Steelers’ T.J. Watt Sustains Grade 2 MCL Sprain
JANUARY 7: Watt has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 MCL sprain, as first reported by brother J.J. Watt via X. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network (video link) says the team has confirmed the news, which represents a best-case scenario. While a Grade 2 sprain will still force T.J. Watt to miss mutliple weeks — thereby sidelining him for the rest of the campaign unless the Steelers qualify for the postseason and make a deep run — the star sack artist has avoided a complete tear and will therefore avoid surgery.
It does not sound as if this injury will have any long-term consequences.
JANUARY 6: The Steelers gave their postseason chances a considerable boost on Saturday, but the victory may have come at a substantial cost. Edge rusher T.J. Watt exited the game with a knee injury, and initial tests point to neither a best- or worst-case scenario. 
Watt is believed to have suffered an MCL sprain, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Defensive Player of the Year candidate asked to return to the contest – a 17-10 win over the Ravens – but he was not allowed to risk further injury. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network adds that Watt is thought to be dealing with a Grade 3 sprain, which would likely require a multi-week recovery timeline, albeit a much shorter one than a tear or an ACL injury.
Further testing will be done in the near future, and a clearer diagnosis will emerge at that point. An MRI is scheduled for tomorrow, per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. If the initial fears are proven to be accurate, however, Watt will face a steep challenge to be able to suit up for the Steelers’ wild-card matchup should they qualify for the postseason. Missing him would deal a massive blow to Pittsburgh’s defense.
Watt entered Saturday’s game tied for the league lead in sacks with 17. He added a pair before colliding with teammate Montravius Adams and being forced out of the contest. The 2021 DPOY earned a sixth consecutive Pro Bowl invitation days ago, and he is on track for a fourth first-team All-Pro nod. Given his continued elite production after an injury-shortened 2022 campaign, the Steelers’ edge contingent would be severely shorthanded if he were to miss time.
However, Pittsburgh would still have fellow starter Alex Highsmith available in the event the team managed to reach the wild-card round. Highsmith signed a four-year, $68MM extension this offseason after establishing himself as a productive complement to Watt. The former third-rounder posted seven sacks this season while remaining healthy for every contest. The latter point is a signficant one given not only Watt’s injury, but the signficant ailments suffered by All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and multiple inside linebackers which have left the Steelers’ defense shorthanded.
Provided the ongoing Texans-Colts game does not end in a tie, Pittsburgh will require a loss by at least one of Jacksonville or Buffalo to claim a wild-card berth. In the event the Steelers find themselves playoff-bound, their recent momentum with quarterback Mason Rudolph at the helm could make them a more difficult opponent than their play through much of the season would have suggested. Pending Watt’s tests, though, his health status will be a major storyline to watch.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 1/6/24
Saturday’s lone taxi squad move:
Detroit Lions
- Signed: TE Anthony Firkser
Firkser was waived earlier this week, but he went unclaimed. As a result, he was free to remain with the organization through the final week of the regular season and into the playoffs. He will have the opportunity to see game action with the Lions either by signing back to their active roster in the event of an injury or by being designated one of the team’s two gameday elevations in the wild-card round.
Jets Place Zach Wilson On IR; Robert Saleh Addresses QB’s Future
Zach Wilson has been dealing with a concussion, and he will not be cleared in time to play again this season. The third-year quarterback was among the three players placed on injured reserve by the Jets on Saturday. 
In Wilson’s absence, Trevor Siemian will get the nod once again. The latter has been in place since the former’s return to action proved to be short-lived. Wilson found himself benched for the second year in a row, leading to serious questions about his future in New York. When speaking on that point, head coach Robert Saleh did not offer a firm commitment to retaining him.
“We’ll see,” Saleh said when asked about Wilson’s future with the Jets, via ESPN’s Rich Cimini. “It’s all things that we’re going to have talk about once the season’s over, but whether it’s here or somewhere else, I believe he’s going to have a hell of a career.”
