HEADLINES

Buccaneers Bring Back Jason Pierre-Paul

December 8th, 2025 at 10:57pm CST by Adam La Rose

Jason Pierre-Paul is making an NFL comeback. The veteran edge rusher worked out for the Buccaneers on Monday, and things went well on that front.

Pierre-Paul has a deal in place with Tampa Bay, Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network report. Pelissero noted earlier today that a workout had been arranged. Now, the Bucs will seek out a pass-rush boost in the form of a familiar face. This practice squad pact is now official, per a team announcement.

Pierre-Paul’s first stint with the organization spanned four seasons, as the pass rusher collected 33 sacks across 54 games. The veteran also added another 2.5 sacks in six playoff appearances with Tampa Bay, including two sacks en route to the Buccaneers championship in 2020.

Since leaving the franchise after the 2021 campaign, JPP has bounced around the NFL. He started 13 of his 14 appearances for the Ravens in 2022 but finished with only three sacks. He then split the 2023 season between the Saints and Dolphins, when he was limited to only a pair of tackles in three games. The veteran has been pushing for an NFL return since getting cut by Miami two years ago, and he’s finally found that opportunity in Tampa Bay.

Considering the layoff, the Buccaneers shouldn’t expect a whole lot from their newest acquisition. Still, JPP will represent a healthy body on the defensive line as the organization makes a late-season push towards the postseason. The Buccaneers have relied on each of their edge defenders in 2025, with YaYa Diaby, Haason Reddick, Elijah Roberts, Anthony Nelson, and Chris Braswell all garnering at least 200 defensive snaps this season. Reddick is currently nursing an ankle injury, so perhaps Pierre-Paul could be a short-term stopgap for the defense.

When the Buccaneers are fully healthy, JPP may be forced to accept a practice squad role. If he could discover the fountain of youth, he could theoretically provide some pass-rush prowess to a unit that doesn’t have any one standout edge rusher. Diaby currently paces the team with only six sacks.

Ben Levine contributed to this post.

Shedeur Sanders To Serve As Browns’ Starter For Remainder Of Season

December 8th, 2025 at 10:00pm CST by Adam La Rose

Since taking over starting quarterback duties, Shedeur Sanders has played his way into an extended look atop the depth chart. Cleveland will stick with the oft-discussed rookie the rest of the way.

When speaking to the media on Monday, head coach Kevin Stefanski said Sanders will operate as the team’s QB1 for the remainder of the season. That update comes as little surprise based on the performance from fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel prior to his concussion. That absence opened the door for Sanders to start three games in a row, and that figure will extend to seven.

“I’ve been really impressed by his work ethic, going back to when he got here,” Stefanski said of Sanders (via Tony Grossi of The Land on Demand). “When they embrace it, that’s the fun part. He’s still very early in his career. There’s moments in games that are hard to replicate in practice.”

The Browns cleared out their QB logjam to a degree by trading away Kenny Pickett shortly before the start of the season. In the wake of Joe Burrow‘s injury, Joe Flacco went from serving as Cleveland’s starter to being dealt to Cincinnati. That opened the door for Gabriel to make six starts before missing time due to the concussion. Since then – and as many predicted prior to the beginning of the campaign – it has been Sanders at the helm, something which will remain the case moving forward.

The Browns only have a single win in Sanders’ three starts, but the Colorado star has shown flashes under center. In his three starts, Sanders has completed 57 percent of his passes for 722 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. Three of those scores came during yesterday’s loss to the Titans, a game in which the QB also tallied 29 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.

We heard recently that while Sanders will be granted a long leash for the remainder of this season, he won’t be guaranteed the QB1 role in 2026. The Browns will still likely have Deshaun Watson on the books next year, and the team could use their first-round pick at the position. Still, Sanders has a chance to make a lasting impression on the organization as he looks to retain his role next year.

Ben Levine contributed to this post.

Seahawks To Open Jalen Sundell’s 21-Day Practice Window

December 8th, 2025 at 8:55pm CST by Connor Byrne

The Seahawks have won three of four despite the absence of starting center Jalen Sundell, who has been on IR since Nov. 15. With Sundell now eligible to return, the Seahawks will open his practice window this week, head coach Mike Macdonald announced (via Brady Henderson of ESPN). They’ll have 21 days to activate Sundell.

Sundell, undrafted from North Dakota State in 2024, came off the bench in 12 games as a rookie. He won the Seahawks’ center competition entering this season and started their first nine games before suffering a knee injury. Seattle has turned to Olu Oluwatimi in the middle of its line over the past few weeks.

The return of Sundell could boost the 10-3 Seahawks’ chances of overtaking the Rams in the NFC West and potentially securing the No. 1 seed in the conference. However, it’s unclear if Sundell will reprise his role as the Seahawks’ top center if he comes back.

Asked if Sundell could practice at right guard, where he also competed during the summer, Macdonald said (per Henderson), “We’ll see.”

While third-year man Anthony Bradford has been a full-time starter at right guard this season, Pro Football Focus ranks his performance an unimpressive 69th among 80 qualifiers. The Seahawks are tied for the fewest sacks allowed in the NFL (17), but Bradford has struggled as a pass blocker.

