Commanders Claim WR Jamal Agnew, DT Shy Tuttle Off Waivers
The Commanders claimed wide receiver Jamal Agnew and defensive tackles Shy Tuttle off waivers on Monday, per a team announcement. In two corresponding moves, defensive tackle Eddie Goldman and wide receiver Jaylin Lane were placed on injured reserve, ending their seasons.
Agnew was waived by the Falcons on Saturday. The nine-year veteran appeared in 11 games this season as Atlanta’s primary kick and punt returner, but they have given that role to fourth-year wideout Deven Thompkins in the last few weeks. Agnew has not been as effective as years past, averaging just 7.6 yards on punt returns and 24.7 yards on kickoffs.
However, he is still a reliable veteran on special teams, and his availability comes at a fortuitous time for the Commanders. Lane has been their punt returner all year, ranking first in the league with with two touchdowns and seventh with 13.7 yards per return. The fourth-round pick suffered suffered an ankle injury in Saturday’s night loss to the Eagles, ending his rookie season.
Similar to the Agnew-Lane swap, Tuttle was a convenient option to fill Goldman’s roster spot. Tuttle appeared in the Titans’ first 10 games of the season, but had minimal production and lost his game day role in Week 13. He was also waived on Saturday and will replace Goldman for the rest of the season.
Goldman occupied a 38% snap share in his 13 appearances this season. He suffered a concussion in Week 15 – his second of the season – and did not clear protocol before the Commanders’ next game. The 31-year-old already retired once, in 2022, and may consider hanging up his cleats again this offseason, especially after sustaining two concussions this year.
Packers TE John FitzPatrick Suffered Torn Achilles
John FitzPatrick‘s season has come to an end. The Packers announced today that they’ve placed their tight end on injured reserve.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, tests revealed that FitzPatrick suffered a torn Achilles during Saturday’s loss to the Bears. The tight end suffered the injury while blocking in the fourth quarter. He was carted to the sideline before exiting to the locker room.
This is a tough break for an injury-riddled Packers squad. The team was already down their starting TE in Tucker Kraft, who suffered a torn ACL in early November. FitzPatrick was arguably the main beneficiary of that injury, as he soaked up most of Kraft’s reps and occasionally outsnapped fellow tight end Luke Musgrave.
A former sixth-round pick by the Falcons, FitzPatrick joined the Packers last October. He was limited reps during his first season in Green Bay, but he’s seen a much larger role in 2025. In 15 games (four starts), the 25-year-old has hauled in 12 catches for 72 yards and one touchdown. However, he’s truly earned his playing time with his blocking prowess; Pro Football Focus ranks him 14th at his position for pass blocking and 20th in run blocking.
Musgrave will continue leading the depth chart for the time being, but the Packers will need to add an extra body to the roster in the coming days. Josh Whyle is currently sidelined with a concussion, so the team will surely turn to at least one of McCallan Castles or Drake Dabney from the practice squad.
The injury also comes at a poor time for FitzPatrick, who is hitting unrestricted free agency after this season. The Achilles injury will surely require a lengthy rehab, and there’s a chance he may not return to the field until late in the 2026 season.
Chiefs Sign QB Shane Buechele Off Bills’ Practice Squad
In need of healthy options at the quarterback spot, the Chiefs have brought back a familiar face. Shane Buechele is back with the organization. 
Buechele signed to Kansas City’s active roster from the Bills’ practice squad, the Chiefs announced on Monday. In a corresponding move, Gardner Minshew has been placed on injured reserve. Minshew did not suffer an ACL tear as initially feared, but he will still miss the final two weeks of the season.
The Chiefs are out of the playoffs but they find themselves thin at the QB spot due to Minshew’s injury and the ACL tear Patrick Mahomes suffered in Week 15. Chris Oladokun finished the game yesterday, and he could be in line to start on Christmas Day against the Broncos. In any case, Buechele will provide Kansas City with depth under center.
The team sits at 6-9 on the year. As such, the result of this week’s matchup with the Broncos and the regular season finale against the Raiders will only impact where the Chiefs wind up in the draft order. Still, the next two weeks will provide Oladokun and/or Buechele with an opportunity to see playing time with the starting offense and thus audition for a deal this offseason.
A former UDFA, Buechele first joined the Chiefs when he signed to their practice squad in 2021. The 27-year-old did not see any regular season playing time before signing with the Bills in August 2023. Buechele remained in Buffalo from that point onward, but he could now receive a brief look on the field with Kansas City.
49ers Activate Yetur Gross-Matos From IR
The 49ers’ edge rush group has received a boost in time for tonight’s game. Yetur Gross-Matos has been activated from injured reserve, per a team announcement. 
Gross-Matos returned to practice on December 10. He was not activated in time to play in Week 15, but enough progress has been made during the past few days for a return to action to take place tonight. The 27-year-old has been sidelined since Week 5 due to a hamstring injury.
When Gross-Maros aggravated the ailment, his return timeline was set back. That led to his IR placement and left the former second-rounder unavailable for an extended period. Getting him back in the fold will be a welcomed development on a San Francisco team which has been hit hard by injuries in 2025. The defensive end spot in particular has been thinned out over the course of the year.
