NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/21/21
Today’s taxi squad moves:
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: C Adam Redmond
New York Giants
- Signed: DT Woodrow Hamilton
Latest On Dolphins, Deshaun Watson
The Dolphins are operating in “win now” mode, according to sources who spoke with Tony Pauline of ProFootballNetwork. Meanwhile, some in the front office are doubtful that Tua Tagovailoa is the answer at quarterback, further fueling their push for Texans QB Deshaun Watson. 
Dolphins execs can’t help but compare Tagovailoa’s performance to that of Justin Herbert, who has his Chargers off to a 4-2 start. Head coach Brian Flores and GM Chris Grier have reportedly tried to pump the breaks on Watson discussions, but owner Stephen Ross wants results and both men find themselves on the hot seat.
The reported asking price — three first-rounders and two second-round picks — is undoubtedly steep, especially since Watson could be suspended by the commissioner’s office as soon as he’s traded. Still, Ross’ win-now directive means that the team is not all that concerned about its future draft capital. Ross seems ready to do whatever it takes, even if that means an enormous gamble on Watson.
The Eagles and Panthers have also chatted with the Texans, though the timing of those talks is unclear. For what it’s worth, Darnold has cooled significantly, throwing six interceptions across three-straight Panthers losses. Meanwhile, the Birds are 2-4 with Jalen Hurts throwing for eight TDs against four INTs.
The Dolphins may or may not have competition, but the clock is ticking either way. If they can’t get a deal done by November 2nd, they’ll have to wait until next year for a shot at Watson.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/21/21
Today’s minor moves:
Cincinnati Bengals
- Activated: RB Samaje Perine
New Orleans Saints
- Designated for return: CB Ken Crawley, LB Chase Hansen, TE Nick Vannett
Philadelphia Eagles
- Activated from COVID-19 list: TE Dallas Goedert
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Waived from IR: OT Brad Seaton
Dolphins, Texans Talking Deshaun Watson Trade
The Dolphins could complete a trade for Deshaun Watson as soon as this week, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. The deadline isn’t until November 2nd, but the Dolphins are aiming to land the quarterback even sooner. 
[RELATED: Saints Interested In Watson?]
There’s been conflicting word on the Dolphins’ level of interest in Watson, but owner Stephen Ross seems willing to bring the embattled QB to South Beach. Meanwhile, the ‘Fins have an increased sense of urgency after dropping their fifth straight game to the previously winless Jaguars.
So far, Texans GM Nick Caserio has warded off suitors with a skyhigh asking price — three first-rounders and two second-round picks (or, two starting-caliber players). He’s also been unwilling to accept conditional choices tied to Watson’s availability, but it’s possible that he’ll bend in order to stock up for the 2022 draft and move on from the Watson mess.
Watson has a no-trade clause, but he’d happily accept a trade to Miami. The Saints have also been rumored as a dark horse candidate for Watson, but they don’t seem as motivated as the Dolphins.
If the deal goes down, Watson will have an opportunity to face his former club on November 7th.
Colts’ Quenton Nelson Returns To Practice
Colts guard Quenton Nelson has been designated for return. Ditto for rookie defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo and wide receiver Dezmon Patmon, who also took to the practice field on Wednesday. 
Nelson could potentially play against the 49ers on Sunday night, but that’ll all depend on how his practice sessions go this week. Whenever he returns, it’ll be a big boost to the Colts’ front five.
“[He’s] an elite leader, not just an elite player,” head coach Frank Reich said earlier this month (via ESPN.com).
The multiple-time All-Pro has been sidelined for weeks with a high-ankle sprain, unfamiliar territory for the otherwise healthy lineman. Before this, Nelson hadn’t missed a game through his first three years in the NFL.
Nelson, the sixth-overall pick in the 2018 draft, stands as one of the top offensive guards in the game. Barring any further complications, he’s expected to ink a record-setting extension come next year. In the meantime, he’s focused on the task at hand — helping the Colts gain ground in the AFC South.
