Giants To Sign P Matt Haack
Giants punter Jamie Gillan is questionable for Week 6, so the team has added a veteran punter to their roster. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Giants are signing punter Matt Haack.
Haack brings 99 games of regular-season experience to New York. The former UDFA out of Arizona State started his career in Miami, where he served as the Dolphins full-time punter between 2017 and 2020. Since then, the veteran has bounced around the NFL, spending time with four different squads (including a pair of stints with the Bills).
After getting into 17 games with the Colts in 2022, Haack struggled to hold a job in 2023. He ended up making a single appearance with the Browns, averaging 51.7 yards on his three punts. He caught on with the Bills late during the 2023 campaign and spent most of the offseason with Buffalo before earning his walking papers in May.
Now, he’ll have a chance to revive his career with the Giants. Gillan is dealing with a hamstring injury, putting his availability for tomorrow night’s game in doubt. To prepare for their starter’s potential absence, the Giants worked out five punters yesterday. In addition to Haack, the organization also considered the likes of Nolan Cooney, Pressley Harvin, Lou Hedley, and Ty Zentner.
Steelers Place DL DeMarvin Leal On IR
It sounds like DeMarvin Leal‘s season has come to an end. The Steelers announced that they’ve placed the defensive lineman on injured reserve.
Leal suffered a neck injury last Sunday that limited him to only 12 snaps. Per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the defender is expected to miss the rest of the 2024 campaign.
The former third-round pick has spent most of this season serving as a linebacker while helping to fill in for the injured Alex Highsmith. Leal mostly played defensive end through his first two seasons in the NFL, starting six of his 23 appearances. In total, the third-year player has collected 33 tackles, one sack, and three QB hits.
In corresponding moves, the Steelers signed linebacker Ade Ogundeji to the 53-man roster and promoted linebacker Eku Leota and running back Jonathan Ward from the practice squad. Ogundeji caught on with Pittsburgh’s practice squad at the end of August and is set to make his season debut. The former fifth-round pick started his career in Atlanta, collecting 75 tackles in 27 starts. He missed the entire 2023 campaign with a foot/ankle injury.
There was also some good news on the injury front this morning. The Steelers removed Jaylen Warren from the injury report, meaning the running back should be back on the field for Week 6. Warren missed Week 4 and Week 5 while nursing a knee injury, and he’ll now rejoin a depth chart that’s co-led by Najee Harris.
Teams Eyeing Panthers WR Diontae Johnson?
Diontae Johnson has already been traded once in the past seven months. If the Panthers continue to head the wrong way in the standings, teams believe the veteran wideout could once again be on the move.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, rival teams are on “high alert” in anticipation of the Panthers being sellers at the trade deadline. While Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams will be the main prize for WR-needy squads, there’s a belief that Johnson could be a worthy backup plan.
The Panthers sent the Steelers Donte Jackson and a sixth-round pick for the receiver back in March, with Carolina hoping that the acquisition could provide Bryce Young with a steady veteran pass catcher. Things have obviously changed since the season began, as the former first-overall pick has been temporarily benched in favor of veteran Andy Dalton.
The Panthers won their first game with Dalton at the helm but lost last Sunday, dropping the team’s record to 1-3. While the veteran QB may provide a temporary offensive improvement, it still might not be enough to elevate the Panthers out of the NFL’s cellar. If the team continues to collect losses, it’d only be natural for the front office to pawn off some of their impending free agents.
Johnson would undeniably be a popular rental piece. The former third-round pick had three-straight 80-plus-catch seasons between 2020 and 2022, including a 2021 campaign where he earned a Pro Bowl nod after hauling in 107 catches for 1,161 yards and eight scores. Thanks in part to injuries and inconsistent QB play, Johnson had one of his least productive campaigns in 2023, finishing with a career-low 51 receptions.
Despite Carolina’s quarterback issues, Johnson has rebounded in 2024, with his 59.8 yards-per-game mark representing his highest average since his 2021 campaign. As Fowler notes, Johnson could easily slide in as a team’s WR1 or WR2, which should make him a popular target for any squad that needs receiving help.
Trading Johnson could also benefit the Panthers as they look to evaluate their younger pieces. While 2023 second-round pick Jonathan Mingo and 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette aren’t necessarily buried on the depth chart, they’re not getting a full workload thanks to the presence of Johnson. The team is also rostering UDFA Jalen Coker, while the likes of David Moore and Adam Thielen (who is currently on IR) could provide the veteran option the Panthers clearly desire.
