Minor NFL Transactions: 12/24/23
Sunday’s minor moves around the league:
Kansas City Chiefs
- Elevated: DT Mike Pennel, WR Montrell Washington
Las Vegas Raiders
- Activated from IR: CB Brandon Facyson
- Elevated: TE Cole Fotheringham, FB Jakob Johnson
New York Giants
- Placed on IR: T Evan Neal
- Activated from IR: T Matt Peart
- Elevated: K Mason Crosby (story), LB Tomon Fox
Philadelphia Eagles
- Elevated: DB Tristin McCollum, KB Brandon Smith
Facyson has not played all season, but the Raiders opened his practice window on Dec. 6, making him eligible to return to the field. The 29-year-old played for the Colts last season, but he spent the previous year with the Raiders, starting nine of his 12 games. Facyson is under contract through 2024, but none of his $2.27MM salary is guaranteed. Logging some game action down the stretch could thus be beneficial to his roster security.
Neal has missed the past five games due to an ankle injury, and today’s move means he will be shut down for the remainder of the season. The 2022 first-rounder underwhelmed when on the field, to the point where a switch to guard was suggested. No such move has been given consideration, but Neal will nevertheless face considerable expectations to rebound in 2024. Peart will have the chance to see playing time late in the year after suffering a shoulder injury in Week 5.
Chiefs Place RB Jerick McKinnon On IR
The Chiefs’ backfield will be shorthanded through the remainder of the regular season. The team announced on Sunday that running back Jerick McKinnon has been placed on injured reserve. 
Players moved to IR are forced to miss at least four weeks, meaning McKinnon will be sidelined for Kansas City’s three remaining contests in the regular season. The Chiefs will need to progress to at least the divisional round of the playoffs for the 31-year-old to be eligible to return. That could entail a win in the wild-card round with him out of the lineup, though the defending champions are still in play for the AFC’s No. 1 seed and a first-round bye.
McKinnon missed practice all week due to a groin injury, and he was ruled out today for the team’s Christmas Day contest against the Raiders. Given the subsequent move to IR, though, Kansas City will need to rely more heavily on starter Isiah Pacheco and former first-rounder Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Losing McKinnon will likely not represent the loss it would have in previous seasons, however.
The Georgia Southern alum has been much less involved in the run game compared to last season, receiving no more than four carries in a game this season. McKinnon’s two most productive games on the ground in 2023 came in the team’s two most recent contests, with only 19 and 11 rushing yards. The former third-rounder has remained a consistent option in the passing game, though, totaling 192 yards and four touchdowns on 25 receptions.
In spite of a career-low 2.9 yards per carry average, McKinnon’s role will thus need replacing in large part by Pacheco and Edwards-Helaire. The Chiefs have filled McKinnon’s roster spot with another option in the backfield, though, signing La’Mical Perine from the practice squad. The latter has made just two appearances in his debut Chiefs campaign, receiving a single carry. Perine’s usage will likely be restricted to special teams duty.
Kansas City currently has six IR activations remaining, although one of those will be needed for wideout Mecole Hardman, who was designated for return earlier this week. McKinnon will look to return to health in time for the postseason after playing a signficant role in the Chiefs’ title run last year.
Steelers Unlikely To Retain Mitch Trubisky In 2024
The Steelers’ have used three quarterback this year in part due to starter Kenny Pickett‘s ankle injury and in part due to Mitch Trubisky‘s struggles filling in for him. As a result, the latter could be headed elsewhere in the offseason. 
[RELATED: Steelers Preparing Mike Tomlin Extension]
Trubisky is under contract through 2025, but Outkick’s Armando Salguero reports he is unlikely to be in place as Pittsburgh’s backup next season. The former No. 2 pick joined the Steelers on a two-year deal last offseason with the expectation he would cede starting duties to the team’s drafted Ben Roethlisberger successor. Pickett did indeed take over the lead role midway through his rookie campaign, but Trubisky has seen a total of seven starts and 12 appearances as a Steeler.
Over that time, the 29-year-old has thrown more interceptions (10) than touchdowns (eight). His 77.6 passer rating in Pittsburgh sits below his career average, so it would come as little surprise if the team elected to move in a different direction. Trubisky inked a two-year extension in May, with most of the guaranteed money coming in 2023. As a result, a post-June 1 cut would leave Pittsburgh with only $2.3MM in dead money over each of the next two years.
Now three years removed from the end of his tenure as a starter with the Bears, Trubisky spent one season as Josh Allen‘s backup in Buffalo before joining the Steelers. Given his struggles in his latest environment, another No. 2 role would no doubt await him on the open market. In the event Pittsburgh were to cut bait, however, questions would be raised with respect to the team’s QB plans moving forward.
