Saints Add RB James Robinson To Practice Squad
James Robinson‘s busy 2023 campaign has brought him to New Orleans. The running back is signing with the Saints, according to Nick Underhill. It’s a practice squad deal for Robinson, according to Luke Johnson of NOLA.com.
Robinson inked a two-year, $8MM deal with the Patriots back in March, but a failed physical and health concerns ultimately led to his release. He caught on with the Giants for the preseason but didn’t make the roster, and he later had a handful of stints on the Packers practice squad before getting cut a final time last week. He ended up getting into one game for Green Bay, garnering two touches.
The Illinois State product had a memorable rookie season, with his 1,414 yards from scrimmage setting the record for the most scrimmage yards by an undrafted rookie. His volume was down a bit in 2021, but Robinson was just as productive, averaging 5.1 yards per touch. However, he suffered a torn Achilles towards the end of that campaign that served as a setback for the following year.
He got into seven games with the Jaguars in 2022 before getting shipped to the Jets to finish the campaign. In 11 games between the two squads, Robinson compiled 476 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns.
The Saints aren’t in urgent need of RB depth with Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams leading the depth chart. Rookie Kendre Miller hasn’t seen the field since Week 9 while nursing an ankle injury, opening up an opportunity for Adam Prentice to get some extra snaps at the position. Per Katherine Terrell, Robinson was one of several RBs to audition for the Saints today, with the group also including Jerrion Ealy, John Lovett, and Ty Montgomery.
Rams TE Hunter Long Done For Season
Hunter Long‘s season has come to an end. The Rams tight end will require season-ending MCL surgery, coach Sean McVay told reporters.
“It’s a bummer for him. He was doing a really good job,” McVay said (via the team’s website). “He’s fought through a lot of adversity this year, and I thought he played really well in the early parts of that game. And so you hate that for him. But looking forward to him rehabbing and doing a good job with us moving forward.”
This past offseason, Long was traded to the Rams alongside a third-round pick for cornerback Jalen Ramsey. A thigh injury sidelined him for the first chunk of the season, but he managed to return to the active roster in mid-November.
In total, the tight end got into four games during his debut season in Los Angeles, including a start yesterday. Since returning to the lineup, Long was serving as the primary TE2 behind Tyler Higbee. With Long now done for the season, the Rams will likely turn back to some combination of Davis Allen and Brycen Hopkins.
Long was selected by the Dolphins in the third round of the 2021 draft. The Boston College product got into 16 games during his time in Miami, hauling in a single eight-yard catch.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/11/23
Today’s practice squad moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: WR Jeff Smith
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: QB P.J. Walker
Indianapolis Colts
- Released: S Brandon Wilson
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: LB David Perales
- Released: RB Qadree Ollison
P.J. Walker has landed back on the Browns practice squad after getting cut from the active roster this past weekend. After spending the offseason with the Bears, Walker caught on with the Browns practice squad to begin the 2023 campaign. He ended up starting a pair of games for Cleveland, including a win over the 49ers. However, his one touchdown vs. five interceptions didn’t spark much optimism, and with Walker firmly behind Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Joe Flacco on the depth chart, the QB was demoted to the practice squad.
The former UDFA out of Temple spent the previous three seasons with the Panthers, starting seven of his 15 appearances. In 17 career games, Walker has completed 54.6 percent of his passes for 2,135 yards, six touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. He’s gone 5-4 in his nine career starts.
49ers Add CB Jason Verrett To Practice Squad
Jason Verrett is back in San Francisco. The 49ers announced that they’ve added the veteran cornerback to their practice squad. Jordan Schultz was first with the news.
A torn Achilles ended Verrett’s first stint with the 49ers, and the former Pro Bowler waited until October to finally catch on with the Texans practice squad. He spent about a month in Houston before getting cut in mid-November.
Verrett’s first stint with the 49ers was plagued by injuries. He was limited to only one game during his debut season thanks to an ankle injury, and after starting 13 games in 2020, an ACL injury wiped out his 2021 campaign. He re-signed with the 49ers for the 2022 season but didn’t get into a game before suffering his Achilles injury.
The defensive back has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career. The former first-round pick missed 55 games for the Chargers through his first five seasons in the NFL. His one healthy season was 2015, when he earned a Pro Bowl nod after compiling 47 tackles and three interceptions.
