Minor NFL Transactions: 12/2/23
Today’s gameday callups and minor moves heading into Sunday:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed to active roster: WR Dan Chisena
- Elevated: DT Phil Hoskins, CB Divaad Wilson
Atlanta Falcons
- Elevated: LB Milo Eifler, TE Parker Hesse
Cleveland Browns
- Elevated: QB Joe Flacco (story), CB A.J. Green
Denver Broncos
- Activated from IR: WR Brandon Johnson
- Elevated: QB Ben DiNucci, TE Lucas Krull
Detroit Lions
- Elevated: DT Quinton Bohanna, LB Bruce Irvin
Houston Texans
- Elevated: K Matt Ammendola
Indianapolis Colts
- Elevated: RB Tyler Goodson, WR D.J. Montgomery
Kansas City Chiefs
- Elevated: RB Deneric Prince
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed to active roster: WR Alex Erickson
- Elevated: TE Stephen Anderson
- Waived: RB Elijah Dotson
Miami Dolphins
- Elevated: TE Tanner Conner
New England Patriots
- Elevated: QB Malik Cunningham
New Orleans Saints
- Elevated: WR Marquez Callaway, FB Adam Prentice
New York Jets
- Activated from IR: CB Justin Hardee, G Wes Schweitzer
- Elevated: OL Jake Hanson, DT Perrion Winfrey
- Waived: OL Xavier Newman
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Elevated: LB Kyron Johnson
San Francisco 49ers
- Elevated: WR Chris Conley, S Erik Harris
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Elevated: WR Ryan Miller, WR David Moore
Tennessee Titans
- Signed to active roster: LB Joe Jones
Washington Commanders
- Elevated: DE Joshua Pryor
The Chiefs have ruled out running back Jerick McKinnon for tomorrow’s game against the Packers, necessitating some extra depth at the position. The team will turn to Prince, an undrafted free agent who has spent the entire season on Kansas City’s practice squad. Prince had a breakout season at Tulsa in 2022, finishing with 813 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns.
Winfrey, a 2022 fourth-round pick, was cut by the Browns last July after being investigated for pulling a gun on a woman. He joined the Jets practice squad in early November and will finally earn his first promotion of the season. Winfrey got into 13 games for Cleveland last year, collecting 22 tackles and 0.5 sacks.
At age 36, Irvin will be making his debut for a sixth NFL team. The veteran pass rusher signed with Detroit midway through November and will finally have a chance to extend his streak of regular season appearances to 12 straight years. The only absence on the Lions’ front-seven will be linebacker Alex Anzalone, so Detroit may be looking to stand Irvin up to help the team’s depth at linebacker.
Injury Updates: Garrett, Bengals, Etienne, Dolphins
Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett likely suffered some structural damage in his left shoulder, an injury that was aggravated during last weekend’s loss. As Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com writes, it’s uncertain if the injury will even require surgery, and Garrett is determined to continue playing this season.
“I feel terrible,” Garrett said following Sunday’s loss to the Broncos. “Everything hurts, shoulder hurts. But we’ve got to keep on going, keep on rolling till the wheels fall off. We’re having great success and enjoying how this team is really coming together, especially down the stretch. And we’re going to continue to keep on working hard to be fresh and fit whenever we get to Sunday.”
Garrett said he felt a pop in his shoulder during the game, but he also admitted that he’s been dealing with a shoulder issue for the entire season. The injury could be attributed to the AC joint sprain Garrett suffered last season, or it could be an entirely new injury, with Cabot speculating that the pass rusher may be dealing with a partial dislocation.
The former first-overall pick is on track to earn another All-Pro nod in 2022. In 11 games, Garrett has collected 13 sacks, 23 QB hits, and 12 tackles for loss.
More injury notes from around the NFL…
- The Bengals got some good news on both sides of the ball ahead of Monday Night Football. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Bengals wideout Tee Higgins and linebacker Logan Wilson will play against the Jaguars. Higgins has missed the past three games while dealing with a hamstring injury, while Wilson is recovering from an ankle injury suffered last weekend. Unfortunately, it’s not all good news in Cincinnati. After suffering a sprained ankle at practice this week, Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt will not play on Monday night, per Schefter.
- On the other side, Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said he’s expecting running back Travis Etienne to play on Monday night, per ESPN’s Michael DiRocco. Etienne suffered a rib injury last weekend that briefly forced him to exit the game, and he’s been practicing on a limited basis throughout the week. If he is sidelined on Monday, the Jaguars would lean on D’Ernest Johnson and rookie Tank Bigsby.
- De’Von Achane is expected to play for the Dolphins this weekend, per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. After returning from a knee injury in time for Week 11, the running back was once again sidelined with the issue for Week 12. Meanwhile, Terron Armstead said he intends to play this weekend despite suffering a quadriceps injury on Black Friday. It was initially thought that the offensive tackle could miss multiple weeks, so this is an encouraging update for the Dolphins offense.