Dolphins Activate WR Odell Beckham Jr.
Odell Beckham Jr. is set to make his Dolphins debut. The Dolphins have activated the wide receiver from the PUP list, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. OBJ is expected to play in Miami’s Week 5 matchup against the Patriots.
[RELATED: Dolphins Open Odell Beckham Jr.’s Practice Window]
The 31-year-old inked a one-year deal with the Dolphins back in May. The veteran was subsequently sidelined with an undisclosed injury and landed on PUP to begin the 2024 season. Following his return to practice this week, we got clarity that OBJ was dealing with a knee injury, a hint that he likely had a knee operation this past offseason.
Considering Beckham’s experience with torn ACLs, it made sense that the Dolphins took it slow with their offseason investment. Fortunately, it sounds like the wideout is past his rehab and finally ready to hit the field. While the organization will happily welcome the former star to their receivers room, he can’t be counted on to turn around a struggling offense that’s still navigating Tua Tagovailoa‘s latest concussion.
Still, Beckham provides some experienced depth behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. After sitting out the 2022 campaign, OBJ spent the 2023 season in Baltimore and proved he still has something left in the tank. In 14 games (six starts) with the Ravens, Beckham hauled in 35 catches for 565 yards and three touchdowns.
While the Dolphins are seeking an offensive spark, they still might take it slow as Beckham works his way back into game shape. The team has mostly relied on Braxton Berrios as their third receiver in 2024, with the likes of Grant DuBose, Robbie Chosen, Dee Eskridge, Malik Washington, and Erik Ezukanma all getting looks behind the top-three WRs.
Colts QB Anthony Richardson Suffers Oblique, Abdominal Strains, Uncertain To Play In Week 5
OCTOBER 5: After practicing on a limited basis during the week, Richardson was initially listed as questionable. He was downgraded to doubtful on Saturday, however, suggesting Flacco will be in line to make his first start since signing with Indianapolis.
SEPTEMBER 30: Anthony Richardson was forced out of yesterday’s game with a hip injury, but there’s a chance the Colts quarterback doesn’t even miss Week 5. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Richardson was diagnosed with oblique and abdominal strains, and the QB has “a shot to play” on Sunday against the Jaguars.
[RELATED: Colts’ Anthony Richardson Leaves Game With Injury]
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport echoes this report, noting that Richardson’s injury isn’t believed to be serious. In fact, Rapoport says the quarterback likely would have returned to the game had it been the playoffs or a crucial, late-season contest. We heard something similar yesterday, as Richardson told reporters that he attempted to return to the contest again but was overruled by head coach Shane Steichen.
Richardson suffered his injury during the second drive of yesterday’s game. The former fourth-overall pick was only sidelined for a pair of plays before returning to the contest. The quarterback took another shot on the subsequent snap, knocking him out of the contest for good.
Despite Richardson’s inconsistent play to begin the 2024 campaign, Colts fans have surely been holding their breath over the past 24 hours. Richardson was limited to only four games as a rookie. He first missed a game due to a concussion, and he later suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Richardson was dynamic in his return to the field in Week 1 of this season, tossing a pair of touchdowns while adding another score on the ground. However, between Week 2 and Week 3, he completed only 50 percent of his passes while tossing five interceptions.
Fortunately for the Colts, the team has one of the top contingency plans in veteran Joe Flacco. The 39-year-old made his season debut in relief of Richardson yesterday, completing 16 of his 26 pass attempts for 168 yards and two touchdowns in a Colts victory.
Cowboys Place WR Brandin Cooks On IR
Brandin Cooks‘ knee infection will sideline him for at least the next four games. The Cowboys have placed the veteran wide receiver on injured reserve, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer. Considering the team’s upcoming bye week, Cooks won’t be eligible to return until Week 10.
[RELATED: Cowboys’ Brandin Cooks To Miss Time]
Cooks suffered his knee injury in Week 4, with the wideout opting for injections to avoid a scope. Unfortunately, that injection ended up leading to an infection, which then required its own scope to determine the impact on the player’s meniscus. When we learned of the infection earlier this week, it was speculated that Cooks would miss one to three weeks. Now, the wideout will have five weeks to recover (including the aforementioned bye).