Verrett will have a chance to revive his career in San Francisco. According to Schultz, the player is still well regarded by coach Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers organization, so he might eventually earn a promotion to the active roster. Charvarius Ward suffered an injury during yesterday’s win over the Seahawks, so there’s a chance the 49ers may need some extra depth sooner than later.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/9/23
Today’s minor moves and callups heading into the Week 14 slate of Sunday games:
Atlanta Falcons
- Elevated: LB Milo Eifler, OL Tyler Vrabel
Baltimore Ravens
- Elevated: LB Josh Ross
Carolina Panthers
- Elevated: G Gabe Jackson, DE Chris Wormley
Chicago Bears
- Elevated: WR Collin Johnson
Dallas Cowboys
- Elevated: TE Princeton Fant
Denver Broncos
- Elevated: RB Tyler Badie, TE Lucas Krull
Detroit Lions
- Elevated: T Michael Niese
Houston Texans
- Elevated: K Matt Ammendola, S Brandon Hill
Indianapolis Colts
- Activated from exempt/commissioner permission list: DT Grover Stewart
- Elevated: RB Tyler Goodson, WR D.J. Montgomery
- Waived: WR Juwann Winfree
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed to active roster: QB Nathan Rourke
- Elevated: CB Tevaughn Campbell, TE Josh Pederson
Las Vegas Raiders
- Activated from IR: LB Kana’i Mauga
- Elevated: FB Jakob Johnson, T Brandon Parker
Los Angeles Chargers
- Elevated: TE Stephen Anderson
- Placed on IR: OL Zack Bailey
Los Angeles Rams
- Elevated: K Mason Crosby
New Orleans Saints
- Signed to active roster: FB Adam Prentice
- Elevated: WR Marquez Callaway, DT Jack Heflin
- Placed on IR: G Nick Saldiveri
New York Jets
- Signed to active roster: OL Jake Hanson
- Elevated: G Chris Glaser, DE Jalyn Holmes
- Placed on IR: G Wes Schweitzer
Seattle Seahawks
- Elevated: QB Sean Mannion, LB Patrick O’Connell
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Elevated: WR David Moore, DT Deadrin Senat
There was some thought that Ammendola’s stint with the Texans had come to an end after four appearances. However, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 notes that regular starting kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn still isn’t ready to return from his strained quadriceps, requiring the practice squad kicker to step in for at least another week. Ammendola has connected on six of his nine field goal attempts and all 10 of his XP tries this season.
With Trevor Lawrence a game-time decision for Sunday’s game, the Jaguars are adding some QB depth to the active roster. Rourke is a former CFL standout, with the quarterback earning the CFL Most Outstanding Canadian award in 2022. Following that breakout, 25-touchdown campaign, Rourke got a look from a number of NFL teams and ultimately signed a three-year deal with the Jaguars this past offseason. He was waived at the end of the preseason and has spent the majority of the season on Jacksonville’s practice squad. Per ESPN’s Michael DiRocco, the rookie will be the emergency QB3 for Week 14.
Similarly, the Seahawks will call up Mannion and O’Connell as they deal with injuries to starting quarterback Geno Smith and linebacker Jordyn Brooks. Smith is questionable heading into tomorrow’s game with a groin injury.
Stewart is back on the Colts active roster after having served a six-game ban for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Through six games this season, the veteran has compiled 20 tackles, two stops for a loss, and five QB hits.
Crosby is set to make his 2023 debut and make an appearance for a team other than the Packers for the first time since the 39-year-old was drafted back in 2007.
Schweitzer head right back to injured reserve after being activated last week. The Jets signed a lineman to the active roster from the practice squad and elevated one for tomorrow’s game to add some depth at the position.
Dolphins Place LB Jerome Baker On IR
Jerome Baker is heading to injured reserve. The Dolphins have placed their starting linebacker on IR, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
[RELATED: Dolphins To Host LB Reuben Foster]
Baker suffered an MCL injury last weekend that limited him to a season-low 22 defensive snaps. Fortunately, the injury wasn’t described as a season-ender, and while Baker will be forced to miss the next four weeks, there will still be plenty of time for him to get right before the postseason.
A 2018 third-round pick, Baker has turned into one of Miami’s most dependable defenders. Through his first five seasons in the NFL, the linebacker collected 509 tackles, 21 sacks, and 42 QB hits. It’s been more of the same in 2023, as the 26-year-old has compiled 69 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two interceptions (including a pick-six) in 12 starts.
Duke Riley was inserted into the lineup last Sunday when Baker exited the game. The veteran ended up playing in a season-high 31 defensive snaps in the win over the Commanders, and he’ll likely be in line for more playing time on Monday night against the Titans.
After taking a look at Reuben Foster earlier this week, the Dolphins decided to move in a different direction as they look to temporarily replace Baker. Per Schefter, the Dolphins have signed linebacker Calvin Munson off the Patriots practice squad.
Munson has effectively split his career between Miami and New England; this latest transaction marks his third stint with the Dolphins and ends his third stint with the Patriots. The veteran has seen time in 46 career games, collecting 88 tackles. He’s been limited to four appearances with the Patriots over the past two seasons, with the majority of his playing time coming on special teams.
Additionally, the Dolphins placed linebacker Alexander Johnson on the practice squad/injured list.
Browns WR Amari Cooper Clears Concussion Protocol
After being listed as questionable for Week 14 with a concussion and rib injury, Browns wideout Amari Cooper is expected to play tomorrow against the Jaguars, reports NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Cooper had to overcome a pair of hurdles to play on Sunday. Most notably, Cooper is now out of concussion protocol after receiving his final clearance from an independent neurological consultant, as Rapoport passes along.