In the wake of Wilson showing a hesitancy to return to the lineup after his latest benching, signs increasingly began to point in December to the Jets moving on from the former No. 2 pick. Wilson is still under contract through 2024, and waiving him would result in a cap charge of $11.2MM. With Aaron Rodgers in place for the short-term future (along with the team’s top decision-makers), though, starting over at the rest of the QB depth chart would come as little surprise at this point. Wilson will have plenty to prove next year with the Jets or a new team as he aims to establish himself as a starting-caliber option and generate a free agent market for the following offseason.
“We were hoping… to give him that one year to watch Aaron play football, and learn and grow with all the different things that come with the scheme,” Saleh added. “It’s unfortunate, four plays in, what happened, but I think he’s made tremendous improvements from a year ago. I do. It’s just an unfortunate series of events that occurred.”
In addition to Wilson, the Jets moved offensive lineman Jake Hanson and tight end Jeremy Ruckert to injured reserve, ending their seasons. To fill the open roster spots, running back Xazavian Valladay, linebacker Marcelino McCrary-Ball, offensive lineman Chris Glaser and defensive lineman Bruce Hector were signed from the practice squad, giving each of them the opportunity to suit up tomorrow. New York’s disappointing campaign – one which has fueled additional questions about where Wilson will be playing in 2024 – will come to an end against New England on Sunday.
Lions Activate C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Alim McNeill From IR
Ahead of their regular season finale, the Lions will receive reinforcements on the defensive side of the ball. The team announced on Saturday that defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson and defensive tackle Alim McNeill have been activated from injured reserve. 
The former returned to practice December 20, opening his three-week activation window. Gardner-Johnson was in line to make his return to the lineup in time for Week 18, so today’s move comes as little surprise. The free agent addition is now cleared to see regular season action for the first time since suffering a torn pec in September.
The Lions’ secondary has seen a number of changes during the season related to health and performance. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said earlier this week that second-round rookie Brian Branch will remain Detroit’s starting slot corner. As a result, Gardner-Johnson will be used at safety when on the field. The 26-year-old will rotate alongside Ifeatu Melifonwu and Kerby Joseph on the backend as the Lions look for needed improvement against the pass on defense.
The NFC North champions rank 25th in passing yards allowed per game entering Week 18, allowing 240 yards per game through the air. That has weighed down the team’s overall defensive showing (23.4 points per game allowed, 23rd in the league). A healthy Gardner-Johnson could help in that department if he manages to showcase his level of play with the Eagles last season (something which would also, of course, help his free agent market in the offseason after he came to the Lions on a one-year deal).
McNeill had his practice window opened earlier this week, a sign that he would be able to suit up for the regular season finale. The move allowed Detroit to part ways with fellow D-lineman Isaiah Buggs, who appears to have asked to be let go. McNeill had been sidelined for one month, interrupting his breakout third season in the league. The former third-rounder has posted a career-high five sacks and 12 QB pressures in 12 contests while remaining a full-time starter. He will provide an interior pass-rush presence in the postseason as part of a defensive front which ranks fifth against the run.
As a result of Saturday’s moves, the Lions have two IR activations remaining. One of those will be needed if edge rusher James Houston – who returned to practice December 28 – is to be brought back into the fold at some point this year. At any rate, Detroit’s defense will be in better shape from a health standpoint ahead of the team’s playoff game next week.
RB Dalvin Cook Goes Unclaimed On Waivers
JANUARY 4: The seventh-year veteran went unclaimed on waivers Thursday, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter tweets. Aiming to sign with a contender, Cook is now free to negotiate with any team as a free agent. He does not have much momentum, but the Ravens and Cowboys have surfaced as potential landing spots.
JANUARY 2: Nearing the end of a disappointing campaign for both team and player, the Jets are moving on from Dalvin Cook. The Pro Bowl back is being waived, per his agency. 
As Tom Pelissero of NFL Network notes, this decision was a mutual one. Cook saw a smaller workload than expected after he elected to join New York in August. That agreement was a one-year contract, and he appeared to provide a veteran option to complement Breece Hall on a Jets offense which faced significant expectations. Things have not gone according to plan for either Cook or his employer, however.
