NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/1/24
Today’s practice squad updates around the NFL:
Arizona Cardinals
- Released: T Austen Pleasants
Atlanta Falcons
- Released: S Dane Cruikshank
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: LB William Kwenkeu
- Released: RB John Kelly
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: LB Jackson Mitchell
- Released: CB Azizi Hearn
Chicago Bears
- Released (with injury settlement): DT Sam Roberts
Denver Broncos
- Signed: RB Salvon Ahmed
- Released: WR Kaden Davis
Houston Texans
- Released: LB Zeke Turner
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: RB Trent Pennix
- Released: K Spencer Shrader
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: RB Jake Funk, CB Tyler Hall
- Released: RB Jalen Jackson
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: TE Cole Fotheringham
- Released: S Phalen Sanford
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: S Tony Jefferson
- Released: T Braeden Daniels
Los Angeles Rams
- Released: K Tanner Brown
New England Patriots
- Signed: WR Jermaine Jackson
- Released: WR John Jiles
New Orleans Saints
- Released: RB Jacob Kibodi
New York Giants
- Signed: WR Kearis Jackson, CB Greg Stroman
- Released (with injury settlement): TE Lawrence Cager
- Released: CB Alex Johnson, TE Joel Wilson
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: LB Eku Leota, RB La’Mical Perine
- Released: RB Jack Colletto, LB Marcus Haynes
San Francisco 49ers
- Released: DT Shakel Brown
Seattle Seahawks
- Released: DT Matt Gotel
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: LB Kalen DeLoach
Washington Commanders
- Signed: G Marquis Hayes, S Sheldrick Redwine
The Broncos are bringing in the veteran running back Ahmed after he spent four years in Miami. Ahmed’s biggest role came in four starts as an undrafted rookie back in 2020 in which he rushed for 319 yards and three touchdowns over six games. He served as a reliable backup for the Dolphins for the past few years.
The Chargers released Jefferson yesterday, but they’ll keep him around on the practice squad with today’s signing. The veteran adds some quality depth to the roster.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/1/24
Tuesday’s minor NFL transactions:
Buffalo Bills
- Signed (off Falcons’ practice squad): DT Zion Logue
Cincinnati Bengals
- Waived: P Brad Robbins
Cleveland Browns
- Waived: RB Gary Brightwell
Los Angeles Rams
- Waived: CB Cam Lampkin
New England Patriots
- Released (with injury settlement): DT Armon Watts
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed (off Commanders’ practice squad): LB Jalen Graham
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed to active roster: LB Antonio Grier
- Placed on IR: LB SirVocea Dennis
Robbins’ release today marks the end of what was supposed to be the continuation of the battle for the punter position in Cincinnati, setting the table for Ryan Rehkow to continue his job as the primary punter for the Bengals. Robbins was activated from injured reserve yesterday, but his stint on the active roster ends after only one day. It’s an interesting move after the team dedicated one of their eight IR activations for the season on Robbins before the season began.
Christian Watson Suffers High Ankle Sprain
OCTOBER 1: Further testing has revealed Watson’s sprain to be a mild one, Schultz reports. As a result, a stint on injured reserve is unlikely, although some missed time could of course still be in store.
SEPTEMBER 29: The Packers could be without wide receiver Christian Watson for a couple of weeks. The third-year wideout was carted off the field in today’s loss to the Vikings, and according to veteran NFL reporter Jordan Schultz, the early belief is that he suffered a high ankle sprain. 
Tests have not revealed a fracture, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport adds, but Watson will be an IR candidate. This would sideline the former second-round pick until Week 9. Watson has run into steady injury trouble during his career, having already missed 11 games — including eight last season. That total will soon expand.
Watson’s biggest season came as a second-round rookie with Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback. A season after the Packers traded away Davante Adams, Rodgers had one of his worst campaigns with the team while throwing to Watson, Allen Lazard, Romeo Doubs, and Randall Cobb. Watson led the team with seven receiving touchdowns while finishing second on the team with 611 receiving yards that year.
