Raiders Place CB Rock Ya-Sin On IR
The Raiders’ depth at cornerback isn’t appearing to improve anytime soon after the team placed Rock Ya-Sin on injured reserve. Ya-Sin is now one of six defensive starters on the Raiders IR joining cornerback Anthony Averett, linebackers Jayon Brown, Divine Deablo, and Denzel Perryman, and defensive end Chandler Jones. 
Ya-Sin was acquired during the offseason in a rare straight-up trade with the Colts in exchange for defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. Ya-Sin and free agent addition Averett were going to be relied upon heavily this season as Las Vegas looked to replace two starting cornerbacks from 2021. Casey Hayward departed in free agency for the Falcons while Trayvon Mullen was traded just prior to the start of the 2022 season in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick that would only turn into a sixth if Mullen was active for the final two weeks of the NFL season. Considering he’s on the inactive list tonight for the Cowboys, it’s safe to say that the pick Las Vegas received from Arizona in the trade will remain a seventh rounder.
Ya-Sin and Averett both stepped up to the plate, starting games alongside returning starter Nate Hobbs, to start the year. Injuries would affect both athletes’ seasons, though. Averett missed four straight weeks after getting knocked out of the season opener and has missed the team’s last four contests dating back to the start of December. Ya-Sin hasn’t played since suffering a knee injury in a Week 13 win over the Chargers. With the Raiders on the brink of elimination from postseason contention, Ya-Sin’s 2022 season could be over, barring a series of miracles that find Las Vegas in the playoffs for the second straight season.
Since Ya-Sin’s recent injury, the Raiders have experimented a bit with whom to start across from Hobbs. The first game without Ya-Sin saw the team start undrafted rookie Sam Webb, utilizing Tyler Hall, an undrafted player from 2021, as a fifth defensive back when needed. The next week, Las Vegas started veteran Sidney Jones and fifth defensive back Hall, but utilized Amik Robertson the most opposite Hobbs. In their most recent game, Robertson got the start as Hall continued his fifth-man role.
In those games, the Raiders’ cornerback group hasn’t been challenged too much with games against Baker Mayfield, Mac Jones, and Kenny Pickett. Expect that to change as the Raiders are set to face the 49ers and rookie Brock Purdy, who are firing on all cylinders, and the Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/29/22
Here are today’s minor moves from around the league, including the Cowboys’ and Titans’ standard gameday elevations for the season’s last Thursday Night game:
Buffalo Bills
- Designated to return from IR: CB Christian Benford
Dallas Cowboys
- Promoted from practice squad: C Brock Hoffman, RB Qadree Ollison
Denver Broncos
- Signed off Ravens practice squad: RB Tyler Badie
Tennessee Titans
- Signed to active roster: OLB Sam Okuayinonu, LB Andre Smith, RB Jonathan Ward
- Promoted from practice squad: OL Zack Johnson, DL Jayden Peevy
Badie is a rookie sixth-round pick that failed to make the Ravens initial 53-man roster. The 22-year-old had a breakout senior season at Mizzou that saw him rush for 1,604 yards and 14 touchdowns, adding 330 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns, as well. After being waived in the team’s final roster cuts before the season, Badie signed to the Ravens practice squad, where he’s remained all season. Badie adds to the quantity of the Broncos’ room of running backs that currently holds Latavius Murray, Chase Edmonds, and Marlon Mack, as well as fullback Andrew Beck.
The three Titans’ signees are filling roster spots vacated by quarterback Ryan Tannehill and linebackers Bud Dupree and Zach Cunningham, all of whom were placed on injured reserve today.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/29/22
Today’s taxi squad moves from around the NFL:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: WR Ra’Shaun Henry
- Placed on practice squad IR: WR Emeka Emezie
Detroit Lions
- Signed: T Jarrid Williams
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: WR Keke Coutee
- Released: TE Dominique Dafney
New York Jets
- Signed: WR Malik Taylor
- Released: S Kai Nacua
NFC Injury Rumors: Baker, Lynch, Bucs
Cardinals star safety Budda Baker suffered a fractured shoulder last Sunday in the team’s overtime loss to the Buccaneers, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Despite the fact that Baker didn’t exit the game, he is expected to sit out the final two games of the regular season. Considering the fact that Arizona has already been eliminated from postseason contention, there’s no reason to risk further injury to the heart and soul of the team’s defense.
For the last two games of the season, Arizona will likely start the next man on the depth chart, veteran safety Chris Banjo. Baker was voted to the Pro Bowl this year, meaning a replacement will have to be made for him in that game, as well. 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga should get the start in place of Baker, but the alternate to replace his spot has yet to be named. Vikings safety Harrison Smith and Lions safety Kerby Joseph were both top vote getters in fan voting, though.