Two years remain on Pickett’s rookie contract, and another could be tacked on next spring by exercising his fifth-year option. It remains to be seen if the 2022 first-rounder will earn a long-term look atop the depth chart given the up-and-down nature of his career so far, however. The other option at the moment is veteran Mason Rudolph, who played well in his 2023 debut but has not received an extended look as a starter since 2019. Rudolph is a pending free agent.
For that reason, the Steelers could be in need of two quarterback additions in the near future if they follow through with a Trubisky trade or release. For the time being, Rudolph has likely surpassed Trubisky on the depth chart given their respective performances this season. After the campaign is over, though, their futures will be a key storyline in Pittsburgh.
Steelers Plan To Extend HC Mike Tomlin
As speculation regarding the 2024 coaching cycle continues to heat up, Mike Tomlin‘s name has been mentioned amidst questions with respect to his job security. A recent report indicated the Steelers were not interested in making a change on the sidelines, though, and further signs continue to point that way. 
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports the Steelers “have no desire” to move on from Tomlin, adding that they “have no reason to think” the 51-year-old is interested in anything other than continuing his tenure in Pittsburgh. Tomlin is currently under contract through 2024, after the team did not repeat its pattern of agreeing to two-year extensions every other season to avoid lame duck situations.
Florio notes the Steelers plan to extend Tomlin before the start of the 2024 campaign, a move which would keep him on the books for years to come. He adds that the former Super Bowl winner has already been “directly involved” with roster decisions affecting 2024 and ’25, another sign of his continued commitment to the organization. Tomlin has come under fire this season in particular with offensive struggles being a consistent issue.
That resulted in the mid-season firing of offensive coordinator Matt Canada, although interim replacement Mike Sullivan is not expected to have a chance to earn the full-time role. At least one signficant change will therefore take place in the near future, and a number of major decisions (such as the viability of Kenny Pickett as a long-term answer at the QB position) will need to be made this offseason. Tomlin appears set to be at the heart of that process.
Pittsburgh has famously never had a losing record during his tenure, something which is at risk in his 17th season at the helm. The Steelers enter today’s contest on a three-game losing streak dropping them to 7-7 on the year and putting them in danger of missing the postseason. Failing to win a playoff game this year would extend the team’s drought in that regard (which dates back to 2016) even further.
Three coaching vacancies are in place at the moment (Raiders, Panthers, Chargers) and Florio adds that trade interest for Tomlin could exist depending on how the 2024 hiring cycle plays out. If he and the Steelers have their way, however, their relationship will continue into the future.
Jets GM Joe Douglas Expected To Return In 2024
Very little has gone according to plan for the Jets this season, but many of the pieces in place right now will remain for next year. That includes quarterback Aaron Rodgers, as well as, in all likelihood, key members of the coaching staff. 
A report from last week indicated Jets owner Woody Johnson was content with head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. As a result, the expectation remains that (at Rodgers’ behest, in part) both Saleh and Hackett will be in place at the start of the 2024 season. The same can be said of general manager Joe Douglas.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports there are no signs Johnson is looking to replace Douglas, putting him on track to remain in place just like the Saleh-Hackett pairing. Douglas has been in place since 2019 with New York in his first general manager role. Prior to joining the Jets, he had a long tenure as a Ravens scout before working with the Bears and Eagles.
During Douglas’ reign, the Jets’ playoff drought has extended to 13 seasons, although that is due in part to a sustained rebuilding effort. The 2022 draft (which produced Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson, Jermaine Johnson and Breece Hall) has been celebrated as a strong class which will give the team foundational players on both sides of the ball for years to come. Misses in the draft have been present as well, though, of course.
The potentially franchise-altering decision to trade for Rodgers was borne in large part out of the inability of Zach Wilson to develop into a starter. The 2021 second overall pick has been benched multiple times, failing to find consistency after being forced back into the No. 1 role following Rodgers’ Week 1 Achilles tear. The latter will not play again this year, but he intends to return for at least one more season.
