NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/20/21
We’ll keep track of today’s practice squad moves here:
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: FB Nick Ralston
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: DT Chris Williams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: OL John Molchon
- Released: WR Travis Jonsen
Seahawks Claim QB Jacob Eason
Jacob Eason has found his next job. After getting waived yesterday by the Colts, the quarterback has been claimed by the Seahawks, reports ESPN’s Brady Henderson (via Twitter).
The Seahawks have been sniffing around for some reinforcement at quarterback following Russell Wilson‘s placement on IR. Geno Smith will continue to sit atop the depth chart, and Eason will temporarily serve as his backup. Seattle is also rostering Jake Luton and Danny Etling on their practice squad.
Eason found himself on the outside looking in during his time in Indy. He was already the third-stringer QB behind Carson Wentz and Brett Hundley, and the team decided to move on from the 2020 fourth-round pick after activating 2021 sixth-round pick Sam Ehlinger from IR.
Eason had a breakout college campaign in 2019, completing 64.2 percent of his passes for 3,132 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions after transferring from Georgia to Washington. He made his NFL debut in Week 2, completing two of his five pass attempts for 25. He also tossed an interception.
Panthers Sign RB Ameer Abdullah
One day after getting cut by the Vikings, RB Ameer Abdullah has found his next gig. Abdullah visited with the Panthers on Wednesday and has officially signed with Carolina, the team announced. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter) first reported that a deal was expected.
Abdullah started his career in Detroit, where he put up a pair of 700-plus-yard seasons. He fell down the depth chart in 2018 and was eventually claimed off waivers by the Vikings. He ended up spending parts of four seasons in Minnesota, topping out on a 203-yard season in 2019.
The 28-year-old saw time in all six games for the Vikings this season, collecting 30 yards on seven carries while adding another 17 yards via three receptions. The veteran has also hauled in seven kick returns for 162 yards, which is especially relevant with primary returnman Alex Erickson in concussion protocol.
Now, he’ll have a chance to stick around the NFL with the Panthers. Carolina will continue rolling with rookie fourth-round pick Chuba Hubbard as their primary Christian McCaffrey replacement, and they’re also rostering Royce Freeman and Giovanni Ricci. The Panthers added Reggie Bonnafon to their practice squad yesterday.
Cowboys S Damontae Kazee Arrested Tuesday Morning
Damontae Kazee was arrested Tuesday morning near Dallas and was charged with driving while under the influence, reports Michael Gehlken of the Dallas News.
Kazee was pulled over shortly before 3:00 a.m. in a suburb of Dallas. The 28-year-old admitted to drinking and failed a field sobriety test. He posted bond and was released from jail this afternoon.
A Cowboys spokesperson declined comment, per Gehlken. The arrest would fall under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy, which could lead to punishment for the veteran safety. The Cowboys are off this week, so we might not get an immediate resolution.
The former fifth-round pick spent the first four seasons of his career with the Falcons, starting 34 games. He was limited to only four games in 2020 before suffering an Achilles injury, and he had to settle for a one-year deal with Dallas this past offseason. The move reunited him with his former head coach (and current defensive coordinator) Dan Quinn, and Kazee has clearly earned the trust of his coaching staff. He’s started all six games this season, collecting 17 tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble.
Giants Place OL Andrew Thomas On IR
The Giants’ left tackle is out for at least the next three weeks. New York placed offensive lineman Andrew Thomas on injured reserve today, reports ESPN’s Field Yates (via Twitter).
Thomas suffered an ankle injury during Sunday’s loss to the Rams, but ESPN’s Jordan Raanan notes that the lineman isn’t believed to have suffered a high ankle sprain. While Thomas was lucky to avoid that significant injury, the Giants are still being cautious with the second-year pro, especially after he missed Week 5 with a foot injury.
The left tackle was the fourth-overall pick in the 2020 draft, and he started 15 of his 16 games in 2020. He’s started each of his five appearances in 2021, and he appeared in 100 percent of his team’s offensive snaps through the first four weeks. He was limited to only 29 snaps this past weekend before exiting due to his injury.
The Giants have already scrambling to fill spots on their offensive line, as center Nick Gates and guard Shane Lemieux have already been ruled out for the season. Per Raanan, Matt Peart is expected to fill in for Thomas.
Patriots Place Chase Winovich On IR
Chase Winovich is out for at least the new few weeks. The Patriots placed the pass rusher on injured reserve today, reports ESPN’s Field Yates (via Twitter). New England signed defensive back Myles Bryant to take the open roster spot.
[RELATED: Trade Candidate: Patriots LB/DE Chase Winovich]
The 2019 third-round pick collected 11 sacks through his first two NFL seasons, but he’s seemingly remained in Bill Belichick‘s dog house. That’s been especially evident in 2021. After starting nine games for the Patriots last season, Winovich hasn’t started a single game through the first chunk of the season.
