Fox was teammates with Bosa from 2022-24. Although Fox missed the 2018 campaign with an ACL tear, he went on to appear in 100 straight regular-season games after that. The 31-year-old has racked up 27.5 sacks, including 3.5 in 2024.

Along with their injury troubles on defense, the Bills may go without an important part of their offense, tight end Dalton Kincaid, for a sizable chunk of time. Kincaid suffered a hamstring injury on Sunday, and head coach Sean McDermott said he’s now considered week-to-week (via Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic).

A former first-round pick from Utah, Kincaid has hauled in 29 of 36 targets for 448 yards and a career-best four touchdowns in his third NFL season. Fellow tight ends Dawson Knox and Jackson Hawes, a rookie fifth-rounder, have gotten even more offensive snaps than Kincaid this year. They’ll continue to log significant playing time down the stretch, but losing Kincaid is a major blow for an offense that lacks dependable pass catchers.

Steelers To Add CB Asante Samuel Jr.

Asante Samuel Jr.‘s extensive visit schedule will end in Pittsburgh. The Steelers will be adding the free agent cornerback, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports.

Although Fowler adds this is a practice squad deal, Samuel seemed to have options. He scheduled visits with the Panthers, Packers, Vikings, 49ers, Steelers and Bears. Pittsburgh was to be Samuel’s last summit, and that was scheduled for Wednesday. The extensively pursued defender has a new home long after becoming a first-time free agent.

Part of PFR’s top 50 free agents list in March, Samuel saw his stock freefall after it became known he needed spinal fusion surgery. The four-year Chargers starter was only cleared last week, but a host of teams took interest in that development. Players with Samuel’s combination of age (26) and starting experience (47 games) are not regularly available in November, and a Steelers defense that has taken a step back this season could receive some help.

Samuel joins a Steelers team that overhauled its cornerback cast alongside Joey Porter Jr. this offseason. The team signed Darius Slay and Brandin Echols before trading for Jalen Ramsey. The likely Hall of Fame-bound trade pickup had shifted to safety midseason but slid back to corner amid injury troubles for that unit. Slay suffered a concussion during the Steelers’ Week 10 loss to the Chargers. James Pierre saw increased duty following Slay’s injury, but the Steelers have not performed well in nearly all defensive aspects this season. Samuel could help, and he may need to make an impact to avoid a “prove it” deal in 2026.

Pittsburgh ranks last against the pass and has allowed the fifth-most total yards this season. While the team ranks 20th in points allowed and 19th in EPA per pass, a veteran-heavy defense has proven unreliable. Slay, 34, ranks outside Pro Football Focus’ top 70 corners; Porter sits 50th, Echols 56th. While Ramsey is faring well and attempting to become the latest 30-something corner to transition to safety, not much has gone right around him. The Steelers have now added Samuel and Kyle Dugger in-season, with the latter being acquired via trade with the Patriots.

Before it became known Samuel needed neck surgery, PFR ranked him 32nd among free agents entering the 2025 league year. The former Los Angeles-based ballhawk missed 13 games last season due to a stinger-type injury — at least, that was the 2024 assessment — stood to ding his stock a bit, but with this year’s top CBs available nearing their 30th birthdays, Samuel was positioned to join Paulson Adebo in benefiting. But the spinal fusion matter changed the second-generation CB’s trajectory. Samuel had visited the Cardinals and Saints in the spring, and he drew Dolphins interest following those meetings. But it took a midseason clearance for a team to pull the trigger on a deal.

PFF graded the 5-foot-10 defender as a top-30 corner in 2022 and ’23. Though Samuel gave up seven touchdowns as the closest defender during the ’22 season, he made a memorable contribution in the playoffs by intercepting Trevor Lawrence three times — albeit during a game that featured a 27-point Bolts blown lead. Samuel has shown playmaking ability, intercepting six passes from 2021-23 and totaling at least 11 passes defensed during each of those three seasons.

The former second-round pick will have seen an injury take him off the field for a sizable chunk of two seasons, and a “prove it” deal ahead of an age-27 season would further impede his chances of cashing in. This profiles as an important stretch for Samuel, who may soon be asked to be part of the Steelers’ effort to hold off the Ravens in the AFC North.

Bengals Open Joe Burrow’s Practice Window

NOVEMBER 11: ESPN’s Adam Schefter predicts Burrow’s likeliest return date will be Week 14 against the Bills, one game after Cincinnati’s Thanksgiving contest. Of course, it would come as no surprise if the Bengals took their record into account when deciding to activate Burrow (and more specifically, when he will next suit up). Cincinnati could drop out of playoff contention by the time his window expires, one of the factors which makes this an interesting story to follow.

NOVEMBER 10: The Bengals’ offense has found a level of stable production since the Joe Flacco trade, but his time atop the depth chart has always been seen as temporary. A step in the direction of Flacco’s QB1 run ending is being taken.

Joe Burrow is set to return to practice, as first reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The Bengals are opening his 21-day activation window today in a notable move for Burrow’s recovery process. Provided he is brought back onto the active roster within that time, he will be able to return to action.