Hoping for better injury luck at the quarterback spot and offensive line in particular, the Jets are poised to run it back with the current decision-making core. Douglas – who has received criticism for the team’s lack of a proven backup signal-caller and depth up front, especially ahead of Rodgers’ debut season in New York – will remain a key member of that group, having been publicly endorsed by Rodgers and given a tacit seal of approval from Johnson.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/23/23
Saturday’s gameday elevations and other minor moves around the league:
Arizona Cardinals
- Elevated: WR Dan Chisena, WR Kaden Davis
Atlanta Falcons
- Placed on IR: FB Keith Smith
- Signed to active roster: TE Tucker Fisk
- Elevated: P Pat O’Donnell, OL John Leglue
Buffalo Bills
- Elevated: RB Leonard Fournette
Carolina Panthers
- Elevated: G Gabe Jackson, G J.D. DiRenzo
Chicago Bears
- Elevated: WR Collin Johnson
Cleveland Browns
- Elevated: S Tanner McCalister, LB Charlie Thomas
Dallas Cowboys
- Elevated: DT Carl Davis, RB Malik Davis
Denver Broncos
- Elevated: QB Ben DiNucci, OLB Ronnie Perkins
Detroit Lions
- Elevated: K Michael Badgley (story), TE Anthony Firkser
Green Bay Packers
- Elevated: WR Bo Melton, S Benny Sapp
Indianapolis Colts
- Elevated: WR Ethan Fernea
Miami Dolphins
- Elevated: CB Ethan Bonner, OLB Melvin Ingram
Minnesota Vikings
- Elevated: WR Lucky Jackson, CB Jaylin Williams
New York Jets
- Elevated: FB Nick Bawden, LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball
Seattle Seahawks
- Elevated: CB Kelvin Joseph, S Ty Okada
Tennessee Titans
- DB Shyheim Carter, CB Tay Gowan
Washington Commanders
- Elevated: LS Tucker Addington, OL Nolan Laufenberg
The Bills will not have depth running back Ty Johnson available for tonight’s game, leading to the decision to elevate Fournette. The former Super Bowl champion will thus make his Buffalo debut, although with lead back James Cook in the lineup, Fournette will likely not receive many looks on offense. The latter has already returned a kickoff for the first time in his career, however.
Signed to the Dolphins’ practice squad last week, Ingram will also make his 2023 debut in Week 16. The 34-year-old last played during his Miami stint in 2022, during which time he started three games and recorded six sacks. With Jaelan Phillips out for the year, Ingram will look to once again give the Dolphins a rotational presence off the edge.
Vikings Activate LB Jordan Hicks From IR, Waive LB Nick Vigil
Marking another step in his recovery process from a frightening injury situation, Jordan Hicks is set to return to the field. The veteran linebacker was activated from injured reserve by the Vikings on Saturday, per a team announcement. 
Hicks returned to practice this week after recovering from emergency surgery brought about by a case of compartment syndrome. The injury caused a six-week absence and threatened to keep him out for the remainder of the campaign. Hicks is now in place to resume starting duties at the second level. Nick Vigil, who had filled in during Hicks’ absence, was waived to make room on the roster.
Minnesota has managed to stay in contention for a playoff spot despite injuries to the likes of Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson. Losing Hicks marked a blow to the team’s defense as well, though, given his importance to the unit. Despite the missed time, the 31-year-old still ranks third on the team in tackles with 87. Hicks has added one interception, one sack and a fumble returned for a touchdown in his second Vikings campaign.
The former third-rounder drew trade interest ahead of the deadline, but the Vikings opted against a seller’s stance. As a result, he remains in place to close out the campaign, something which will be a welcomed development for Minnesota’s defense. That unit in general, and defensive coordinator Brian Flores in particular, have drawn praise for their play (the closing stages of last week’s loss to the Bengals notwithstanding).
Hicks’ injury created a larger workload for Ivan Pace Jr. at the linebacker spot. The undrafted rookie has impressed during the year, but especially in recent games with at least nine tackles in each of the past four contests. He and Hicks will look to keep Minnesota’s playoff push alive as the 7-7 outfit prepares for the first of two games against the Lions within the final three weeks of the campaign. Vigil, meanwhile, will be available to sign with the Vikings or any other team if he clears waivers.
Titans Place DL Jeffery Simmons, LB Jack Gibbens On IR
The Titans were on busy on Saturday with respect to roster decisions. Among the many moves made on Saturday was defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons and linebackers Jack Gibbens and Luke Gifford being placed on injured reserve. 
Players moved to IR are required to miss at least four weeks. Since the Titans have been eliminated from postseason contention, the news confirms that trio will not see the field again in 2023. The loss of Simmons and Gibbens in particular will deal a signficant blow to Tennessee’s defense to close out the season. The Titans’ special teams unit will also be notably weaker without Gifford in the fold.
Simmons has already missed the past two games due to a knee injury. Head coach Mike Vrabel made it clear a multi-week absence would be on tap, so with the Titans out of contention it comes as little surprise that they will shut him down for the rest of the year. 2024 will mark his next action; it also represents the beginning of his four-year, $94MM extension signed this offseason.
The 26-year-old was one of many young defensive tackles who earned a substantial raise, and he maintained his status as an impact defender this season. Simmons racked up 44 tackles (including 10 for loss) along with 5.5 sacks in 2023. Especially with Teair Tart out of the picture, Tennessee’s D-line will look much different to close out the year.