The 28-year-old has not found a notable role in New York’s attack, receiving double-digit carries only once this season. He has averaged 4.5 attempts per contest this season, by far the lowest of his carer. On the lookout for a fresh start, Cook asked for a trade ahead of this year’s deadline. By that point, quarterback Aaron Rodgers had suffered a season-ending Achilles tear and Hall had proven his ability to recover in full from last year’s ACL tear. No deal emerged, though, and Cook remained a minor contributor on one of the league’s least-productive units through Week 16.
A report from last month stated the longtime Vikings starter would not ask for a larger share in the offense or to be let go. In spite of that, he will now have the opportunity to join a new team by being claimed off waivers or signing with a playoff-bound club. To help make his arrival more feasible from a financial standpoint, Cook has agreed to restructure his pact and forfeit his remaining guaranteed money, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
When on the field with the Jets, Cook did not make the impact many expected he would. The four-time Pro Bowler has not topped the 59 scrimmage yards he posted in Week 1 in any game since, averaging a career-low 3.2 yards per carry. He has not found the end zone in 2023 after scoring double-digit touchdowns in three of the past four years. Increased age (especially within the context of the RB position) and financial factors led to Cook’s Minnesota release, a move which has now proven to be a shrewd one.
In spite of Cook’s struggles this season, he will still offer a veteran backfield presence to any team in need of depth ahead of a postseason run. Presuming he clears waivers, the Florida State alum will be free to join any interested team. Helping a new squad’s postseason run would help in the immediate future, but it could also rebuild his free agent stock to an extent.
The Dolphins were heavily involved in pursuing Cook, going as far as to submit an offer for him before his decision to join the Jets. A homecoming for the Miami native could be on tap in advance of the postseason if interest from team and player still exists. In any case, Cook will be in a new home the next time he takes the field in the NFL.
WR Xavier Worthy Declares For 2024 NFL Draft
Not long after falling just short of a national title game appearance, Xavier Worthy has decided to turn pro. The Texas wideout announced he has declared for the NFL draft (video link). 
Worthy enjoyed a highly productive three-year run with the Longhorns, establishing himself as a major part of the team’s offense as a freshman. He posted 62 catches for 981 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2021, demonstrating his potential and securing multiple school records along the way. Over the following two seasons, Worthy remained a notable contributor to the team’s attack.
The 6-1, 160-pounder took a step back statistically in terms of receptions and yards last year, but he still managed to find the end zone nine times. In 2023, he rebounded with a 75-1,014-5 statline. Those totals helped him earn first-team All-Big 12 and third-team All-American honors while contributing to Texas’ conference championship. Despite a quiet showing in the Sugar Bowl (only 45 yards scoreless yards on two catches), he is one of many wideouts on the first-round radar.
Worthy’s decision to forgo his senior season puts him alongside the likes of Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State), Malik Nabers (LSU), Rome Odunze (Washington) and Keon Coleman (Florida State) as receivers likely to hear their names called on Day 1 of the draft. Worthy is ranked 25th on The Athletic’s consensus big board (subscription required). Likewise, the speedster is slated at the No. 19 spot in ESPN’s Matt Miller’s latest mock draft.
In a draft dominated by blue-chip prospects at the quarterback, receiver and offensive tackle positions, Worthy could find himself being selected behind a number of other offensive prospects and pass-catchers. Still, his big-play ability and potential shown in terms of yards after catch ability will make him an intriguing addition to any interested NFL team. He should be able to make an impact at the pro level as a rookie and for years to come after that.
Titans HC Mike Vrabel Addresses Future
Three head coaching vacancies already exist in the NFL, and a number of others openings are expected by next week. Despite a lengthy tenure in Tennessee, Mike Vrabel has been connected to speculation during the year in large part due to perceived tension between he and first-year general manager Ran Carthon. 
The latter’s arrival came about with the expectation of a transition to a younger core, something which has played out in the 2023 campaign. As a result, Tennessee is in line for another high draft pick in April as the team’s rebuild continues. Whether or not Vrabel is interested in that process has been a talking point, but the 48-year-old recently offered a strong commitment in that regard.