Starters Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams are each recovering from ACL tears. Neither will be able to return in 2025, something which has led to the likes of Bryce Huff, Sam Okuayinonu and Clelin Ferrell taking on increased roles. The team was linked to Trey Hendrickson ahead of the trade deadline, but the only acquisition on that front was Keion White. Getting Gross-Matos back in the fold will provide depth along the edge, although the Penn State product has starting experience dating back to his Panthers tenure.
A 2024 free agent addition, Gross-Matos played 11 games during his debut San Francisco campaign. He notched four sacks in that span, the second-highest total of his career. Chipping in down the stretch and into the playoffs would be key for the 49ers; it would also help boost Gross-Matos’ value on the open market for 2026.
Given today’s move, San Francisco has three IR activations remaining for the regular season. The team will receive another two once the playoffs begin.
Colts Activate DT DeForest Buckner
DECEMBER 22: As expected, Buckner has been activated in time for tonight’s game. The Colts announced that move, along with the corresponding transaction of waiving quarterback Brett Rypien. That suggests Riley Leonard will be healthy as a backup option for Rivers’ second start of the year.
DECEMBER 20: A neck injury forced Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to IR on Nov. 7. After a five-game absence, Buckner will return Monday against the 49ers, head coach Shane Steichen announced (via Adam Schefter of ESPN).
The Colts were 7-2 and vying for the No. 1 seed in the AFC when Buckner went down. Major injuries to Buckner, quarterback Daniel Jones, and cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward have knocked their season off course over the past month and a half.
Now 8-6, the Colts suffered their fourth straight loss in a nail-biter in Seattle last Sunday. That spoiled Philip Rivers‘ comeback start and dealt another blow to the Colts’ fading playoff hopes. They’re eighth in the conference with tough contests remaining against San Francisco (Buckner’s ex-team), Jacksonville, and Houston. Those clubs have gone a combined 29-13.
A playoff berth looks unlikely for the Colts, but getting Buckner back should better their chances of a miraculous rally. That’s assuming the herniated disc in Buckner’s neck doesn’t hinder him during the next few weeks. He had to consider his long-term health before deciding to return, per Mike Chappell of FOX59. Buckner traveled for treatment in Panama City, Panama, where he received stem cell injections.
“It’s one of those injuries that’s very serious,’’ Buckner said. “It’s definitely a heavy burden on myself making the decision.’’
Before that issue cropped up, the three-time Pro Bowler continued to produce stellar results. He logged 42 tackles (including nine for loss), 18 quarterback hurries, 11 QB hits, and four sacks in his first nine games this year. Pro Football Focus ranks his 2025 performance 11th among 126 qualifying interior D-linemen.
While the Colts’ front is welcoming back Buckner, their secondary will continue to go without Gardner. A calf injury will shelve Gardner for the third game in a row, but Steichen said he’ll play again this year (via James Boyd of The Athletic).
General manager Chris Ballard made an ultra-aggressive move in sending two first-round picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell to the Jets for Gardner at the Nov. 4 trade deadline. The Colts had designs on Gardner and Ward forming an elite corner duo. Injuries have prevented it from happening, though, as they’ve played in just two games together (losses to the Chiefs and Texans).
After Ward suffered his third concussion of 2025, the Colts placed him on IR on Dec. 10. Ward’s regular season is over, but the Colts are holding out hope Gardner will return in Week 17 or 18.
Commanders Sign QB Jeff Driskel Off Cardinals’ Practice Squad
As they prepare to play on a short week, the Commanders are adding depth under center. Jeff Driskel is being signed off the Cardinals’ practice squad, per veteran reporter Ben Standig. The move is now official. 
Driskel was Washington’s third-string passer in 2024, so he represents a familiar face. With the team known to be seeking out depth at the QB spot, today’s move comes as little surprise. Marcus Mariota is dealing with a hand injury, and the Driskel addition suggests he will not be able to suit up for Week 17.
Dan Quinn said it remains unclear at this point if Mariota will be able to play on Christmas against the Cowboys. He added (via JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington) that Josh Johnson will receive the majority of first-team reps during practice. The 39-year-old took over for Mariota against the Eagles in Week 16, completing five of nine pass attempts and throwing one interception. Second-year Commanders QB Sam Hartman resides as another option, with the same now being true of Driskell.
A former sixth-round pick, Driskell has made a total of 25 appearances and 12 starts in the NFL. The 32-year-old logged just one snap during the regular season with the Commanders last year, but depending on how things play out his workload with the team could soon change. With Driskell departing Arizona, a Cardinals team which is already without Kyler Murray for the remainder of the season will be thin at the QB spot barring a move of its own.
In a corresponding transaction, the Commanders have placed guard Sam Cosmi on injured reserve. The fifth-year blocker suffered a concussion against the Eagles, and this move ensures he will not return in 2025. Cosmi has been limited to just nine games this season as he recovered from an ACL tear. That resulted in an absence until mid-October, but not long after returning to action his attention will now turn to 2026.