Although PFF hasn’t been enamored of Bradford’s work, Macdonald praised the 24-year-old after Seattle’s Week 14 blowout over Atlanta. Macdonald said Bradford enjoyed the best showing among Seahawks O-linemen on Sunday (via Henderson). If that continues, it may be difficult for Macdonald to pull him from the lineup.

No matter which interior linemen Macdonald chooses to start, a healthy Sundell would at least strengthen the team’s depth up front. Thanks in part to Sundell, Oluwatimi, and Bradford, the Seahawks’ line has paved the way for the league’s second-ranked scoring offense.

Chiefs OT Wanya Morris Done For Season

December 8th, 2025 at 8:36pm CST by Ben Levine

The Chiefs are down another offensive lineman. This time it’s left tackle Wanya Morris, who is done for the season with a knee injury, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Morris was injured during the first offensive play of last night’s game, when he was rolled up on by center Creed Humphrey. The lineman was helped off the field before being assisted to the locker room on a cart. Per ESPN’s Nate Taylor, Morris was spotted leaving the locker room with crutches last night.

The former third-round pick was only in the lineup because first-round rookie Josh Simmons recently landed on injured reserve. The starting left tackle will be forced to miss at least the next three games as he recovers from surgery on a dislocated and fractured left wrist.

The Chiefs were also without right tackle Jawaan Taylor, who is dealing with a triceps injury, and right guard Trey Smith, who has missed a pair of games thanks to an ankle injury. That meant Kansas City had to rely on three backups on their offensive line: Morris, OT Jaylon Moore, and G Mike Caliendo.

Morris got an extended look at OT in 2024, as the Oklahoma product started 11 of his 17 appearances. However, he was benched following the late-season signing of D. J. Humphries, and Morris had to play a backup role during the Chiefs’ run through the AFC. In total, the 25-year-old has seen time on 66 offensive snaps this season.

Rookie Esa Pole filled in admirably for Morris in his NFL debut yesterday. Per ESPN, Pole only allowed a single pressure in 21 snaps against Texans pass rusher Danielle Hunter. Moore is fully entrenched as the team’s swing tackle, so Pole’s chances of starting his first NFL game will depend on Taylor’s availability for Week 15.

NFL Minor Transactions: 12/8/25

December 8th, 2025 at 7:09pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves:

Baltimore Ravens

Houston Texans

Philadelphia Eagles

San Francisco 49ers

The Ravens announced today that offensive lineman Ben Cleveland was slapped with a three-game suspension for violating the NFL’s Substances of Abuse Policy. While it’s uncertain if it’s related, Cleveland was arrested this past offseason on DUI chargers (per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic). The veteran has appeared in 10 games this season, with the majority of his reps coming on special teams.

The 49ers got some good news today, as seventh-round QB Kurtis Rourke had his practice window opened. The Indiana product continues to recover from offseason surgery on his torn ACL. While the 49ers realistically have 21 days to activate the quarterback to their active roster, Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group says the rookie is still expected to be redshirted for the 2025 campaign.

Justin Herbert Active For MNF; Chargers Make Handful Of Roster Moves

December 8th, 2025 at 6:53pm CST by Ben Levine

Justin Herbert‘s status for tonight’s game was still in doubt as of this morning. Well, the Chargers quarterback is officially active for Monday Night Football, per the team.

[RELATED: Chargers QB Justin Herbert’s Status Uncertain For Week 14]

NFL Network’s Omar Ruiz reported earlier that Herbert was expected to play tonight. After undergoing surgery to repair a fracture in his non-throwing hand, the quarterback will wear a padded glove for the time being. ESPN’s Kris Rhim notes that Herbert admitted that gripping the football was his biggest issue, and the reporter spotted the QB practicing handoffs and play-action sequences while gripping the ball with his left hand.

The Chargers were afforded a bit of extra time to evaluate Herbert’s progress thanks to their MNF showdown with the Eagles. The quarterback participated in both seven-on-seven drills as well as 11-on-11 work this week, although there were reports that he’s struggled to receive snaps from under center. This limitation will certainly require some watching tonight.

The Chargers made a handful of additional moves in anticipation of tonight’s game. Most notably, the team activated running back Omarion Hampton from injured reserve, a move that was reported last week. The team will also be welcoming back running back Hassan Haskins and defensive lineman Otito Ogbonnia from injured reserve.

Haskins suffered a hamstring injury in Week 7 that landed him on IR. In the two games preceding that injury, Haskins garnered 11 carries as the Chargers navigated a depleted RBs room following the injuries to Hampton and Najee Harris. While Haskins has been sidelined, Kimani Vidal ran with the starting RB job. Now, both backs are expected to serve as reserves behind Hampton. Ogbonnia hasn’t played since October thanks to an elbow injury. The former fifth-round pick has collected a single tackle in his four appearances this season.

The Chargers weren’t done making moves. Wide receiver Dalevon Campbell was elevated from the practice squad for tonight’s contest. To make room on the roster for all these moves, the Chargers placed tight end Tucker Fisk on IR and waived both defensive lineman Naquan Jones and running back Jaret Patterson.

