NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/13/22
Today’s practice squad moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: QB Carson Strong
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: LB Nate Landman
- Released: OL Parker Ferguson
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: WR Cole Beasley (story)
- Released: WR Marquez Stevenson
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: CB Tae Hayes
- Released: RB Nate McCrary
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: LB Storey Jackson
Denver Broncos
- Released: DL McTelvin Agim
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: OT Jean Delance, C Michal Menet
- Released: DL Jack Heflin, WR Dede Westbrook
Houston Texans
- Signed: RB Gerrid Doaks, WR D.J. Montgomery
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: WR Robert Foster
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: LB Kana’i Mauga, OT Willie Wright
New York Jets
- Signed: DL Marquiss Spencer
- Placed on IR: LB Marcell Harris
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: S Anthony Harris, P Brett Kern
- Released: S Marquise Blair, WR Auden Tate
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: QB Kevin Hogan, OL Zach McCloud, G Jordan Roos, WR Jonathan Ward
Falcons QB Marcus Mariota Leaves Team
Desmond Ridder will be under center for the Falcons going forward, especially considering news that quarterback Marcus Mariota was eyeing a potential IR trip. However, there’s more to Mariota’s rapidly declining role in Atlanta.
[RELATED: Falcons Expected To Place Marcus Mariota On IR]
Coach Arthur Smith revealed today that Mariota has left the team to have his “chronic” knee issue evaluated, per Josh Kendall of The Athletic. It’s uncertain when or if the veteran QB will return to the Falcons. Kendall writes that Mariota was notified of his benching on Thursday, and the Falcons learned that the QB would be stepping away on Friday.
“[The knee] is nothing that has been an issue this season, but that’s [Mariota’s] prerogative so … ” Smith said (via Kendall). “Of course, you want all your guys to be here, but guys have to make decisions. It’s part of professional sports. You have to have contingency plans.”
As Kendall notes, this isn’t the first time that Smith has played a role in Mariota’s benching. When Smith was the offensive coordinator with the Titans, Mariota was demoted to backup. Atlanta inked the 29-year-old to a two-year, $18.75MM deal this past offseason. If he’s cut following the season, the organization could save around $12MM against the cap.
Mariota has gone 5-8 in his 13 starts this season, completing 61.3 percent of his passes for 2,219 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He’s also added 438 yards and four scores on the ground. The decision to pivot to Ridder was “performance-based,” according to Smith, and the head coach also seemed to hint that it was always the team’s intention to eventually turn to the rookie third-round pick.
“We’ve talked about trying to get over the hump in some of these close games and where we’re trying to push the offense,” Smith said. “We feel like it’s the best decision where [Ridder] is at and where the team’s at. I wouldn’t have made this decision if I didn’t think it was in the best interest of this team, not only short term but probably long term as well.”
The team started preparing for Mariota’s absence earlier this week when they signed QB Logan Woodside off the Titans practice squad.
Cardinals QB Kyler Murray Carted Off Field
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray was carted off the field during Monday night’s game against the Patriots. Murray went down with a non-contact injury during the third offensive play of the game.
Murray went to the ground without getting touched during a standard scramble. The quarterback talked with trainers before getting carted off the field. ESPN’s Lisa Salters reported that Murray was “sobbing” as he was taken into the locker room (via ESPN’s Stephania Bell on Twitter).
The 25-year-old was initially deemed as questionable to return before being listed as out for the game. While it doesn’t come as much of a surprise considering the replays, there’s fear that Murray suffered a “serious knee injury,” sources told NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (Twitter link). We’ll surely get more clarity following an MRI.
The former first-overall pick has dealt with various leg issues over the past two years. After not missing a game through his first two seasons in the NFL, Murray missed three games in 2021 thanks to an ankle issue and two games earlier this year with a hamstring injury.
After earning two-straight Pro Bowl nods, Murray has struggled a bit during his fourth season in the NFL. His 66.3 completion percentage is his lowest since his rookie campaign, and his yards per attempt and QBR are both career-lows. In his 10 starts, he’s guided Arizona to a 3-7 record while collecting 2,359 yards, 14 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He’s also added 415 yards and three scores on the ground.
Colt McCoy took over under center for Arizona on Monday night. Following a solid showing in three starts last year, McCoy was serviceable in his two starts this season, completing 50 of his 71 pass attempts for 456 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Titans Cut Two Linebackers
The Titans moved on from a pair of linebackers today. The team announced that they’ve waived linebackers Ola Adeniyi and Joe Schobert.
Adeniyi joined the Titans prior to the 2021 campaign. During his first season in Tennessee, the linebacker collected 21 tackles and 2.5 sacks while playing a role on both defense and special teams. After re-signing with the organization this past offseason, the 25-year-old got into two games before being sidelined with a neck injury. He was activated for Week 13 but was a healthy scratch for Week 14, an indication that his spot on the roster could be at risk.