“Of course I want to be here,” Vrabel said when asked about his intentions, via Teresa Walker of the Associated Press. “Be here as long as we can win, as long as we can do this thing, and it’s been great. But it also has been just this year. And nobody wants to be where we’re at.”
Indeed, the the Titans have posted a 12-21 record over the past two seasons, a stark contrast to their 41-24 mark in Vrabel’s first four seasons at the helm. Moving on to 2023 second-rounder Will Levis under center could provide a foundation for the team’s offense, a unit which has plenty of room for improvement in 2024 and beyond. While declining to comment on speculation surrounding his relationship with Carthon, Vrabel doubled down on his intention to remain in Nashville for the foreseeable future.
“I know where we’re at as an organization, and I’m excited to build this thing and fix this thing and get it to where we want it to be, to win championships with Ran and [assistant G.M.] Chad [Brinker] and the coaching staff and everybody,” Vrabel added (video link via team reporter Jim Wyatt). “That’s what our goal is.”
Between the team’s draft capital and a relative abundance of projected 2024 cap space, this offseason will be one to watch closely for the Titans. If Vrabel has his way, he will remain in Tennessee to continue overseeing the rebuilding effort now and into the future.
Bobby Wagner Intends To Play In 2024; Seahawks Interested In New Deal
With the Seahawks in danger of missing the playoffs, Week 18 could represent the team’s final game this season. As a result, questions have been asked with respect to linebacker Bobby Wagner‘s future. 
The 33-year-old departed Seattle last year to join his hometown Rams. He asked for and was granted his release following a disappointing campaign from the team, however, making him a free agent once again. Wagner rejoined the Seahawks in March, inking a one-year deal with a base value of $5.5MM. By being named a Pro Bowler this year, he has added $750K to his earnings.
The six-time All-Pro has delivered another productive campaign in his second stint in Seattle. Wagner sits second in the league in tackles (168), and he has a strong chance of setting a new career high in that department in Week 18. He has added 3.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery while playing 1,100 snaps for the third time in his career.
When speaking publicly on his future, Wagner said (via ESPN’s Brady Henderson) that he is “one hundred percent” planning on playing next season. That comes as little surprise given his continued high level of play this year and the market he could command as a free agent on another short-term deal in particular. The 2010s All-Decade member added that he was not considering his future beyond 2023 when signing his latest Seahawks deal, and it remains to be seen if he and the team will be able to reach another agreement this offseason.
However, head coach Pete Carroll made it clear the Seahawks “would love to have” Wagner back for the 2024 campaign. The latter has played 167 of his 184 career games with Seattle and his continued production could help maintain stability at the second level of the team’s defense. Former first-rounder Jordyn Brooks is a pending free agent due to the Seahawks’ decision last spring to decline his fifth-year option, and free agent addition Devin Bush (attached to a one-year deal) is also set to hit the open market in March.
While plenty is therefore uncertain at the LB spot in Seattle in the near future, Wagner could very well be in the team’s offseason plans. It will be interesting to see if a mutual interest exists between player and team in the spring to continue their storied relationship even further.
Ravens, Cowboys Interested In Dalvin Cook?
Dalvin Cook saw his brief and underwhelming Jets tenure come to an end yesterday. As a result, he is on the waiver wire until Thursday afternoon. A free agent agreement with a playoff-bound team (presuming he clears) would come as little surprise. 
Suitors in that regard may be emerging. CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson reports the Ravens and Cowboys are among the teams which could consider adding the four-time Pro Bowl running back. No firm interest appears to be in place at this point, and that will likely remain the case until Cook clears waivers. Still, both teams would represent logical landing spots if a deal were to emerge.
As Anderson notes, Baltimore would specifically be eyeing Cook as a practice squad addition (although the same will likely be true for Dallas and any other interested parties). Players added to the taxi squad can be designated a gameday elevation up to three times without occupying a 53-man roster spot, something of particular importance in the postseason.