It’s been a rough season for Cooks. The veteran was slowed by knee soreness during training camp, and he’s struggled to put up big numbers through the first month of the season. Following a Week 1 performance where he hauled in four catches for 40 yards and one touchdown, Cooks has been limited to five catches for 51 yards over the past three weeks. As our own Nikhil Mehta noted the other day, Cooks’ 0.67 yards per route run is tied for fifth-lowest among receivers with at least 10 targets in 2024.
With Cooks sidelined, the Cowboys will now be especially reliant on Jalen Tolbert behind WR1 CeeDee Lamb. The Cowboys are also fortunate to have a capable pass-catching tight end in Jake Ferguson, but the team will otherwise be leaning on the likes of unproven receivers Jalen Brooks, KaVontae Turpin, and rookie sixth-round pick Ryan Flournoy.
The Cowboys, of course, have also been mentioned as a potential suitor for Raiders receiver Davante Adams, although Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones was quick to shut down those rumors. Jones’ recent comments came after Cooks’ latest injury, so it’s unlikely today’s move will change the organization’s stance.
Browns Place DE Alex Wright On IR, Activate OL Michael Dunn
The Browns are getting some reinforcement on the offensive line. The team announced that they’ve activated guard Michael Dunn from the reserve/non-football illness list. In corresponding moves, the team placed defensive end Alex Wright on injured reserve and elevated cornerback Tony Brown II and tight end Geoff Swaim from the practice squad.
Dunn landed on the NFI with an undisclosed illness as Cleveland was making their final cuts. The veteran should provide the Browns with some relief at offensive guard, where the team has been relying on rookie Zak Zinter to fill in for the injured Wyatt Teller. A former UDFA out of Maryland, Dunn has appeared in 40 career games (six starts), with all of his NFL appearances coming with the Browns.
Wright’s placement on IR isn’t a surprise after we learned earlier this week that the defender suffered a season-ending triceps injury. Wright had been dealing with the issue since the summer and underwent an MRI after experiencing more pain in Week 2. He battled through the injury and saw the field for Week 3 and Week 4, but a second MRI revealed a partial tear.
The team’s two practice squad elevations bode well for the team’s OL depth heading into the weekend. Both Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin are listed as questionable, but it’s looking increasingly likely that the duo will be on the field for tomorrow’s game against the Commanders. Wills has been dealing with a knee injury since last season that’s limited him to only a single appearance in 2024. Conklin hasn’t gotten into an NFL game since last year’s season opener while dealing with a hamstring injury.
On the flip side, Swaim’s promotion may signal that David Njoku still isn’t ready to return from his ankle injury. The starting tight end hasn’t seen the field since Week 1. Swaim has appeared in two games this season while splitting time between his offensive role and special teams.
Commanders Interested In Davante Adams Trade?
The Jets and Saints continue to be the most popular landing spots for Davante Adams, but there are plenty of other teams interested in acquiring the All-Pro receiver. Over the past week, we’ve heard the likes of the Steelers, Bills, Cowboys, Ravens, 49ers, and Chiefs connected to the Raiders wideout, and now another team could be entering the fray.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, league executives believe the Commanders could be a dark horse contender in the trade sweepstakes. However, Fowler cautions that the Commanders’ young core means they may not be the best fit for the 31-year-old wide receiver.
Fowler brings up a fair point, but the Commanders’ interest wouldn’t be completely random. Jayden Daniels has quickly validated his second-overall-pick draft stock, and with the Commanders sitting at a surprising 3-1, the front office may be willing to make win-now moves while also surrounding their rookie QB with as much talent as possible.
Further, the Commanders’ wide receivers room could use a spark of talent. Terry McLaurin continues to lead the depth chart, and the team has high hopes for third-round rookie Luke McCaffrey. Otherwise, the team’s WR depth consists of Noah Brown, Dyami Brown, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Jamison Crowder (who is currently on IR). Adams would undeniably provide an upgrade to the team’s current receiver corps.
While the Commanders may be entering the bidding war, one team is pumping the brakes on their reported interest. During an appearance on KNBR’s Murph & Markus, 49ers general manager John Lynch acknowledged that his team would consider any improvement to the roster. However, the GM also noted that the 49ers will soon have their entire WR grouping back on the field, with the likes of Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, and rookie Ricky Pearsall all deserving of playing time.