Schobert, a former Pro Bowler with the Browns, joined the Titans’ practice squad in late September. He was signed to the active roster in mid-November and got into six games (one start) for his new squad, compiling 16 tackles.
The Titans added pass rusher Tarell Basham last week and immediately threw him into the fire, with the 28-year-old logging 26 defensive snaps. With Zach Cunningham eyeing a return from injured reserve, pass-rushing snaps were clearly drying up, leading to today’s moves.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/12/22
Today’s practice squad updates:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: CB Javelin Guidry
Houston Texans
- Released: DL Brandin Bryant
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: G Jordan Meredith
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: DL Michael Dwumfour
Latest On Ravens QB Lamar Jackson
DECEMBER 11: Jackson is expected to miss not only Sunday’s contest against the Steelers, but the Ravens’ Week 15 matchup with the Browns as well, per Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com. Baltimore is hopeful that its QB1 will be back on the field for the team’s Christmas Eve game against the Falcons, though there is a “strong chance” Jackson will not be completely healthy until at least the end of the regular season.
DECEMBER 9: As expected, Jackson is unlikely to play against the Steelers in Week 14. Harbaugh said Friday “it looks like” Huntley will receive the call. This stands to be Jackson’s sixth missed game over the past two seasons.
DECEMBER 6: Lamar Jackson avoided a major knee injury, but the Ravens quarterback could still be sidelined for a few weeks. Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports writes that the Ravens are “bracing to be without” Jackson for a “few weeks.”
Earlier today, ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed (on Twitter) that Jackson suffered a sprained PCL on Sunday, with the reporter suggesting that the QB could miss anywhere from one to three weeks. While John Harbaugh initially said that Jackson could be out for “days or weeks,” the head coach acknowledged today that his starting signal-caller is “less likely” to play on Sunday against Pittsburgh.
The Ravens seem to be remaining flexible with their star QB. While the organization would surely want Jackson back on the field before the start of the playoffs, Baltimore should be afforded a bit of breathing room. The Ravens are in the thick of the playoff hunt and have one of the easiest remaining schedules, including two matchups against the lowly Steelers. A Week 18 matchup against the Bengals could end up being crucial for playoff positioning, but Jackson would have four weeks of recovery time before that crucial showdown.
Plus, Tyler Huntley was solid while filling in for Jackson in 2021. The backup only went 1-3 in his four starts, but he completed 64.9 percent of his passes for 1,081 yards, three touchdowns, and four interceptions. He also added another 294 yards and two scores on the ground.
“We run the same basic offense with both players [Jackson and Huntley], so it’s not really going to change anything in terms of preparation,” Harbaugh said (via ESPN’s Jamison Hensley). “[Huntley is] a player that’s got a lot of dynamics to his game. He operates really well. So, if that’s the way he goes [and Huntley starts for Jackson], that’s the way it goes. We’ll be excited to play, and our guys will be fired up.”
The Ravens are clearly preparing for Jackson to miss at least one contest, as the organization added Brett Hundley to the practice squad yesterday.
Cameron Jordan, Saints Hit With Fines
2:25pm: In response to the league’s fines, the Saints organization released a statement to the media “(denying) any allegations of purposefully delaying the game,” according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The team used the opportunity to fully explain their side of the situation. They claim that “Jordan felt foot pain following a third down play and sought medical attention.” They explain how he was taken to the blue medical tent and examined by the medical staff. Following the examination, Jordan was reportedly taped up and it was determined he would be able to finish the game.
Following the game, the Saints claim Jordan underwent an MRI in New Orleans that confirmed he had suffered an acute mid-foot sprain in his left foot. They further claim that Jordan has been continuously receiving daily treatment for the injury since the game.
The team finishes their statement by assuring that they will appeal the fines and that they believe they will be vindicated. It will be interesting to see how the league and teams respond to this situation. The NFL clearly felt sure enough in their decision to levy heavy fines on multiple parties. If the league denies the legitimacy of the injury, how do teams prove that injuries are real in the future? Certainly, more will come from this as the team’s appeal moves forward in the weeks to come.
12:24pm: During the fourth quarter of the Saints’ loss to the Buccaneers on Monday night, New Orleans defensive end Cameron Jordan went down with an apparent leg issue, requiring an injury stoppage. The NFL has since determined that Jordan faked the injury, and as a result, they have slapped the player, Saints coaches, and the organization with a hefty fine.
Sources tell Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com that Jordan and co-defensive coordinator/defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen were fined $50K, head coach Dennis Allen was fined $100K, and the Saints organization was fined $350K. As Florio notes, the issue only came to light when Jordan complained about the fines of Twitter.
“I just feel like this should be public knowledge,” Jordan tweeted. “‘Cause some of the fines are silly but this 1… ridiculous. Anyways & for what a ‘deliberate action to delay game’ before a [team] punts?”