Jets, S Adrian Amos Part Ways
Adrian Amos‘ stint with the Jets has apparently come to an end. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Jets and the veteran safety have “mutually agreed to part ways.”
Assuming Amos is subsequently cut, he’ll have to pass through waivers. Per Pelissero, Amos is “healthy and ready to contribute down the stretch.”
Following a four-year stint with the Packers, Amos joined the Jets this past offseason on a one-year, $1.75MM deal. He joined the organization following offseason acquisition Chuck Clark‘s season-ending ACL tear.
The veteran started the season as the third safety behind Jordan Whitehead and Tony Adams. When Adams was forced to miss time, Amos slid into the starting lineup, including a two-week stretch where he appeared in 140 of the team’s 142 defensive snaps.
However, with Adams back and the likes of Jamien Sherwood and Ashtyn Davis earning more playing time, Amos has fallen down the depth chart. Since he got into 68 defensive snaps in Week 4, Amos has been limited to only 62 defensive snaps over the last seven games. The 30-year-old has also contributed on special teams, leading to 23 tackles in his 11 appearances.
Prior to his stint in New York, Amos was a dependable part of the Packers and Bears secondary. He finished the 2022 campaign with a career-high 102 tackles, an indication that he’s still got something left in the tank. There’s a chance a contender looks to snag the vet off waivers, but Amos could have his pick of landing spots if he hits free agency.
Panthers To Activate CB Jaycee Horn From IR
Jaycee Horn is back on Carolina’s active roster. The Panthers are activating the cornerback from injured reserve, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
It’s uncertain if Horn will play tomorrow against the Buccaneers, and the defensive back was listed on questionable on Friday’s injury report. Either way, it sounds like the defensive back will be making his return sooner than later.
Horn suffered a hamstring injury against the Falcons in Week 1, keeping him off the field for months. He returned to practice in mid-November, and the Panthers had until Monday to activate the player from IR. If the team didn’t make the move, Horn would have been ineligible to return this year.
The former eighth-overall pick has dealt with a number of injuries throughout his career. He was limited to just three games as a rookie in 2021, and he was sidelined for another four contests last year. In total, Horn has appeared in 17 career games, totaling 59 tackles and four interceptions.
C.J. Henderson is set to return from concussion protocol for tomorrow’s game, per Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer. If Horn doesn’t play this weekend, Henderson will likely play opposite Donte Jackson on the outside, with Troy Hill sliding into his standard nickel spot. The Panthers claimed veteran Shaquill Griffin this week, providing the team with another body at the position.
Eagles LB Zach Cunningham Could Be Sidelined Multiple Weeks
Zach Cunningham could be sidelined multiple weeks while dealing with a hamstring strain. According to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Eagles linebacker is expected to miss Sunday’s game against the 49ers, and Cunningham could be sidelined beyond that game.
[RELATED: Eagles Meet With Shaquille Leonard]
Cunningham’s two-year stint with the Titans came to an end in February when he was released by the team. He waited until early August to ink his next deal, as the linebacker joined the Eagles. The 29-year-old has been a productive member of Philly’s defense in 2023, collecting 71 tackles in 11 games (nine starts). Pro Football Focus graded him 41st among 79 qualifying linebackers, and the site gave him a top-25 positional grade in pass coverage.
Cunningham suffered his injury in the second half of the Eagles’ overtime win over the Bills last Sunday. The veteran ended up appearing in a season-low 58 percent of his team’s defensive snaps.
Christian Elliss ended up replacing Cunningham on Sunday, with the journeyman garnering his most defensive snaps since Week 1. With Nakobe Dean also recently going down with an injury, the Eagles are left with Nicholas Morrow as their only remaining full-time linebacker.
That probably explains why the Eagles hosted veteran Shaquille Leonard the other day. The linebacker underwent a physical and left Philadelphia without signing a contract, and he’s reportedly taking the next few days to weigh his options.
Commanders, Patriots Pursued QB Tommy DeVito
Undrafted rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito has guided the Giants to two-straight victories, tossing four touchdowns vs. no interceptions in wins over the Commanders and Patriots. While the sudden breakout has shocked many, it probably wasn’t much of a surprise to the two teams he beat.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported last weekend that after DeVito went undrafted in this past year’s draft, he received an offer from Washington. In fact, that offer featured more guaranteed money than the contract that DeVito ultimately signed with the Giants. However, the rookie quarterback grew up in New Jersey and wanted to play for Brian Daboll, two factors that played major roles in him taking the lesser deal.
Then, when DeVito was cut by the Giants at the end of the preseason, the Patriots approached the rookie quarterback about joining their practice squad. Instead, DeVito stuck with the Giants’ taxi squad, and he earned a promotion to the active roster in October after backup Tyrod Taylor went down with an injury.