Further, Winovich only got into 71 defensive snaps through the first four games of the season, and that number was reduced to seven in Week 5 and zero in Week 6. So far this season, the 26-year-old has collected only seven tackles and one QB hit.
Bryant, a former undrafted rookie out of Washington, spent much of his rookie season with the Patriots organization. He ended up getting into nine games last season, collecting 12 tackles and one interception. He was waived at the end of the 2021 preseason and landed on the Patriots practice squad, although he’s already made a pair of appearances this season.
Saints Designate LB Kwon Alexander, DE Marcus Davenport, WR Tre’Quan Smith For Return
The Saints are about to get some reinforcement. The team designated linebacker Kwon Alexander, defensive end Marcus Davenport, and wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith for return from injured reserve today, reports NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (via Twitter).
Alexander (elbow) and Davenport (shoulder) were both placed on IR in mid-September, meaning the earliest they could have returned was Week 5.
The Saints moved Davenport back into their starting lineup to start this season, providing the player with an opportunity to re-establish himself opposite Cameron Jordan. Davenport registered a sack and two QB hits in the Saints’ dominant Week 1 win over the Packers.
Alexander worked his way back from a December Achilles tear to be ready in time for the Saints’ opener, but this latest injury continued a rough run of health for the former Buccaneers standout. Alexander suffered a torn ACL in 2018, though he still landed a nice contract from the 49ers. However, the veteran linebacker sustained a pectoral muscle tear in his first 49ers season.
Smith landed on IR a bit earlier than his defensive teammates after suffering a hamstring injury. The injury dogged Smith for several weeks, as he tried and failed to come back from it twice. It caused the former third-round pick to miss extensive training camp time.
While the Saints will happily welcome back this trio, they’ll still be without one of the most notable players. While wideout Michael Thomas was eligible to return from PUP this week, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport notes (via Twitter) that there hasn’t been any news on his potential activation.
Bears Place Robert Quinn On Reserve/COVID-19 List
The Bears could be without one of their top pass rushers in their showdown with the Buccaneers on Sunday. The team placed defensive end Robert Quinn on the Reserve/COVID-19 list today, according to ESPN’s Field Yates (via Twitter).
Quinn came to the Bears in 2020 via free agency, inking a five-year, $70MM deal to help revamp their pass rush. He was the comeback kid in 2019, notching 11.5 sacks for the Cowboys. It was a throwback to his stellar work with the Rams, which included a Pro Bowl appearance in 2014.
Last year, Quinn totaled just two sacks while playing mostly from the right outside linebacker spot. This year it’s a different story — he’s got 5.5 sacks and a forced fumble through six games.
This isn’t great timing for the Bears, as Jeremiah Attaochu recently suffered a torn pectoral muscle and is slated to be shut down for the season. Beyond the eighth-year edge rusher, the Bears have 2020 fifth-round pick Trevis Gipson as a rotational edge presence.
Packers Release CB Quinton Dunbar From Practice Squad
Quinton Dunbar‘s stint with the Packers has already come to an end. Green Bay released the veteran cornerback from their practice squad today, reports NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (via Twitter).
With Jaire Alexander sitting on injured reserve, Dunbar was expected to provide the Packers with some reinforcement at cornerback. Ultimately, his stint with the organization only lasted one week; after getting signed last Tuesday, he earned his walking papers today.
Dunbar joined the Cardinals practice squad late last month, but the team cut him only a week later. Prior to that, the defensive back had spent the offseason with the Lions and later got a workout with the Bills. Now, he’ll be getting his third contract of the league year from Green Bay.
Two years ago, Dunbar broke out with Washington via a four-interception season that ended with the former UDFA allowing just a 61.2 passer rating while targeted. Washington’s new regime traded Dunbar to Seattle in 2020, and an injury ended a less successful season after six games. The six-year veteran will now look to bounce back in Green Bay.
Ravens Sign RB Le’Veon Bell To Active Roster
Le’Veon Bell will no longer have to deal with the taxi squad. The Ravens have signed the veteran running back to their 53-man roster, reports ESPN’s Field Yates (via Twitter).
Bell joined Baltimore’s practice squad in early September, and he’s been promoted to the active roster a handful of times. The 29-year-old has gotten into two games this season, collecting 12 touches for 29 yards and one touchdown. He’s seen time on 42 offensive snaps.
Since sitting out the 2018 season due to a contract dispute, Bell has had issues holding a job, much less matching his All-Pro production. He surpassed 1,000 all-purpose yards with the Jets in 2019, but he was limited to only 466 yards in 2020 as he split the season with New York and Kansas City.
With J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill all dealing with seasons-ending injuries, the Ravens brought in Bell for some extra depth. Even though he now has an official spot on the active roster, he’ll still find himself behind the likes of Latavius Murray, Devonta Freeman, and Ty’Son Williams on the depth chart.