Here are a few other injury rumors from around the NFC:
- Another player set to miss the remainder of the regular season, Vikings defensive lineman James Lynch is dealing with a shoulder injury, according to Rapoport. The young defender has graded out impressively as the league’s 41st-best interior defender, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), despite not holding a starting position. Minnesota is pulling him back from play now in order to rehab him in hopes that he will be able to make a return in the playoffs. Dalvin Tomlinson and Harrison Phillips will continue to start on the defensive line, but Lynch’s absence should open the door for Khyiris Tonga and Esezi Otomewo to earn more snaps in rotation.
- The Buccaneers have not had both of their starting tackles active in a game together since Week 12. While Tampa Bay finally got right tackle Tristan Wirfs back from injury last weekend, left tackle Donovan Smith was unable play with a foot injury. Wirfs, who had missed three straight games with an ankle injury, reportedly aggravated the injury when a player fell on him from behind, according to Buccaneers senior writer/editor Scott Smith. Head coach Todd Bowles told media that he hopes Smith can return this week and, while he was unclear on Wirfs availability for next week, Bowles called the situation “not ideal.”
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/27/22
Here are today’s minor transactions from around the league:
Arizona Cardinals
- Waived: G Wyatt Davis
Baltimore Ravens
- Waived: DT Isaiah Mack (claimed by Seahawks)
New York Jets
- Designated to return from IR: OT Cedric Ogbuehi
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed off Giants practice squad: LB Tae Crowder
- Placed on IR: LB Marcus Allen
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed to active roster: LB J.J. Russell
- Placed on IR: T Josh Wells
Allen suffered a biceps injury in the Steelers win over Las Vegas, requiring surgery, according to Mark Kaboly of The Athletic. With two games remaining and Pittsburgh in danger of elimination from postseason contention, Allen’s 2022 season has likely come to an end.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/27/22
Today’s practice squad transactions:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: FB Clint Ratkovich
- Released: TE Tucker Fisk, WR Ra’Shaun Henry
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: LB Josh Bynes
Denver Broncos
- Signed: CB Delonte Hood, TE Dalton Keene
- Released: RB Devine Ozigbo
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: LS Garrison Sanborn
Kansas City Chiefs
- Released: RB Jerrion Ealy
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: LB Austin Calitro
- Released: G Willie Wright
New England Patriots
- Signed: CB Tae Hayes
- Placed on practice squad/IR: TE Scotty Washington
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: WR Kawaan Baker
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: S Scott Nelson
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: LB Curtis Robinson
- Released: CB Tre Swilling
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: OL Dylan Cook, DE Ifeadi Odenigbo
Dolphins Activate OL Liam Eichenberg, Place RB Myles Gaskin On IR
The Dolphins made a pair of injured reserve transactions today, according to the team’s official Twitter account, activating former starting left guard Liam Eichenberg while placing running back Myles Gaskin on IR. A year ago, both of these transactions would have appeared to be major, but at this point in the season, the moves may only affect Miami’s depth heading into a possible postseason run. 
Despite being selected early in the second round of the 2021 draft, Eichenberg has not seen the success of his early-round teammates drafted before him, starters wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips, and safety Jevon Holland. Eichenberg became an immediate starter as a second-round rookie last season, starting 16 of 17 games at left tackle for Miami. The adjustment from Notre Dame to the NFL proved difficult for Eichenberg, who would grade out as the fourth-worst tackle in the league that year, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
Miami tried to help Eichenberg out during his sophomore season, signing veteran Saints tackle Terron Armstead to a five-year deal and moving Eichenberg inside to left guard. While Eichenberg is no longer ranked at the very bottom of his position group (currently graded out as the 73rd-best guard out of 83), his PFF offensive grade has gotten worse since moving inside to guard. Eichenberg’s struggles came to a point when a knee injury in a Week 8 win over the Lions would land him on IR. Eichenberg’s knee injury was initially feared to be a season-ending MCL sprain, but further testing showed the potential for his return and, after proving fully healed, Eichenberg was designated for return on December 7, making tomorrow the last possible day for Miami to activate him before forcing him to sit out for the remainder of the season on IR.
In Eichenberg’s absence, the Dolphins started a second-year undrafted guard out of Middle Tennessee State, Robert Jones. Eichenberg’s return does not necessarily indicate a return to his starting role. The Dolphins may choose to go that route, but Jones has performed well in his seven starts in place of Eichenberg, even outperforming Eichenberg in the eyes of PFF. Jones currently grades out as the 39th-best guard in the NFL this season with grades far above Eichenberg’s. Head coach Mike McDaniel may choose to give Eichenberg a chance to earn his job back, or he may stick with what’s been working and count on Eichenberg as a depth piece as they push for a wild card spot in the playoffs.