Once Jordan Love took over as quarterback, Watson’s role in the offense began to wane. In his second year, he caught only 28 of his 53 targets, finishing fourth on the team with 422 receiving yards while adding five touchdowns. So far this year, Watson has continued in that WR3/4 role, reeling in five passes for 80 yards and a score.
Despite some change in running back personnel, the Packers return much of the same offense from last year’s playoff crew. If Watson misses time, Love will still have Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks as his top-three wideouts. In Watson’s absence, Green Bay would need Bo Melton to step into the WR4 role.
High ankle sprains have been common so far this season with varying results. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 1, and though he’s missed a couple plays, he hasn’t missed any starts following the injury. The Falcons placed center Drew Dalman on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain, forcing him out for at least four contests. Lastly, Cowboys’ star defender Micah Parsons is expected to be out two to four weeks with the same ailment.
It seems to be dependent on the severity and the individual, but it seems likely Watson could miss an extended stretch. The 25-year-old will undergo some tests Monday to gain more clarity on his injury.
Chiefs Fear ACL Tear For WR Rashee Rice
The Chiefs have enjoyed a hot start to the season from wide receiver Rashee Rice. The team’s top wideout exited today’s game after an ugly-looking knee injury, and according to James Palmer of Bleacher Report, there’s concern that he suffered a season-ending ACL tear. The 24-year-old will undergo an MRI Monday to find out the severity of his injury. 
Rice is in his second season as a pro out of SMU. As a second-round rookie, Rice caught 79 balls for 938 yards and seven touchdowns. His reception and yardage numbers were second on the team, while he led Kansas City in receiving touchdowns.
So far, in 2024, Rice has dominated the receiving numbers in Kansas City. Through three games, Rice has 24 catches for 288 yards and two touchdowns, all best on the team. The next closest player on the team is rookie first-rounder Xavier Worthy who has nine catches for 154 yards and two sccores. Rice has been so good through three weeks, in fact, that he came into Week 4 with the second-most receiving yards in the NFL behind only Nico Collins of the Texans.
With a Super Bowl ring as the result of his rookie season, it would seem that the transition has been an easy one for Rice. The real learning experiences for him have come off the field. Three separate events this offseason made it appear as though Kansas City may have been in danger of starting the season without Rice.
It started with Rice’s involvement in a hit-and-run incident that resulted in eight felony charges. He was believed to have been driving 119mph and fled the scene following a six-car accident. Soon after, a report emerged indicating Rice, or a member of his party, fired gunshots into an empty car belonging to an SMU basketball player. That incident occurred while Rice was still at SMU. But the NFL can factor it into its investigation. Finally, in May, Rice was accused of punching a photographer in the face at a Dallas nightclub, though the accuser asked police not to file charges.
Initially, the Chiefs were bracing for a league suspension for Rice, but as the regular season approached, it began to seem as though any decisions on a suspension would be delayed as the league made the decision to wait for “the conclusion of the legal process.” Ultimately, it became clear that Rice was not expected to serve any suspension in 2024.
Rice’s injury today was the result of a turnover. When Chargers cornerback Kristian Fulton intercepted Patrick Mahomes and began returning the ball downfield, Rice pursued the defender. When attempting to knock the ball out of Fulton’s hands, Rice was cut down at the knees by Mahomes, who was attempting to tackle Fulton.
Losing Rice is a big blow to the Chiefs offense. Without Rice for the game, tight end Travis Kelce had a resurgent performance after a slow start to the year. If Rice joins free agent addition Marquise Brown on injured reserve, Mahomes will be targeting a group of weapons that consists of Worthy, Justin Watson, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Skyy Moore, and Mecole Hardman. While none of those names jump off the page as scary x-factors, Mahomes has won Super Bowls with similar receiving corps.