When speaking on the subject, head coach Zac Taylor confirmed to no surprise Burrow will not play in Week 11. He also said (via Rapoport’s colleague Mike Garafolo) a return to action may not take place right away even after Burrow is activated. Still, today’s practice – in a limited capacity – marks a significant step in the right direction for all involved.

After Burrow suffered a turf toe injury in September, it was clear a lengthy absence would be in store. A return by December was floated as a possibility, and after successful surgery it is clear Burrow has not suffered any setbacks in his rehab. The two-time Comeback Player of the Year will look to return to a Cincinnati team still in contention for the playoffs. It very much remains to be seen if that will be possible based on the Bengals’ continued defensive struggles.

No firm timeline is in place for Burrow, although he told Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer a return by “Thanksgiving-ish” is being targeted. The Bengals are coming off their bye week, and they have games against the Steelers and Patriots upcoming. Those contests will be followed by a Thanksgiving matchup with the Ravens. Having Burrow back as soon as possible will obviously be key, but adding further to his long list of injuries at the NFL level – or even risking doing so – would not be feasible if Cincinnati were to be out of contention late.

The Bengals have lost two straight despite scoring 80 points over that span. The team sits at 3-6 on the year as a result and trails both the Steelers and Ravens for top spot in the AFC North. Cincinnati is currently two games behind Jacksonville for the final wild-card spot in the conference. Improvements on defense will be sought out coming off the bye with first-year DC Al Golden remaining in place. If efforts on that front prove fruitful, a Burrow return for the closing stages could make for an interesting finish to the year.

The 28-year-old led the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns last year. That was insufficient for the Bengals to qualify for the playoffs, and it very much remains to be seen if a return to postseason contention will be possible in 2025. Burrow managing to return would certainly offer a boost, though.

Raiders Sign LB Jamin Davis To Active Roster, Add K Greg Joseph To Practice Squad

Jackson Powers-Johnson is in danger of missing the remainder of the season due to an ankle injury. At least a four-game absence is in store.

As expected, Powers-Johnson has been moved to injured reserve. His spot on the active roster has been filled by means of a promotion rather than an outside addition. The Raiders announced on Tuesday that linebacker Jamin Davis has been signed from the practice squad.

Davis saw a heavy workload early and often during his time in Washington, topping 100 tackles and posting three sacks in 2022. The former first-rounder did not develop as hoped, however, and a position switch to defensive end did not stabilize his career. Davis was cut midway through the 2024 campaign, ending his Commanders tenure.

The Packers intially signed him to the practice squad, but it was with the Vikings that Davis made four appearances late in the season. The 26-year-old finished the campaign as a member of the Jets, but he did not survive roster cuts at the end of training camp this summer. Davis landed with the Raiders on their taxi squad roughly one month ago, and he will now look to remain on the active roster through the remainder of the season.

The Raiders also added a kicker to their taxi squad on Tuesday. Greg Joseph is in place to fill Davis’ practice squad spot. The 31-year-old has made 75 appearances while playing for six teams over the course of his career. Joseph has yet to play this season despite working out for a slew of suitors when they have found themselves in need of a kicker.

Daniel Carlson has appeared in every game for the Raiders this season. The All-Pro has operated as Vegas’ kicker and that is expected to continue barring any injuries. In the event Carlson does miss time, Joseph will be in place to serve as a replacement.

Commanders Sign DE DeMarcus Walker

DeMarcus Walker has lined up his next NFL gig. The veteran defensive end has signed with the Commanders, per an announcement from his agency.

Walker was cut by the Bears prior to free agency, ending his tenure in the Windy City after two years there. Little interest was shown afterwards, although the Giants and Lions hosted him for visits in April. Neither of those teams moved forward with a deal, however, and Walker remained on the open market deep into the regular season. His 2025 debut could come on Sunday.

This is a practice squad deal, ESPN’s John Keim notes to no surprise. Walker is present with the Commanders in Madrid, Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic adds. Washington will take on Miami in the NFL’s first game played in Spain for Week 11. Walker’s presence with his new team means he could be designated as a gameday elevation from the practice squad for that contest.

The 31-year-old has made 100 career appearances across his time with the Broncos, Texans, Titans and Bears. His one-and-done Tennessee campaign saw Walker set a career high with seven sacks. He took on a much larger workload in Chicago, operating as a starter and collecting 3.5 sacks in both of his Bears campaigns. Walker will now look to carve out a depth role with the Commanders to close out the campaign.

Washington is dealing with a number of injuries on both sides of the ball, and veteran depth at any spot will be welcomed. The 3-7 team sits near the bottom of the league in a number of defensive categories and DC Joe Whitt Jr. will no longer call plays. The Commanders do rank mid-pack in terms of sack production (22), but improving in that department would still be welcomed during the second half of the season.

Walker’s 2026 market value will of course be determined by his performances over the coming weeks. It will be interesting to see how large of a workload he handles with Washington down the stretch and whether or not he does enough to warrant a new pact along a quicker timeline next year.