Gaskin has taken quite a fall from grace after performing as Miami’s top running back for the past two seasons before 2022. It was assumed that Gaskin’s role would diminish when the team acquired running back Raheem Mostert in free agency back in March. What wasn’t expected was that college and professional teammate Salvon Ahmed would move ahead of Gaskin on the depth chart, playing in six more games than Gaskin. When Jeff Wilson was traded to Miami back in November, Gaskin became a depth piece in the running backs room.
It’s unclear exactly the reason that Gaskin is being placed on IR. Some reports claimed he missed last weekend’s game because of a knee injury, despite not appearing on the injury report, while other sources reported it was due to illness. Regardless, Gaskin will miss the remainder of the regular season, and since his team has five activations remaining, if his team can make it to the AFC championship, he will be eligible to return. Otherwise, Gaskin’s 2022 season has come to an end.
Cardinals, Chargers, Vikings Work Out QB Nathan Rourke
The free agency tour has continued for Canadian Football League quarterback Nathan Rourke. The 24-year-old’s BC Lions were knocked out of the CFL playoffs a little over a month ago and Rourke has been in communication with NFL teams ever since.
Rourke played three years of college ball at Ohio after transferring from Fort Scott Community College. As a starter for all three years, Rourke was one of the country’s most electric dual-threat quarterbacks. He improved each year as a passer, finishing with a career total of 7,457 yards, 60 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions. His consistency as a runner was uncanny. In 2017, 2018, and 2019, Rourke ran the ball 137, 134, and 154 times, respectively, for 912, 860, and 867 yards, respectively. Over the three seasons he ran for 2,034 yards and 49 touchdowns. That’s 9,511 yards of total offense and 111 total touchdowns, when you include the two receiving touchdowns he had as a Bobcat.
Rourke went undrafted by the NFL but was the highest drafted quarterback for the CFL in almost 20 years. A rough first season in British Columbia saw Rourke serve mainly as a backup, only starting two games, and making some mistakes early in his career. He only threw three touchdowns to five interceptions, although he was able to add five touchdowns on the ground, as well. In his second year with the team, during the league’s 2022 season, Rourke became a full-time starter. In nine starts, Rourke completed 78.7% of his passes for 3,349 yards while throwing 25 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. He also added 304 yards and seven touchdowns with his legs.
Rourke’s initial few visits following his CFL playoff exit saw him meet with Las Vegas, Jacksonville, and Denver. Since then, Rourke has continued his tour. On Monday of this week, Rourke worked out with the Vikings, according to Justin Dunk of 3downnation.com, and followed that up with a Tuesday work out with the Cardinals. Additionally, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reported a workout with the Chargers.
This continues a trend from his first few visits. All the teams that Rourke has visited are fairly settled in with starting quarterbacks. Besides the Vikings, all the other teams are even in relatively young deals with their starting quarterbacks. This seems to insinuate that teams are looking at Rourke primarily in a backup role. Given the recent success of XFL quarterbacks who went from backups to eventual starters, like Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke and Panthers quarterback P.J. Walker, Rourke could be in search of a perfect fit that could set him up for success in the future.
This could open the door for teams in the league to continue looking for players at positions as important as quarterback outside of the traditional talent pools of the college draft and free agency. Regardless, the intrigue created by Rourke remains as teams continue to kick the tires of the mobile, young quarterback.
NFC Injury Rumors: Rams, Peat, Buccaneers
Injuries continue to hamper the Rams in the final stretch of the season. News earlier this week confirmed that calf strains to center Brian Allen and wide receiver Ben Skowronek “are severe enough to sideline them for the rest of the season,” according to team staff writer Stu Jackson. That leaves Los Angeles down two more starters as the Super Bowl hangover continues.
Allen has had a disappointing season, health-wise. After missing five weeks while dealing with a knee injury early on in the year, then two more with a thumb issue, the calf strain has finally put an end to Allen’s tumultuous 2022 season. Starting guard Coleman Shelton, who has plenty of past experience at center, moved inside when Allen left last week’s game and will continue to start at center for the remainder of the season. To replace Shelton at right guard, the team will choose between backup linemen Bobby Evans, Oday Aboushi, and Zach Thomas.