If it is confirmed with tomorrow’s MRI that Rice is out for the year with an ACL tear, his absence may be extended even past his recovery. With plenty of time before Rice will potentially play again, the legal process for Rice’s offseason trouble will have time to play out. If the NFL decides to levy a suspension as a result, Rice’s absence could be extended by three to six games or more.
Patriots Injury Updates: Ximines, Barmore, Strange
The Patriots started the season with a crowded injured list. In addition to seven players on injured reserve, New England has one player on the reserve/non-football injury list and three players on the reserve/physically unable to perform list. Here are some updates on three of those eleven players, via ESPN’s Mike Reiss. 
Oshane Ximines didn’t start the season on injured reserve, but due to an injury suffered on punt coverage in Week 2, he has found his way there. Ximines, a reserve outside linebacker and key special teamer, is in his first year with the Patriots after five seasons with the Giants.
A former third-round pick out of Old Dominion, Ximines flashed potential in his rookie season with sack (4.5), tackle for loss (5), and quarterback hit (9) numbers that have stood to this point as career highs. Since then, his role has varied greatly from year to year. Fellow New England defender Jonathan Jones predicted a big season for Ximines in 2024, but a torn ACL has put that prediction to bed as the 27-year-old will miss the remainder of the season.
Another injured defender is defensive lineman Christian Barmore, the sole player on the NFI list. Barmore has been on the injured list since being diagnosed with blood clots in July. The team has braced for a potential full-season absence for Barmore, and there doesn’t seem to be any improvement on that prognosis. While Barmore has been spending more time around the team as of late, he hasn’t been cleared by doctors and likely won’t be any time soon.
Lastly, usual starting guard Cole Strange started the season on PUP after tearing the patellar tendon in his left knee in December last year. Around the NFL, players on NFI, PUP, and IR-designated to return lists will be eligible to start practicing. While the other two players on PUP — wide receiver Kendrick Bourne and linebacker Sione Takitaki — and the lone IR-designated to return player — safety Marte Mapu — are likely to begin their practice periods this week, Reiss does not believe Strange is ready to take that step quite yet.
Colts’ Anthony Richardson Leaves Game With Injury, Not Expected To Miss Much Time
The Colts’ frustrations with the quarterback position continued today when starter Anthony Richardson exited today’s game with a hip injury. The second-year passer out of Florida hopes not to miss much time, if any, per Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network, and he will be evaluated throughout the week. 
Richardson actually left the game twice today. Early in the team’s second drive of the game, Richardson walked off the field after hurting his hip. Veteran backup quarterback Joe Flacco stepped in for two plays before Richardson returned to the game. Inexplicably, Richardson’s first play back on the field was a read-option keeper that immediately saw the young quarterback take another shot and, once again, exit with injury.
Luckily for the Colts, Flacco showed up in much the same manner as he did as an emergency starter for the Browns last season, throwing two touchdowns en route to a victory over his old division-rival Steelers. Flacco was signed to a one-year, $4.5MM deal to come to Indianapolis over the offseason due to injuries Richardson sustained in 2023.
Richardson started four of five games to open his rookie season before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. For the remainder of the year, the team relied on Gardner Minshew, who performed admirably enough to earn a Pro Bowl bid but wasn’t able to get the Colts to the playoffs. Keeping in mind the injury history and lack of starting experience of Richardson, it made sense for Indianapolis to bring in an experienced, veteran option like Flacco.
Moving forward, it sounds like Richardson will be looking to continue in his starting role without missing any time. In fact, he told reporters today that he attempted to return to the game again today, but head coach Shane Steichen overruled him since he wasn’t 100 percent, per ESPN’s Stephen Holder. While the Colts will hope to see him return soon, the team knows now that Flacco has the ability to step up and win games off the bench, if necessary.