“We like our group. Davante’s a hell of a player,” Lynch said (via Tristi Rodriguez of NBC Sports Bay Area). “One thing we’ve shown is we’re always looking, we’re never afraid to look and see what’s out there. We’re never afraid to pull the trigger. But I think coming in this year, we feel our roster is in a pretty good spot.
“We have endured some injuries, but we’ll never say never. And it’s got to work. It’s got to work for both sides, but it’s got to work for us. I won’t comment on any specific player but right now we like where our roster is at.”
While the speculation is fun, the rumor mill isn’t expected to last a whole lot longer. One league executive told Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post that they expect Adams to be traded within the next week or two, with the wideout potentially being dealt before he’s ready to return from his hamstring injury. Fowler echoed that sentiment, saying he expects trade talks to heat up next week.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/2/24
Today’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Practice window opened: T Christian Jones
Cleveland Browns
- Signed to active roster: LB Nathaniel Watson
Green Bay Packers
- Practice window opened: DT Jonathan Ford
Houston Texans
- Practice window opened: DT Kurt Hinish
Las Vegas Raiders
- Practice window opened: S Trey Taylor
New York Giants
- Practice window opened: LB Matthew Adams
Miami Dolphins
- Practice window opened: CB Cam Smith
New England Patriots
- Designated for return from reserve/PUP list: WR Kendrick Bourne, LB Sione Takitaki (story)
- Practice window opened: S Marte Mapu
New York Jets
- Practice window opened: DT Leki Fotu
- Released from IR: LB Brandon Smith
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed to active roster: RB Aaron Shampklin
- Practice window opened: LB Jeremiah Moon
San Francisco 49ers
- Practice window opened: DL Kalia Davis
Seattle Seahawks
- Designated for return from PUP list: DT Cameron Young
Today marks most teams’ first practice before Week 5, making it the first date players stashed on IR as teams set their initial 53-man rosters can work out again with their teams. This year’s IR tweak allowed teams to designate up to two players for return August 27, the catch being all players who receive that designation count toward their respective club’s eight-activation total. The batch included in today’s minor moves post consists entirely of players to receive that August IR-return designation.
The IR-return window is unchanged, however, with teams having 21 days from Wednesday to activate these players. Anyone from today’s group not being activated from IR by October 23 must miss the rest of the season. PFR will keep track of all players returning from IR via the Injured Reserve Return Tracker.
49ers WR Ricky Pearsall Could Return To Practice This Week
OCTOBER 2: The 49ers have not opened Pearsall’s practice window yet, as noted by NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco. Pearsall could still return to the practice field in the coming days, but the fact San Francisco did not bring him back into the fold at the first opportunity is of course an indication he may not be activated until after Week 5.
SEPTEMBER 30: Ricky Pearsall is now eligible to come off injured reserve, and there’s a chance the rookie receiver returns to the practice field this week. ESPN’s Nick Wagoner says “all signs have been pointing to” the 49ers opening Pearsall’s practice window, although Kyle Shanahan later cautioned that the team still hasn’t made a definitive decision (per Matt Barrows of The Athletic).
[RELATED: 49ers Place WR Ricky Pearsall On NFI List]
The first-round pick was the victim of an attempted robbery in late August in which he suffered a gunshot wound to the chest. There was good news in the aftermath; the 23-year-old was initially in serious but stable condition and avoided damage to any vital organs. The bullet also didn’t strike any ribs, a factor which allowed Pearsall to be hospitalized for less than a week.
The rookie was subsequently placed on the NFI list, meaning he’d need to be sidelined until at least Week 5. There was always optimism that Pearsall would make his debut at some point during the 2024 season. It was only recently that hope grew for an October return to the practice field, and it sounds like the wideout may admirably hit that mark. As we learned earlier this month, returning Pearsall from the NFI list to the active roster will count as one of the 49ers’ allotted eight activations for the 2024 campaign.
The snakebitten 49ers will welcome back their rookie wideout, who could find himself with a rotational role by the end of the campaign. Jauan Jennings had a standout Week 3 while filling in for Deebo Samuel, and he’ll likely retain his WR3 behind the veteran and Brandon Aiyuk. Pearsall could supplant the likes of Chris Conley, Ronnie Bell, and Jake Cowing at the bottom of the depth chart, and the 31st-overall pick could be in line for a starting role in 2025 considering Samuel’s trade candidacy.