After an 0-3 start, the Colts have rallied somewhat to win two of their last three. Now 2-4, the Colts have a chance to close in on the 4-2 Titans.
Chargers To Sign WR Andre Roberts
The Chargers have agreed to sign Andre Roberts (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). 
The Texans dropped the former Pro Bowler on Monday, but he already has a new home in the AFC.
Roberts is listed as a receiver, but most of his recent work has come in the return game. He led the NFL with 1,174 kick return yards while with the Jets in 2018, and he followed that up with two impressive campaigns with the Bills. In each of those seasons — 2018, 2019, and 2020 — Roberts earned Pro Bowl honors.
The 33-year-old is well traveled at this point, having also played for the Cardinals, WFT, Lions, and Falcons. So far this year, he has taken eight punt returns for 33 yards and 18 kicks for 386 yards.
In other Chargers news, Bryan Bulaga isn’t expected to return from injured reserve anytime soon. The veteran right tackle underwent core muscle surgery last week, which could shelve him until 2022.
Packers To Sign Whitney Mercilus
The Packers are set to sign edge rusher Whitney Mercilus, according to Aaron Wilson of SportsTalk790 (on Twitter). The deal is not yet official but it’s expected to be finalized sometime this week. 
The Texans cut on Monday after weeks of using the veteran in a noticeably reduced role. Despite the drop in snaps, the 31-year-old still put up solid numbers — 12 tackles, three sacks, four tackles for loss, and three QB hits. The Texans chose to roll with Jon Greenard and Jacob Martin at defensive end instead, leading Mercilus to his new NFL home.
Up until now, Mercilus had spent his entire nine-plus-year career in Houston. He’s started in 102 of his 132 games for Houston while ranking second in franchise history — behind J.J. Watt — in sacks (57), forced fumbles (13), tackles for loss (72), and QB hits (115).
Mercilus will help fill in for Za’Darius Smith, who remains sidelined with a back injury. Meanwhile, he’ll have a chance to move back to his native outside linebacker position, rather than DE.
Patriots Audition Brian Poole
The Patriots will audition veteran cornerback Brian Poole today, according to agent Drew Rosenhaus (Twitter link via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com). 
Poole signed with the Saints in July but later went on IR. The Saints cut him earlier this month and he has yet to play in 2021.
The Florida product joined the Falcons as a UDFA in 2016 and served as the club’s primary nickel corner over his three seasons. The Falcons opted not to tender him as a restricted free agent following the 2018 season, a year in which Pro Football Focus ranked him as just the No. 81 CB in the NFL out of 110 qualified players. He also ranked as bottom-three corner in success rate, per Football Outsiders’ charting data.
However, he bounced back over the last two years with the Jets. Operating primarily as a slot defender, Poole allowed a 71.6 passer rating in 2019 and a 64.7 rating in 2020. PFF gave him strong coverage grades in both seasons.
If signed, Poole would join a Pats group that currently includes J.C. Jackson, Jalen Mills, and Jonathan Jones, Shaun Wade, and Joejuan Williams.
Ravens Designate Nick Boyle For Return
The Ravens have designated tight end Nick Boyle to return from the injured reserve list, per a club announcement. Meanwhile, they’ve reversed course on their waiver claim of Brandon Knight, as the former Cowboys offensive lineman did not report to the team. Instead, the Ravens pivoted to veteran offensive lineman James Carpenter. 
[RELATED: Ravens Activate Bateman, Phillips From IR]
Boyle opened the year on IR as he was still healing up from his November knee injury. A recent microscopic surgery helped somewhat, but also elongated his rehab. The good news is that Boyle is back to provide blocking for a Ravens squad that will be without Ronnie Stanley. The All-Pro left tackle opted to go under the knife this week, ruling him out for the rest of the year.
Boyle’s best season as a receiver came in 2019, when he had 31 catches for 321 yards and two touchdowns. The Ravens still have him under contract through 2023 thanks to the two-year, $13MM extension he inked back in January.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/20/21
Today’s minor moves:
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: OL Bobby Hart (from Bills’ practice squad)