Gibbens did enough last season to earn a signficant role in 2023. The former UDFA logged a 66% snap share on defense this season, starting 13 of his 14 appearances. Gibbens totaled 92 tackles (which ranked second on the team), proving his value as a key member of the Titans’ front seven. He is a pending exclusive rights free agent, and it will be interesting to see how the team handles his financial future given the impact he made this year.
Gifford joined Tennessee this offseason on a two-year, $4MM deal. As was the case during his Cowboys tenure, he was used almost exclusively on special teams in his debut Titans campaign. Gifford saw a career-high 83% snap share in the third phase, compared to just eight total defensive snaps. He could have seen a more diverse workload in Gibbens’ absence, but instead he will join safety Amani Hooker in being shelved for the final weeks of the season.
To fill the open roster spots, the Titans announced the signings of linebacker JoJo Domann, along with offensive linemen John Ojukwu and Andrew Rupcich. All three were on the team’s practice squad, and they will now have the opportunity to see game action as Tennessee’s injury list continues to grow.
Seahawks To Start Geno Smith In Week 16
Geno Smith was healthy enough to dress for Seattle’s win this past Monday, but he did not get the start. After consecutive games with Drew Lock under center, Smith is on track to return to the field. 
Head coach Pete Carroll indicated after the Seahawks’ win against the Eagles that Smith was expected to get the start in Week 16 (h/t Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic). To little surprise, the veteran is now off Seattle’s injury report altogether, putting him on track to re-take the top spot on the QB depth chart to close out the season while the team pushes for a wild-card spot.
The Seahawks’ chances in that regard were helped by the last-minute comeback Lock orchestrated, but Smith’s return will give Seattle’s offense a boost. Last season’s Comeback Player of the Year has not had the same success he enjoyed in 2022, but he profiles as having a higher ceiling than Lock. Smith’s performances dipped during Seattle’s recent losing streak, so it will be interesting to see if he is able to rebound when back on the field.
Smith’s 2022 Pro Bowl campaign earned him a signficant raise on a new Seahawks deal. That three-year, $75MM pact includes performance escalators and scheduled bonus payouts both before and after the beginning of the 2024 league year. As a result, a short window will exist following the current season in which the team could move on with a limited cap penalty in search of a younger option under center.
Smith’s statistics have fallen closer to his career averages in 2023 after he put up personal bests across the board last year. Many members of the team’s offense from the 2022 campaign are still in place, and the addition of first-round wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba has created another option in the passing game. It would come as little surprise if Seattle were to eye a move to a new signal-caller in place of Smith, however, especially if his late-season performance match his other 2023 showings.
Sitting at 7-7, the Seahawks in the mix for an NFC wild-card berth, something which would duplicate the team’s achievement from last year. Smith will earn added praise if he can guide Seattle back to the postseason, though he could be playing for his long-term future in the Emerald City over the next few weeks.
CB Adoree’ Jackson Eyeing New Giants Deal
Adoree’ Jackson had visits lined up with the Eagles and Giants during free agency in 2021. The veteran corner elected to immediately take a deal with New York, though, and he is now on the verge of hitting the market again. He does not hope to be on the move during the spring. 
Jackson inked a three-year, $39MM to join the Giants, though he has not enjoyed signficant success during that time. New York is on the verge of missing the postseason for the second time in the former first-rounder’s three years with the team, a contrast to the Eagles’ Super Bowl run last season and their chance of winning the NFC East in 2023. Still, Jackson does not regret the commitment he made to the Giants.
“I think I made the right decision,” the 28-year-old said, via Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post. “It’s never been about the money. It’s about where you feel comfortable and where you feel at home. I didn’t go down there [to Philadelphia] so I couldn’t tell what it was like, but it just felt good here. That’s where my heart was after I prayed about it.”
Jackson has remained a full-time starter during his Giants tenure, one which could continue into 2024 and beyond. The former Titan said he wishes to stay in New York, though it will be interesting to see how willing the team is to negotiate a new contract. Talks on an extension did not produce an agreement this offseason, leaving Jackson as a potential (albeit high-priced) trade candidate. No deal emerged, but the USC product has not had a stellar 2023 campaign. Jackson has allowed a 69.6% completion percentage and a passer rating of 108.5 in coverage this year. Those figures have helped lead to a 45.3 PFF grade, by far the lowest of his career.
The Giants added a pair of corners during the 2023 draft in the form of first-rounder Deonte Banks and sixth-rounder Tre Hawkins. The former in particular figures to be a long-term fixture in the secondary, but Jackson could still provide an experienced option in a starting or rotational capacity on a new Giants pact. He is aware of the possibility he could end up departing in the near future, however.
“It’s always unfinished business when you don’t win anything,” Jackson added. “I would love to be here – keep grinding, developing and bringing a winning culture here – but if that doesn’t happen I’m not going to be mad. It might hurt… But the show goes on, life goes on… so I don’t stress too much about things like that.”