Jaguars Open TE Brenton Strange’s Practice Window

The Jaguars could have a key offensive contributor back in the fold as early as Week 11. Tight end Brenton Strange is nearing a return to action.

Head coach Liam Coen said (via ESPN’s Michael DiRocco) the team has designated Strange for return from injured reserve. The Jaguars are hopeful the third-year tight end will be able to play on Sunday against the Chargers. A determination on that front will need to be made over the coming days, but in any case it is of course a positive development his 21-day activation window has been opened.

Strange landed on IR just over one month ago due to a quad injury which included damage to his hip along with a ligament tear. No surgery took place, but the rehab process carried a timeline which made the move to injured reserve a logical one. Strange has missed the requisite minimum of four games, so he is clear to return to the active roster at any point. Once that happens, a notable figure will be back in place.

The 24-year-old made 14 combined starts across the 2023 and ’24 campaigns. As expected, Strange’s workload increased once more this season prior to the injury. The former second-rounder’s 2025 snap share sits at 74% and his 41 receiving yards per game are comfortably a career high. A full-time starting role will await Strange upon return.

Jacksonville has lost three of four, cooling off from an impressive start to the campaign. The team sits 18th in the NFL in both total and scoring offense, and No. 2 pick Travis Hunter is on IR due to a knee injury suffered in practiceBrian Thomas Jrand trade acquisition Jakobi Meyers will lead the way at the receiver position moving forward, but Strange will reprise his role as a regular option in the passing game once he is in the fold.

The Jags used the designated for return option with Jalen McLeod during roster cutdowns, so his IR activation is already accounted for. Once Strange is brought back onto the active roster, the team will have six activations remaining.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/10/25

Here are Monday’s practice squad moves from around the NFL:

Buffalo Bills

Cincinnati Bengals

  • Signed: LB Antwaun Powell-Ryland

Detroit Lions

  • Signed: DE Ahmed Hassanein

Tennessee Titans

In search of a wide receiver before the Nov. 4 trade deadline, the Bills reportedly made a substantial offer to the AFC East rival Dolphins for Jaylen Waddle. The Dolphins ended up keeping Waddle, though, and the Bills were unable to acquire any other receivers ahead of the deadline.

Still desperate for help at the position after a 30-13 loss to Waddle and the Dolphins in Week 10, the Bills are bringing in Hardman to join Gabe Davis as experienced options on their practice squad. Hardman had gone without a team since the Packers released him from their practice squad on Sept. 23.

Aside from a five-game run with the Jets in 2023, all of Hardman’s regular-season work in the NFL has come with the Chiefs. The 2019 second-round pick from Georgia has amassed 178 catches, 2,302 yards, and 16 touchdowns in 80 games. He made 12 appearances with the AFC champions last year and caught 12 of 14 targets for 90 yards.

Steelers Cut S Juan Thornhill

Continuing to make noteworthy changes at the safety position, the Steelers have cut Juan Thornhill, according to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL.com. Thornhill will go through waivers. If no team claims him, he’ll become a free agent.

The Steelers have shaken things up at safety since starter DeShon Elliott suffered a serious knee injury in Week 8. Elliott is now on IR.

Shortly after losing Elliott, the Steelers acquired Kyle Dugger from the Patriots on Oct. 28. Dugger has since stepped into a starting role next to longtime cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who transitioned to free safety during a Week 9 win over the Colts.

With Dugger and Ramsey taking over at safety, Thornhill worked exclusively on special teams against Indianapolis and in Pittsburgh’s loss to the Chargers on Sunday. The 30-year-old started in one of nine games, logged a 48.5% snap share on defense, and totaled 38 tackles this season before the Steelers moved on from him.

After coming off the board in the second round of the 2019 draft, Thornhill divided his first six NFL seasons between Kansas City and Cleveland. He served as a full-time starter on two of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl-winning teams before spending two years with the Browns.

The Browns released Thornhill last offseason, leading him to the Steelers on a one-year, $3MM deal. Although his union with the Steelers didn’t work out, Thornhill – who has 75 career starts and eight interceptions – could be attractive to safety-needy clubs down the stretch. If a team claims him, it would take on the remainder of his league-minimum base salary.

With Thornhill on his way out, the Steelers claimed safety Sebastian Castro off waivers from the Buccaneers on Monday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com relays. Castro signed with the Steelers as an undrafted rookie from Iowa in late April, but the Buccaneers plucked him off their practice squad on Sept. 30. He appeared in one game with the Bucs and totaled six snaps (all on special teams). Castro will join Chuck Clark and Jabrill Peppers among the Steelers’ depth options at safety.

Minor NFL Transactions: 11/10/25

Here’s a look at Monday’s minor moves from around the NFL…

Cincinnati Bengals

Green Bay Packers

Los Angeles Rams

Tennessee Titans

The Titans will have 21 days to activate Brown and Mullings after opening their practice windows. Brown worked exclusively on special teams over four games before going on IR with a knee injury on Oct. 4. Mullings, a sixth-round rookie from Michigan, appeared in two games but didn’t record any offensive snaps before an ankle injury sent him to IR on Sept. 26.