Cowboys’ Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence Injuries Worse Than Expected; Team Not Considering Haason Reddick Trade
The Cowboys’ second win of the season came with some losses at its heels. Injuries to edge rushers Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence dampened an otherwise victorious Thursday night over the division-rival Giants. While the worst-case scenario was certainly avoided, both situations appear to be worse than initially expected, per Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News. 
Parsons fell victim to a high ankle sprain. After exiting the Thursday night matchup in the fourth quarter, Parsons saw negative x-rays immediately after the game. An MRI revealed the sprain, and though there was initially hope that Parsons would be able to take advantage of a 10-day break until their next game and return, the star defender will be out for two to four weeks. With Parsons being such a key player on the defense, it stands to reason that Dallas would slow-play his return, erring on the side of caution and waiting until after their Week 7 bye to bring him back.
Lawrence’s injury seemed immediately worse than Parsons’, a sentiment later confirmed by head coach Mike McCarthy. An MRI today unveiled a mid-foot sprain in Lawrence’s right foot, but the prognosis wasn’t disclosed until a report from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, pinning Lawrence’s recovery timeline at four weeks, at least.
According to Watkins, McCarthy made it known that both players would be seeking second opinions on their situations. If both situations hold true to their current form, though, Lawrence becomes a sure candidate for injured reserve. With plans to reevaluate Lawrence in four weeks, it makes perfect sense to place him on IR and fill his roster spot with someone who can play now.
With Sam Williams and Durrell Johnson already on IR and Tyrus Wheat dealing with injury, the Cowboys’ depth on the defensive edge is sure to be tested in the coming weeks. Adding Parsons and Lawrence to the list of unavailable players leaves only two healthy defensive ends on the roster: Chauncey Golston and Marshawn Kneeland.
A second-round rookie out of Western Michigan, Kneeland will receive a baptism by fire. He’s served mostly as a rotational rusher in the first few games of the season but will likely be tested much more moving forward. Golston is in a contract year with the Cowboys after being drafted in the third round out of Iowa in 2021. He’s also been mostly a rotational pass rusher throughout his three years with the team, logging three starts and 4.5 sacks in that time.
With a lack of bodies on the edge, the Cowboys will likely continue to look for new players to add to the defense, something the team has been doing since Williams went down in July. They hosted free agent pass rushers Carl Lawson, Shaka Toney, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and Justin Hollins before the season, eventually signing Lawson to the practice squad. They may call up some familiar names in their time of need, although at least one high-profile external option is not currently on the table. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the club is not presently considering a trade for embattled Jets pass rusher Haason Reddick due to the prohibitive cost — presumably in terms of both dollars and draft capital — to acquire him.
Minor NFL Transactions: 9/28/24
Minor transactions and practice squad callups for the Week 4 weekend:
Arizona Cardinals
- Elevated: DT Angelo Blackson, T Charlie Heck
Atlanta Falcons
- Elevated: G Matt Hennessy
Baltimore Ravens
- Elevated: RB Chris Collier
- Placed on IR: CB Jalyn Armour-Davis
Carolina Panthers
- Elevated: OLB Thomas Incoom, DE DeShawn Williams
Chicago Bears
- Elevated: DT Byron Cowart, S Tarvarius Moore
- Placed on IR: TE Stephen Carlson (story)
Cleveland Browns
- Elevated: CB Tony Brown, TE Geoff Swaim
Denver Broncos
- Elevated: LB Levelle Bailey, S Tanner McCalister
Green Bay Packers
- Elevated: CB Kamal Hadden, CB Robert Rochell
Houston Texans
- Elevated: RB J.J. Taylor
Indianapolis Colts
- Elevated: DT Adam Gotsis, CB David Long
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed to active roster: TE Josiah Deguara
- Elevated: CB Christian Braswell, LB Tanner Muse
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed to active roster: TE John Samuel Shenker
- Elevated: WR Alex Bachman, OLB K’Lavon Chaisson
- Waived: WR Ramel Keyton
Los Angeles Chargers
- Elevated: LB Blake Lynch, C Sam Mustipher
Los Angeles Rams
- Elevated: WR Xavier Smith, CB Ahkello Witherspoon
