Minor NFL Transactions: 11/14/23
Today’s minor moves:
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: LB Tae Davis
- Signed to active roster: OT David Sharpe
- Waived: G Calvin Throckmorton
Denver Broncos
- Activated from reserve/suspended: S Kareem Jackson
- Waived: DT Keondre Coburn
Detroit Lions
- Placed on IR: G Halapoulivaati Vaitai
Las Vegas Raiders
- Waived: DE Isaac Rochell
Los Angeles Rams
- Activated from IR: TE Hunter Long
- Signed to active roster: LB Keir Thomas
- Waived: LB Zach VanValkenburg
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: WR Keith Kirkwood
- Waived: FB Adam Prentice
Philadelphia Eagles
- Designated for return from IR: S Justin Evans
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Placed on IR: LB Kwon Alexander (story)
Following a spree of illegal hits, Kareem Jackson was hit with a four-game ban back in October. That suspension ended up getting knocked down to two games, and following that absence, the defensive back has returned to the active roster. While Justin Simmons has long resided as the Broncos’ top safety, Pro Football Focus has graded Jackson as a top-20 player at the position this season.
Halapoulivaati Vaitai suffered a back injury that will require a stint on injured reserve, although there’s a chance the veteran lineman ends up having to miss the rest of the season. After starting all 25 of his appearances for the Lions between 2020 and 2021, Vaitai has started three of his six games in 2022.
Hunter Long was a third-round pick by the Dolphins in 2021 but only lasted two seasons in Miami, hauling in a single eight-yard catch. He was part of the Rams’ offseason trade return for Jalen Ramsey but hasn’t appeared in a game this season. The tight end landed on IR in early September with a thigh injury.
Vikings Place LB Jordan Hicks On IR
After undergoing leg surgery on Sunday, Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks is set to miss at least the next month. The Vikings announced that they’ve placed Hicks on injured reserve, meaning the veteran will be out until at least Week 15.
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Hicks briefly left Sunday’s game during the first quarter before returning and playing 23 defensive/special teams snaps. He left the game for good in the third quarter with what was described as a shin contusion.
Per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, Hicks’ knee swelled up after the game and necessitated a trip to the hospital. Doctors suggested immediate surgery after diagnosing Hicks with compartment syndrome, which is when swelling in a bruised area reaches “dangerous levels” (per Seifert). Hicks was released from the hospital today and posted an encouraging update on X.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me the past few days and for all of your continued prayers,” Hicks wrote. “The surgery was a huge success and I’m grateful for all of the doctors, nurses and medical staff who treated me. Looking forward to getting back out there with the guys soon!”
Hicks hadn’t missed a start since joining the Vikings prior to the 2022 campaign. After finishing his first season in Minnesota with 129 tackles, the 31-year-old collected 87 stops through 10 games this season. Seifert writes that undrafted rookie Ivan Pace Jr. is expected to take Hicks’ role on defense and should also inherit the defensive signal-caller role.
The Vikings also added some depth at the position yesterday. The team signed old friend Anthony Barr to the practice squad, and it shouldn’t take long for the veteran to find his way on to the 53-man roster.
Jets Cut RB Michael Carter
The Jets have moved on from their former starting running back. The team announced that they’ve waived RB Michael Carter.
The 2021 fourth-round pick led the Jets backfield as a rookie, collecting 964 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns. He was expected to take a back seat to Breece Hall in 2022 but was inserted back into the starting lineup following his teammate’s season-ending injury. While he started 10 of his 16 appearances last season, Carter wasn’t nearly as productive during his second season in the NFL, finishing the year with only 690 yards from scrimmage.
With Hall healthy and the Jets signing Dalvin Cook, Carter was buried on the depth chart this year. He saw most of his work on third downs, hauling in 15 receptions for 68 yards. Carter also had another 38 yards on the ground. As ESPN’s Rich Cimini notes, Carter was benched during Sunday’s loss to the Raiders after being penalized for a chop-block.
After that game, coach Robert Saleh hinted that changes could be coming to the offense. And as Cimini notes, cutting Carter sends a clear message to a struggling offense that no one is safe.
“We’re looking at some things, some different personnel changes, which I’m going to keep here with me, but we’re looking across the board to see if we can find a way to generate some offense,” Saleh said.
Still, considering Carter’s production during his rookie campaign, it shouldn’t take long for the running back to find his next squad. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweets that Carter should have some suitors on the waiver wire.
With Carter now out of the picture, the Jets are likely going to give fifth-round rookie Israel Abanikanda any leftover snaps at the position. The Pitt product is known for his elite speed and could add a spark to an offense that’s struggling to find the end zone.