Falcons Claim WR Malik Heath, Waive S Jordan Fuller

December 8th, 2025 at 4:37pm CST by Adam La Rose

Jayden Reed‘s return led to the Packers waiving fellow receiver Malik Heath. The latter will not make it back to Green Bay on the team’s practice squad.

Heath has been claimed off waivers by the Falcons, the team announced on Monday. The move will give Atlanta needed depth at the receiver spot as Drake London continues to deal with a PCL injury. The Falcons are on a short week as they prepare for a Thursday night game; if London remains sidelined during practice, he will face short odds of being able to play.

Especially with that in mind, today’s Heath acquisition makes plenty of sense. The former UDFA will look to carve out a role with the Falcons down the stretch. Heath has made each of his 37 regular season appearances to date with Green Bay, but that will now change. As part of the Packers’ logjam at the receiver spot, he has yet to log an offensive snap share above 30%. Heath is a pending restricted free agent.

In a corresponding move, veteran safety Jordan Fuller has been waived. The former Ram and Panther has plenty of first-team defensive experience (56 starts in 63 appearances), but he has not been a regular during his time with the Falcons. Fuller has played in six games for Atlanta in 2025, logging only 16 defensive snaps along the way. The 27-year-old will now hit the waiver wire. Fuller will become a free agent if he clears.

After Sunday’s blowout loss, the Falcons sit at 4-9 on the season. A playoff push will certainly not be in store for the final four games of the campaign, but Heath could play his way into a longer look in Atlanta depending on his performances. Fuller, meanwhile, will look to join a contender in time for the postseason.

Eagles Activate S Marcus Epps

December 8th, 2025 at 3:55pm CST by Adam La Rose

Marcus Epps will be in the lineup for the Eagles during tonight’s game. The veteran safety has been activated from injured reserve, per a team announcement.

The Eagles opened Epps’ practice window last Tuesday. As a result, today’s news confirms he did not encounter any setbacks upon returning to football activities. Philadelphia could have waited to bring Epps back into the fold, but instead he will be available for Monday Night Football against the Chargers.

2025 marks Epps’ second stint with the Eagles. The 29-year-old played began playing in Philadelphia in 2019, and he remained there through the 2022 campaign. After emerging as a starter during the final year of his first stint, Epps landed a two-year, $12MM free agent pact with the Raiders. The former sixth-rounder’s Vegas tenure ended with an ACL tear last season.

That prompted a return to the Eagles this past offseason. Epps has played almost exclusively on special teams so far in 2025, but that is set to change tonight. Andrew Mukuba is on IR, leaving a vacancy in the starting lineup alongside fellow safety Reed Blankenship. Sydney Brown operated as a first-team defender during the Eagles’ Black Friday loss, but Epps will give them another option in that regard.

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio recently confirmed (via Geoff Mosher of Philly Voice) Epps would start in Week 14 provided he was activated in time for the game. That has now taken place, so it will be interesting to see how he performs in an elevated role. Meanwhile, today’s move leaves the Eagles with three IR activations for the remainder of the regular season.

Commanders TE Zach Ertz Suffers ACL Tear

December 8th, 2025 at 2:55pm CST by Adam La Rose

DECEMBER 8: Quinn confirmed on Monday (via ESPN’s John Keim) Ertz did indeed tear his ACL yesterday. Ertz will move to season-ending IR as a result while he begins a lengthy rehab process ahead of free agency.

DECEMBER 7: The Commanders dealt with a number of new injuries on offense during their Sunday game. Among the players who exited was tight end Zach Ertz. 

Ertz was carted off the field after injuring his knee. Shortly thereafter, the three-time Pro Bowler was ruled out for the remainder of the contest. When speaking to the media after the game, head coach Dan Quinn said (via Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic) there is concern about an ACL tear. Concerningly, he added “the early signs aren’t good.”

Further testing, including an MRI, will no doubt take place in the near future. Provided the team’s fears wind up being confirmed, however, Ertz’s season will be over. The 35-year-old was emotional as he made his way off the field, a further indication he will be in store for a lengthy recovery process.

Ertz joined the Commanders on a one-year deal in 2024. The former Eagle and Cardinal played a key role in quarterback Jayden Daniels‘ stellar rookie campaign, scoring seven touchdowns and totaling 654 yards. To little surprise, another pact was worked out in March to ensure Ertz remained in Washington. He posted 493 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games entering today’s action.

The Commanders lost 31-0 against the Vikings on Sunday during a game in which Daniels suffered a new injury. The second-year passer had just returned from an elbow ailment, but Quinn indicated he will be able to play again this season. It remains to be seen if the same will also be true for Ertz, who has been in the NFL since 2013.

The Stanford product has not been linked to a retirement decision in the past, but a major injury such as an ACL tear could of course change his thinking on that front. Ertz is a pending free agent, so his outlook from a health standpoint will be critical in determining his future. The Commanders are now 3-10 on the year, and their attention will turn to preparing for 2026. In Ertz’s case, testing will determine if is able to play again this season.

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