After entering Week 9 in place of the injured Daniel Jones, DeVito has started every game for the Giants. In total, the rookie has completed 62.9 percent of his passes for 697 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions. He’s also added 83 yards and one touchdown on the ground.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/30/23
Today’s practice squad transactions:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: DL Ben Stille
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: G Deonte Brown
- Released: QB Jake Luton
Houston Texans
- Signed: DT Rashard Lawrence
- Released: RB Gerrid Doaks, DT Bruce Hector
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: RB Keaontay Ingram
New England Patriots
- Released: WR Mathew Sexton
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: S Johnathan Abram
New York Giants
- Signed: WR Dylan Drummond
- Released: LB Oshane Ximines
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: CB Josiah Scott, WR Cam Sims
- Released: WR Greg Ward
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/30/23
Today’s minor moves:
Carolina Panthers
- Placed on IR: WR Laviska Shenault Jr.
Dallas Cowboys
- Promoted: TE Princeton Fant
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed to active roster: LB Ben VanSumeren
Laviska Shenault Jr. missed a handful of games earlier this season thanks to a high ankle sprain, but he was able to avoid an IR stint. He wasn’t as lucky this time around, as a new ankle injury will keep him off the field for at least the next four games. Shenault has hauled in 10 receptions this season for 60 yards, and he’s added another 55 yards on 12 carries. The former Jaguars second-round pick has also returned six kickoffs.
Raiders Interested In David Shaw?
Raiders interim head coach Antonio Pierce has established himself as a legitimate candidate to take over the full-time gig following the 2023 season. Of course, that won’t stop Mark Davis and co. from eyeing other options. As Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal passes along, a “name to keep an eye on” in the sweepstakes is former Stanford head coach David Shaw.
Shaw spent more than a decade running Stanford’s program, earning three conference titles and five bowl victories. He was fired following two-straight 3-9 campaigns, and he’s spent the past year out of football entirely.
Shaw actually spent time with the Raiders early on in his coaching career, serving as the team’s offensive quality control coach and later the quarterbacks coach. He spent four seasons with the Ravens before getting recruited by Jim Harbaugh to be the receivers coach at the University of San Diego. He followed Harbaugh to Stanford, serving as the offensive coordinator before getting promoted to head coach when Harbaugh left for the 49ers.
This isn’t the first time the coach has been connected to head coaching gigs. Shaw was a candidate for the Broncos head coaching job last offseason before the organization traded for Sean Payton.
Depending on how the Raiders finish the season, Shaw might not even have a shot at the job. Vic Tafur of The Athletic writes that a 6-3 record for Pierce “would get him the full-time job.” Following last weekend’s loss to the Chiefs, the Raiders are now 2-2 under the interim head coach, meaning they’ll need to go 4-1 the rest of the way to reach that record. Of course, Pierce could also earn the job without the strong finish; as Tafur writes, Davis “loves” how the players have responded to their new head coach.
Bill Belichick Candidate For Panthers HC Job?
Since buying the Panthers in 2018, David Tepper has employed six head coaches (including interims). So, with the organization eyeing a replacement for the recently-fired Frank Reich, Tepper surely wants his new hire to stick. So, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that the Panthers are already connected to the biggest potential name on the HC market.
[RELATED: Panthers Fire HC Frank Reich]
League sources told Chad Finn of the Boston Globe that the Panthers are a team to watch in the upcoming Bill Belichick sweepstakes. The iconic head coach could see his illustrious tenure with the Patriots come to an end following the season, and while Robert Kraft and co. could hold out for trade compensation, Belichick will likely have a say in his next landing spot.
Since most teams would surely welcome in one of the greatest head coaches of all time, you would figure the lowly (and tumultuous) Panthers would be hard pressed to recruit Belichick. However, Finn notes that there are a number of factors that could draw the 71-year-old to Carolina.
For starters, the smaller media market means the curmudgeonly Belichick wouldn’t have to deal with the same headaches caused by the Boston media. Next, the coach would be “far away” from the Patriots and the AFC East, and the Panthers aren’t scheduled to take on New England until the 2025 campaign. Belichick would also be closer to his home in Florida, where he likes to spend parts of the offseason.
Of course, financials could also convince Belichick to join the Panthers. Tepper is the third-richest owner in the NFL, meaning he’d be able to pay Belichick while also spend on a pricey roster. Plus, considering general manager Scott Fitterer‘s uncertain future with the organization, Belichick would probably have carte blanche to run the front office as he wishes.
From the Panthers perspective, a Belichick hire would run counter to recent reports that the organization was eyeing more of an offensive-minded coach. Further, Tepper made it clear that he wants his next coach to be with the organization for the long haul. While Belichick might still have a few years left in the tank, the Panthers would be foolish to expect a long-term commitment from the coach.
Belichick will be one of many coaches connected to the Panthers gig once the season comes to an end. For what it’s worth, interim head coach Chris Tabor might not be included in that grouping of candidates. Tabor told reporters that he was given no assurances that he’ll be considered for the full-time job (per ESPN’s David Newton).