Rams Designate NT Bobby Brown III For Return
While much of the injury focus in Los Angeles is surrounding Matthew Stafford‘s return, the Rams will also be getting some reinforcement on defense. The team announced that nose tackle Bobby Brown III has returned to practice and has been designated for return from injured reserve.
Brown suffered a knee injury in early October that ultimately required a stint on IR. The defensive lineman was expected to be sidelined for five to seven weeks, so Brown is currently in the middle of that recovery timeline.
The Rams will now have 21 days to activate Brown to the active roster. There’s no guarantee that the player will be in the lineup for Week 11, but Sean McVay didn’t completely dismiss the DL’s availability for Sunday.
“He looked good,” the coach said (via the team’s website). “It was good to get him back. He was another guy who we’ve missed.”
After starting only one of his 19 appearances through his first two seasons in the NFL, the former fourth-round pick had a more significant role to start the 2023 campaign. Brown started each of his five appearances this season, compiling 13 tackles while getting into about 40 percent of his team’s defensive snaps.
Kobie Turner will continue to soak up a lot of the snaps at nose tackle next to DT Aaron Donald. Brown will be able to fill in for both of those starters, a role that practice-squad defensive lineman Cory Durden has held since Week 6.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/13/23
Today’s practice squad transactions:
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: OT David Sharpe
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: RB Myles Gaskin
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: C Ross Pierschbacher
- Released: CB Kindle Vildor
Myles Gaskin is back in Minnesota following a brief stint in Los Angeles. The running back spent the beginning of the season with the Vikings, seeing time in a single game. He was snagged by the Rams in October and got into one game with his new squad before getting waived. Now, the RB is back with the Vikings, and he’ll provide some depth at the position while Alexander Mattison deals with a concussion.
Jaguars WR Zay Jones Arrested
Jaguars wideout Zay Jones was arrested on a misdemeanor domestic battery charge on Monday, according to ESPN’s Michael DiRocco.
Jones was arrested by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and booked into the Duval County Jail earlier this evening. The 28-year-old was charged with domestic battery causing bodily harm, which DiRocco notes is a first-degree misdemeanor. Jones’ first court appearance is scheduled for tomorrow morning.
“We are aware of the situation and are in the midst of gathering information,” the Jaguars said in a statement (via DiRocco). “We will have no further comment at this time.”
Jones has been limited to only three games this season, hauling in five catches for 55 yards and one touchdown. He’s sat out the last six games, including the past four thanks to a knee injury.
The receiver signed a three-year, $24MM deal with the Jaguars during the 2022 offseason. He finished his first season in Jacksonville with 841 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns. The former second-round pick spent the first two-plus seasons of his career with the Bills before playing for the Raiders between 2019 and 2021.
Saints Sign DE Jason Pierre-Paul
JPP is back in the NFL. Veteran pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul told Josina Anderson that he plans to sign with the Saints. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported earlier today that Pierre-Paul was working out for New Orleans. It is a practice squad agreement, ESPN.com’s Katherine Terrell notes.
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“I killed the workout,” the veteran told Anderson. “You can tell I’ve been active and not just sitting around.”
Pierre-Paul was one of many veteran edge rushers who found themselves on the open market for an extended period, and we heard recently that the former Giants star was actively seeking his next opportunity. It had been a quiet offseason and start to the regular season for Pierre-Paul, with his Saints workout marking his first official visit.
The last time we saw JPP, he was getting into 14 games (13 starts) with the Ravens in 2022. While the 34-year-old obviously wasn’t nearly as productive as he was 10 years ago, he still managed to chip in three sacks and three QB hits while getting into about 60 percent of his team’s defensive snaps.
That cameo in Baltimore was preceded by a four-year stint with the Buccaneers, where Pierre-Paul won a Super Bowl ring and compiled 33 sacks. The former first-round pick spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Giants, earning a Pro Bowl nod while also collecting the 10th-most sacks (58.5) in franchise history.
The Saints have needed some pass-rushing help. The team’s 18 sacks is tied for the fifth-fewest in the NFL. Plus, as Matthew Paras of NOLA.com writes, the defensive line has had a tough time containing mobile quarterbacks. Most recently, the Saints allowed QB Joshua Dobbs to run for 44 yards on eight attempts during Sunday’s loss to the Vikings.