Not that there was much damage left to do to the battle-worn Rams, but Skowronek is yet another damaging loss to the team. With starting receivers Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson already on injured reserve, Skowronek was Los Angeles’s leading wideout still on the active roster. With the former Notre Dame tight end joining Kupp and Robinson as out for the remainder of the year, quarterback Baker Mayfield will be passing to Van Jefferson, Tutu Atwell, Brandon Powell, Austin Trammell, and Lance McCutcheon.
Allen and Skowronek add their names to the litany of Rams’ starters who have gone down for the year. Here are a few other injury rumors from around the NFC, focusing on a couple teams in the South:
- Saints starting guard Andrus Peat left Saturday’s win over the Browns with an ankle injury and did not return. Peat is no stranger to injuries, having struggled with them throughout his NFL career. His absence, though, puts New Orleans in a tough spot as it succeeded in remaining in the NFC South race with Saturday’s victory. Already down starting right guard Cesar Ruiz, who is out for the year with a Lisfranc injury, the Saints are having to put together a patchwork offensive line. Peat’s usual backup, Calvin Throckmorton, started the game in place of Ruiz. With backup guard Lewis Kidd inactive, New Orleans had to turn to Josh Andrews, a practice squad center who had been a gameday elevation. The severity of the injury has yet to be determined, but an extended absence from Peat would make it even more difficult for the Saints to clinch a playoff spot down the stretch.
- The Buccaneers ruled out three starters for today’s matchup with the Cardinals, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Starting tackle Donovan Smith, defensive tackle Vita Vea, and cornerback Jamel Dean have all been ruled out, as has outside linebacker Carl Nassib. With the bad news comes the good news that Tampa Bay’s other starting tackle Tristan Wirfs is expected to play today. Backup tackle Josh Wells, who was also questionable coming into this week, will likely start in place of Smith. Vea’s role should be filled by Rakeem Nunez-Roches and Dean will likely be replaced by a combination of Sean Murphy-Bunting, Dee Delaney, and Zyon McCollum.
AFC Rumors: Ravens, Collins, Bengals, Henry
Ravens defensive lineman Calais Campbell missed Sunday’sgame against the Falcons as he continues to deal with a knee injury suffered a week prior in the team’s loss to Cleveland, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Yesterday’s absence was only his second of the season, an impressive showing for the 36-year-old who has showed a consistent sturdiness for his entire career.
The wording of Fowler’s tweet was a bit unclear. He stated that “Campbell could miss some time” due to the injury, which could be interpreted as a potential extended absence for the defensive leader. Fowler’s tweet, which came earlier this week, also questioned the status of this week’s game against the Falcons, indicating that perhaps the uncertainty of “could miss some time” was not pointed towards how much time he may miss but if he would miss time at all. Regardless, Campbell sat out Saturday’s game and, after the team clinched a playoff spot with a win, he may be able to take a little extra time to rest up for a postseason run.
The team also played without rookie outside linebacker David Ojabo yesterday. Nine months after a torn Achilles injury, Ojabo finally made his NFL debut against the Browns last week, playing one defensive snap and four special teams snaps. He wasn’t listed on the team’s injury report, but whatever Ojabo is dealing with, he returned back to the inactive list this week.
Here are a few other injury rumors from around the AFC, starting with two division rival players in Cincinatti:
- Bengals tackle La’el Collins left Saturday’s win over the Patriots with a knee injury, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Reportedly, initial concerns were about an ACL injury, but the ligament is believed to be intact. The new understanding is that Collins’ kneecap shifted out and then back into place, resulting in the significant pain that required him to leave the game. More tests will follow to determine the severity of Collins’ knee injury.
- Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson started yesterday for the Cincinnati defense despite his broken wrist and likely plans to continue to start for the remainder of the season, according to Paul Dehner of The Athletic. Hendrickson reportedly confirmed that his wrist is broken but explained that “multiple doctors” told him that the injury cannot worsen. He has the ability to play through the injury with no need of a club; he will have full hand and finger mobility. As long as Hendrickson can manage and play through the pain, he will be able to continue contributing to the AFC North leaders.
- Patriots tight end Hunter Henry left Saturday’s loss with a knee injury after only one drive, according to the team’s official Twitter account. Henry was unable to contribute to the box score before leaving. Henry, who has dealt with multiple knee injuries over his career, is considered day-to-day and will undergo further tests this week. If Henry misses any time, veteran tight end Jonnu Smith would be the next man in line for snaps. Unfortunately, Smith exited yesterday’s game with a concussion, so he, too, will have some work to do to play next week. If neither player can go when the team hosts the Dolphins next week, New England may have to turn to practice squad receiver Scotty Washington who is sometimes listed at tight end, as well.