Per Florio, the play in question occurred midway through the fourth quarter. Following a seven-yard pickup, the Buccaneers and Tom Brady were facing a fourth-and-10 and had no intention of huddling. A source told Florio that a camera angle showed “Jordan receiving direction from the sideline to go down,” and the player followed suit. The refs called an injury stoppage, and the Buccaneers decided to punt when play resumed. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler tweets that Jordan had an MRI on his ankle and rehabbed during the bye week.
Florio tweeted last week that the NFL sent a memo to teams warning of “deliberate actions to delay the game.” The memo mentioned possible punishments, including suspensions and/or the loss of draft picks. Florio notes that this was also emphasized at league meetings, and the NFL reminded teams of potential punishment during training camp. According to NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero (on Twitter), the $500K in total fines is the minimum punishment a team could face.
Five teams have been hit with fines for faking injuries this season, per Florio. That includes the Bengals, according to Pelissero on Twitter, with Bengals safety Jessie Bates getting slapped with a $50K fine last week.
Ravens Waive RB Mike Davis
Mike Davis‘ short stint with the Ravens has come to an end. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports (via Twitter) that Baltimore is waiving the veteran RB. Earlier today, Davis seemed to hint on Twitter that this move was coming.
The journeyman RB joined the Ravens this past offseason. Despite a number of injuries in Baltimore’s backfield, Davis didn’t see a significant role during his time with the organization. He ultimately got into eight games, collecting 22 yards from scrimmage on 10 carries. The 29-year-old garnered only four offensive snaps since the start of November.
While Davis didn’t do much in Baltimore, there’s still a chance another squad gives him an opportunity. The RB is only two years removed from a 2020 campaign where he topped 1,000 yards from scrimmage and scored eight touchdowns for the Panthers. Davis has also developed into a capable pass-catcher in recent years; after hauling in 66 receptions through his first five seasons in the NFL, Davis had 103 receptions in 32 games with Carolina and Atlanta between 2020 and 2021.
Today’s move is expected to pave the way for the activation of running back J.K. Dobbins from injured reserve. After missing the entire 2021 season with a torn ACL, Dobbins has been limited to only four games this year while dealing with knee issues. The Ravens have had to lean on Kenyan Drake as a starter this year, but the RB room will be a bit more crowded with Dobbins and Gus Edwards healthy. The Ravens are also rostering RB Justice Hill.
Cowboys To Activate WR James Washington
While the NFL awaits the outcome of the OBJ sweepstakes, the Cowboys are still making other moves at the position. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that the Cowboys are activating wide receiver James Washington from injured reserve.
[RELATED: Cowboys Still In Contact With Odell Beckham Jr.]
Washington joined the Cowboys this offseason but a foot injury forced him on IR before the start of the season. There seemed to be growing optimism that Washington would be ready for tomorrow’s game against the Texans, with Patrik Walker of the team’s website writing that the receiver ramped up his workload over the past few days. Washington was designated to return late last week.
“I feel great,” Washington told Walker. “From four weeks ago to now, I feel a lot stronger in my plants and catching the ball in general. It’s kind of like riding a bike at this point. Once you start doing it, it all just feels natural.”
A former second-round pick, Washington was productive during his sophomore campaign with the Steelers, hauling in 44 receptions for 735 yards and three touchdowns. His numbers dropped in 2020 and 2021, with the wideout compiling 54 receptions for 677 yards and seven touchdowns between the two seasons.
CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup lead the WR room, with Noah Brown, rookie Jalen Tolbert, and KaVontae Turpin filling out the depth chart. Washington should easily slide onto the roster, but things would get interesting if the Cowboys also add Odell Beckham Jr. to the mix.
Titans Rule Out Several Players For Sunday’s Game
The Titans will be without a handful of significant players for tomorrow’s game against the Jaguars. Jim Wyatt of the team’s website tweets that wideout Treylon Burks, cornerback Kristian Fulton, and linebacker David Long are among those who have been ruled out for Sunday.
Burks suffered a concussion last weekend against the Eagles and missed practice throughout the week. The rookie first-round pick missed a chunk of the season while recovering from a turf toe injury. In the four games since his return to the field, Burks has hauled in 15 catches for 230 yards and one touchdown. The Titans will surely add another WR to the roster before tomorrow’s game, as Robert Woods, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and C.J. Board are currently the only healthy options on the roster.
Long, a former sixth-round, is having a career season, with the linebacker currently pacing the Titans with 86 tackles. Long didn’t practice this week after suffering a hamstring injury against Philly. Fulton, a former second-round pick, has started all 10 of his appearances in 2022. The defensive back suffered a groin injury last Sunday. His absence won’t be made any easier with cornerback Tre Avery also ruled out with a concussion.
The Titans will also be without defensive lineman Denico Autry and wide receiver C.J. Board against Jacksonville.