Minnesota Vikings
- Elevated: OLB Bo Richter, TE Robert Tonyan
New England Patriots
- Signed to active roster: CB Isaiah Bolden
- Elevated: DT Trysten Hill, TE Mitchell Wilcox
- Placed on IR: CB Alex Austin
New Orleans Saints
- Elevated: G Kyle Hergel
New York Jets
- Elevated: DT Bruce Hector, LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball
Philadelphia Eagles
- Elevated: WR Parris Campbell, WR John Ross
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Elevated: CB Thomas Graham Jr., RB Aaron Shampklin
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed to active roster: DE Sam Okuayinonu
- Elevated: DT Evan Anderson, S Jaylen Mahoney
- Placed on IR: DT Javon Hargrave (story), LB Curtis Robinson (story)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Elevated: P Trenton Gill, WR Sterling Shepard
Washington Commanders
- Elevated: DE Andre Jones Jr., RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Packers Get QB Jordan Love Back In Week 4
Many feared the Packers’ season was over before it even got a chance to take off when highly-paid quarterback Jordan Love went down with an apparent leg injury during the final drive of the team’s season opener in Brazil. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, though, in Week 4, Love will attempt to make a return to the field much earlier than expected in an effort to keep his team in the NFC North race. 
That goal is made much easier by the fact that backup quarterback Malik Willis has led Green Bay to two straight wins following the season-opening loss. Willis hasn’t been a world-beater as a stand-in passer for the past two weeks, but he’s been an effective enough replacement to secure two wins for his squad.
Willis has been so effective, in fact, that there has been speculation that both Love and Willis could get playing time this week with Love active. This could be an idea that results from slow-playing Love in his return to the field. If they aren’t 100 percent confident that their new franchise passer is ready to return in a safe and healthy way, they likely won’t hesitate to put Willis back in under center.
When Love suffered his injury, there were predictions that he would miss anywhere from three to six weeks, and should he make his return this week, he would beat even the most liberal estimates after only a two-game absence. Two weeks ago, it was reported that Love was aiming for a Week 5 return, and there was even some hope that he might appear last week, but it looks like this weekend will be the time for his comeback.
Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker Back For Week 4
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker was off to a hot start in Week 1 with 103 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries before leaving the game with an oblique injury. He’s been out ever since, but according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the third-year rusher will make his return to the field in Week 4. 
Since Walker’s departure, Zach Charbonnet has stepped in as the lead back in Seattle. He struggled in his first start of the season, amassing only 38 rushing yards on 14 carries but saved the performance with a touchdown, as well as five catches for 31 yards through the air. Last week, he showed RB1 potential with a 91-yard, two-touchdown performance.
While Walker is returning to the field, it might be in the Seahawks’ best interest to slow-play his comeback. The team will obviously want to get Walker involved in the offense, but if they feel confident with the body of work Charbonnet has put forth thus far, they may continue to give Charbonnet a good number of carries until they’re certain Walker is 100 percent.
Walker’s return is obviously good news, but unfortunately, it comes alongside the announcement that four defensive players will be unavailable this coming Monday. Per Brady Henderson of ESPN, defensive tackles Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy and outside linebackers Uchenna Nwosu and Boye Mafe have all been ruled out for Week 4. Williams, Nwosu, and Mafe have been starters so far this year, while Murphy has played a strong rotational role on the line.
Nwosu has missed Seattle’s first three games with an MCL sprain and is not yet ready to come back. The other three all suffered injuries in last week’s matchup with the Dolphins. Murphy suffered a hamstring injury, Williams hurt his ribs, and Mafe aggravated a previous knee issue. The Seahawks will attempt to use Mike Morris and Myles Adams to fill the holes on the line, while Derick Hall and Dre’Mont Jones should fill in at outside linebacker.