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/13/23
Today’s minor moves:
Buffalo Bills
- Promoted: CB Josh Norman
Denver Broncos
- Promoted: TE Lucas Krull, WR David Sills
Green Bay Packers
- Claimed off waivers (from Seahawks): DB Kyu Blu Kelly
- Waived: S Innis Gaines
New England Patriots
- Claimed off waivers (from Jaguars): RB JaMycal Hasty
New York Jets
- Claimed off waivers (from Texans): OL Austin Deculus
- Waived: DT Tanzel Smart
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Waived: DT Breiden Fehoko
JaMycal Hasty was waived by the Jaguars this past weekend following a year-plus with the organization. The running back had 320 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns during his first season in Jacksonville but was limited to only three games and zero touches this year. He’ll be hard pressed to carve out a role in New England with Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott leading the depth chart.
Saints WR Michael Thomas Arrested
Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas was arrested last night and charged with simple battery and criminal mischief, per the Kenner, Louisiana police department (via Travers Mackel of WDSU in New Orleans). Thomas was booked and subsequently released. Nick Underhill of NOF Network first reported on the incident last night.
ESPN’s Katherine Terrell provided more insight on what led to Thomas’ arrest. Neighbors reportedly called the police on the NFL veteran after he became increasingly angry with contractors who were parking on his street. The alleged victim claims that Thomas threw a brick at their car, and they also accused Thomas of throwing their phone after they started recording. The police report indicates that Thomas also shoved the victim.
According to Underhill, no car windows were damaged and the phone was not broken. Thomas reportedly asked the contractors to move their cars throughout the week, leading to yesterday’s incident.
“We aware of the incident and are gathering information,” the Saints said in a statement (via Underhill). The wide receiver is expected to play tomorrow against the Vikings, per Underhill.
As Greg Auman of FOX Sports notes, the misdemeanor charges means Thomas will likely face fines and/or probation. The wideout could realistically face punishment from the NFL under their personal conduct policy.
After getting into only 10 games between the 2020 and 2022 seasons, Thomas will be playing in his 10th game of the 2023 campaign tomorrow. Despite being back to full health, the receiver hasn’t come close to matching his All-Pro production from 2018 and 2019. In nine games (six starts), the veteran has hauled in 38 catches for 439 yards and one touchdown.
This is the second time in less than three weeks that a Saints receiver has been arrested. In late October, Chris Olave was arrested in Kenner for reckless operation of a motor vehicle.
Texans To Activate CB Derek Stingley Jr. From IR
1:57pm: With Fairbairn set to miss some time, the team has officially made the decision to place him on IR. He’ll be out for at least four weeks now, so even though Ammendola is only getting called up for tomorrow, a permanent roster move to cover the kicker position is likely soon.
With two new vacancies on the 53-man roster, the Texans have opted to utilize their practice squad to fill one. The team announced that it will be signing practice squad offensive guard Dieter Eiselen to the active roster.
Lastly, joining Fairbairn as a standard gameday elevation will be practice squad tight end Dalton Keene. With Brevin Jordan one of eight inactives heading into Sunday’s trip to Cincinnati, Keene will step in to back up Dalton Schultz and Eric Saubert.
9:45am: It sounds like Derek Stingley Jr. will be in the lineup when the Texans take on the Bengals tomorrow. The team is set to activate the cornerback from injured reserve, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston. ESPN’s Adam Schefter has confirmed the news.
Stingley landed on injured reserve back in September after suffering a hamstring injury during practice. The Texans opened his 21-day activation window earlier this week when the cornerback returned to practice.
While the return to practice was obviously a positive development for Stingley, it sounded like the team was proceeding with caution with the former third-overall pick. Since Stingley had been sidelined for more than a month, the Texans were reportedly going to give the defender as much time as he needed to get into game shape. Apparently, it didn’t take all that long, as Stingley is set to be activated only days after being designated for return.
The LSU product hasn’t necessarily lived up to his third-overall-pick billing, but that’s mostly been thanks to injury. Stingley collected 43 tackles, one interception, and five passes defended to begin his rookie campaign, but a hamstring injury suffered in Week 10 ultimately forced him to miss the rest of the season. He had nine tackles in two starts to begin this season before landing on injured reserve.
To make room on the roster, the Texans have waived offensive lineman Austin Deculus. The 2022 sixth-round pick has seen time in 13 games over the past two seasons for Houston, including seven appearances (one start) this season. He was waived at the end of the preseason before landing on the practice squad, and there’s a good chance he follows a similar path this time around.
The Texans made one additional move as they prepare for Week 10. Per Wilson, the team has promoted kicker Matt Ammendola from the practice squad as a standard gameday elevation. Ka’imi Fairbairn is set to miss a handful of weeks while recovering from a strained quadriceps, so Houston will temporarily roll with the journeyman kicker. Ammendola has spent time with six different organizations since going undrafted out of Oklahoma State in 2020. He’s seen time in 15 career games, connecting on 18 of his 26 field goal attempts and 19 of his 22 extra point tries.