The Ravens lead the league in rushing this season, averaging nearly 160 yards per game on the ground. Quarterback Lamar Jackson has accounted for for a large portion of that success, however, and the team finds itself thin in the backfield late in the year. Starter J.K. Dobbins was lost for the season to an Achilles tear in Week 1, though undrafted rookie Keaton Mitchell burst onto the scene midway through the campaign. The latter took on an increased workload upon entering the lineup, and he averaged 8.4 yards per carry in his brief stretch of action.
However, Mitchell suffered an ACL tear last month, sidelining him until 2024. The Ravens will therefore depend largely on Gus Edwards and Justice Hill at the RB spot in the postseason. Cook could attempt to carve out a limited role in Baltimore’s backfield while looking to boost his free agent stock in the process.
The Cowboys have not been as strong as expected on the ground this season, the first full campaign with Tony Pollard in place as the undisputed lead back. Playing on the $10.1MM franchise tag in 2023, Pollard has posted a career-low 4.0 yards per carry average; his impact in the passing game (295 scoreless yards on 53 receptions) has also left something to be desired. He will still enter the postseason as the clear option atop the depth chart, though.
Dallas’ second-leading rusher, Rico Dowdle, has amassed just 315 yards this year. That has contributed to the Cowboys’ middling performance in their ground attack (averaging 112 yards per contest, 14th in the NFL). Cook may have a clearer path to playing time with Dallas, but questions will be asked with respect to how much he will be able to contribute to close out the campaign. The longtime Vikings starter logged just 67 carries with the Jets this year, the first time he failed to receive triple-digit attempts since 2018.
David Moore of the Dallas Morning News tweets the Cowboys are simply doing their due diligence on Cook at this point. With further developments likely to take place in the near future, the interest shown by Dallas, Baltimore and any other RB-needy teams will be a storyline to follow closely in advance of the postseason.
Cowboys To Sign LB Damien Wilson
JANUARY 3: As is the case with Collins, Wilson’s visit has produced an agreement. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports the latter has signed to the Cowboys’ practice squad, while David Moore of the Dallas Morning News adds Wilson and Collins will likely have their respective deals finalized tomorrow. Wilson will therefore be available for the team’s regular season finale as well as the playoffs.
JANUARY 2: In preparation for the postseason, the Cowboys are bringing in a pair of familiar faces. Offensive tackle La’el Collins is visiting Dallas today, Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network report. The same is true of linebacker Damien Wilson, per ESPN’s Todd Archer. 
Both players began their careers with the Cowboys. Collins logged 71 starts across six seasons in Dallas, most of which came at right tackle. In his debut season, however, he played at left guard, something which could be of signficant importance given the injury status of Tyler Smith. The latter has been dealing with a plantar fascia tear, so Collins could serve as veteran insurance along the interior.
The former UDFA could also step in at right tackle if called upon. His replacement, Terence Steele, has struggled in his second season as a starter at that position. A strong showing in 2022 earned Steele a five-year, $82.5MM deal this fall, but the Texas Tech product has seen his PFF evaluation regress to a mark of 50.6 this year. Collins (who visited the Bills last week) would provide experience along the edge if he were to return to Dallas.
Wilson, like Collins, has not played in 2023. The 30-year-old played for the Cowboys from 2015-18, and the expiration of his rookie contract led to a number of short-team deals with the Chiefs, Jaguars and Panthers. Halfway into a two-year contract with Carolina, Wilson was released. That cost-cutting move followed the second arrest of his career, and he has not been connected to an NFL gig until today.
That is due in part to the four-game suspension he served earlier in the campaign, but he is free to join any interested team in advance of the playoffs. In need of depth at the second level due to injuries at the linebacker position, the Cowboys would represent a logical landing spot for Wilson as he aims to see game time this year and help his free agent stock along the way.
Both players will undergo workouts in the near future. Should they be successful, the Cowboys would likely add them to the practice squad while returning to game shape. One or both could find themselves in position to make a contribution to Dallas in the playoffs should today’s audition produce an agreement.