The wide receiver has also been dealing with a rib issue. Cooper suffered the injury in Week 12, but subsequent x-rays came up negative for any damage. Cooper still managed to play last weekend against the Rams, hauling in three of his five targets for 34 yards. The wideout was limited to a season-low 23 snaps after having to exit the contest due to his head injury.
Cooper is putting up strong numbers during his second season in Cleveland. The 29-year-old receiver has collected 50 receptions for 799 yards and two touchdowns.
In addition to clearing Cooper, the Browns made a handful of additional moves ahead of tomorrow’s game. The team announced that they’ve elevated quarterback Joe Flacco as a standard gameday practice squad elevation while waiving QB P.J. Walker. The team also activated rookie cornerback Cameron Mitchell from injured reserve.
Chiefs Place S Bryan Cook On IR
The Chiefs will welcome back a starting linebacker this weekend, but they’ll be down a starting safety for the foreseeable future. The team announced that they’ve placed safety Bryan Cook on injured reserve. The move makes room for linebacker Nick Bolton, who will be returning from IR.
[RELATED: Chiefs Activate Nick Bolton From IR]
Cook suffered an ankle injury last weekend that limited him to a season-low 22 defensive snaps. Coach Andy Reid already ruled out the defensive back for tomorrow’s game against the Bills, but Cook will now be sidelined for at least the next four games. He’ll be eligible to return for the regular season finale.
The 2022 second-round played mostly as a backup during his rookie season, starting only one of his 16 appearances while getting into about 32 percent of his team’s defensive snaps. In 2023, he’s started all 12 games for the Chiefs, collecting 42 tackles, two passes defended, and two fumble recoveries (including one for a score). Pro Football Focus currently has him ranked 40th among 83 qualifying safeties.
With Cook out of the lineup, the team will likely lean more on Mike Edwards opposite Justin Reid. Edwards has already seen a significant defensive role in 2023, and there have been some weeks where he’s out-snapped Cook.
As ESPN’s Field Yates points out, it’s notable that the Chiefs didn’t place running back Isiah Pacheco on IR. The running back is dealing with a shoulder issue that will sideline him for at least Week 14, and Reid admitted this week that he’s uncertain how much time the starter will miss.
Additionally, the Chiefs announced their two standard gameday practice squad elevations. Suiting up with the active roster against the Bills this weekend will be safety Deon Bush and running back Deneric Prince.
Bills LB Von Miller Expected To Play Sunday
Von Miller faces a third-degree felony charge of assaulting a pregnant person following an incident in Dallas last week. With Buffalo coming off their bye week, Bills general manager Brandon Beane told reporters that the linebacker is back with the team and is expected to play on Sunday.
[RELATED: Latest On Bills DE Von Miller]
“Right now, we don’t expect anything based on our conversations,” Beane said of a potential punishment (via The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia). “Anytime it’s an ongoing investigation if something was uncovered, the commissioner does have that at any point if he feels there was something that, ‘Hey, this doesn’t look good,’ or something like that. If at any point that, they could. But, with our knowledge of what we have today, we don’t expect that.”
An arrest warrant was issued for Miller last week after his pregnant girlfriend accused him of shoving and choking her. Miller turned himself in to police and was subsequently released on $5K bond, and his girlfriend later described the charges as a “huge misunderstanding.” Beane told reporters that the organization is letting the legal situation play out and will follow the league’s lead concerning punishment. Even if the charges are dropped, Miller could still face punishment under the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
Further, Miller is expected to avoid placement on the Commissioner Exempt list, which would have sidelined him indefinitely. As Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports pointed out (and Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio passed along), the NFL wouldn’t put Miller on paid leave unless he was formally charged with a crime.
After sitting out Wednesday’s practice for a standard veteran off day, Miller was back on the practice field today. Per ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg, the player declined comment when he was approached by reporters at his locker.
Daniel Jones Targeting Training Camp Return
Daniel Jones provided an encouraging update on his knee injury. The Giants quarterback told reporters that he suffered only an ACL injury and didn’t have any other structural damage, per Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post.
[RELATED: Giants Expect Daniel Jones To Start In 2024]
Two weeks removed from his knee surgery, Jones now has a clearer outlook on his rehab. The quarterback told reporters that he intends to “check all the boxes” along the way but is targeting training camp as his return date.
“I mean, it’s a long road. I think it depends, kind of how I do with each stage of it and, and how it progresses,” Jones said (h/t Yahoo’s Ben Krimmel). “I’m going to try to focus on what’s right in front of me during each stage and do as well as I can with each of those. It’s a long road ahead.”
Jones suffered the torn ACL in early November, meaning there would be around 10 months between his injury and the start of next season. There was hope that the quarterback would be on the field for the 2024 season opener, but it was uncertain how many reps he’d be able to get during training camp and the preseason. Jones’ ambitious target means he’d be able to get a full preseason with his squad.
Considering the player’s injury, uneven play, and hefty $40MM price tag, it was uncertain if the former sixth-overall pick would stick around New York. GM Joe Schoen acknowledged that the player’s uncertain status for the start of next season could require the front office to make a move at the position, but he also noted that Jones is expected to be the QB1 when he’s healthy enough to play.