Jets, TE Jeremy Ruckert Agree To Extension
DECEMBER 21: Ruckert received $4.74MM in new guarantees, as detailed by Over the Cap. That includes a $3MM signing bonus and his base salary for next season. Ruckert’s new pact also contains per-game roster bonuses worth up to $510K on an annual basis.
DECEMBER 17: The Jets and tight end Jeremy Ruckert have agreed to a two-year, $10MM contract extension, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The deal could max out at $11MM.
The Ruckert extension is the second one general manager Darren Mougey has doled out since last week. The team previously reached a two-year, $11MM agreement with center Josh Myers on Dec. 12.
Unlike Myers, who joined the Jets as a free agent, Ruckert is a homegrown product. With prior GM Joe Douglas at the helm, the Jets used a third-round pick on Ruckert in 2022. The former Ohio State Buckeye caught just one pass in nine games as a rookie, but his usage and production have increased since then.
After combining for 34 catches and 256 yards in 32 games from 2023-24, Ruckert has racked up career highs in receptions (20) and yards (163) in 14 contests this season. He hauled in his first career touchdown in Week 2.
Ruckert spent the previous couple of seasons working as a complementary piece behind starting tight end Tyler Conklin. While Conklin left for the Chargers in free agency last March, Ruckert has again served as the Jets’ No. 2 TE this year. Rookie Mason Taylor, a second-round pick, has established himself as one of the only real threats in the Jets’ offense. Taylor ranks first among Jets skill players in snap share (75%).
Despite Taylor’s presence, Ruckert has still seen a good amount of playing time in first-year coordinator Tanner Engstrand‘s run-first offense. The 25-year-old has played a career-high 43.2% of snaps. Ruckert has also been on the field for 26.9% of special teams plays.
Ruckert was just a few months from hitting the open market for the first time. Keeping him in the fold takes a little bit off Mougey’s plate ahead of the offseason. Running back Breece Hall, quarterback Tyrod Taylor, guards John Simpson and Alijah Vera-Tucker, and linebacker Quincy Williams are among notable Jets still on track to reach free agency in March.
Giants Place OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux On IR, Activate CB Art Green
Kayvon Thibodeaux will not return in 2025. The fourth-year edge rusher has been placed on injured reserve, the Giants announced on Saturday. 
A shoulder sprain has kept Thibodeaux sidelined for the past three games. He has yet to practice during that period, meaning today’s move comes as little surprise. A stint on IR requires at least a four-week absence, and (having been eliminated from playoff contention) the Giants only have three games remaining.
With Thibodeaux now out for the remainder of the campaign (one in which he posted just 2.5 sacks and 11 pressures), attention will turn to his upcoming contract year. The former No. 5 pick had his fifth-year option picked up, leaving him in place for 2026. He is due to collect $14.75MM next year as a result.
The Giants already have one big-money pass rusher on the books in the form of Brian Burns. Abdul Carter – drafted third overall in April – profiles as a potential Thibodeaux replacement in the long term, although his rookie season has not gone as planned. Carter (who, in a recent uptick, has posted one sack in each of his past two games) should continue to see an elevated role to close out the year.
In a corresponding move, the Giants have activated Art Green from IR. The second-year corner returned to practice last week, and he will now be available to play tomorrow. Green has yet to play on defense this season; that will likely remain the case down the stretch, but he can be expected to reprise his role as a key figure on special teams.
Today’s news means New York has three IR activations remaining for the year. The Giants will close out their schedule with games against the Vikings, Raiders and Cowboys.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/20/25
Here are Saturday’s minor moves around the NFL, including gameday elevations for tomorrow’s Week 16 slate:
Arizona Cardinals
- Elevated: CB Jaden Davis, WR Steven Sims
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed from practice squad: CB C.J. Henderson
- Waived: WR/KR Jamal Agnew
- Elevated: WR Chris Blair, OLB Khalid Kareem
Baltimore Ravens
- Elevated: DT Josh Tupou, LB William Kwenkeu
- Placed on IR: LB Teddye Buchanan (story)
Buffalo Bills
- Activated from IR: WR Mecole Hardman
- Elevated: K Michael Badgley, DE Andre Jones Jr.
Carolina Panthers
- Elevated: LB Isaiah Simmons, OL Saahdiq Charles
Cincinnati Bengals
- Elevated: DT Howard Cross, CB Bralyn Lux
Dallas Cowboys
- Elevated: CB Corey Ballentine
Denver Broncos
- Elevated: QB Sam Ehlinger, S Delarrin Turner-Yell
Detroit Lions
- Elevated: OL Kingsley Eguakun, TE Giovanni Ricci
Houston Texans
- Elevated: DT Marlon Davidson, CB Alijah Huzzie
Los Angeles Chargers
- Elevated: S Marcus Williams, G Branson Taylor
Miami Dolphins
- Signed from practice squad: CB Ethan Robinson
- Placed on IR: DB Elijah Campbell
- Elevated: OL Kion Smith, WR Theo Wease
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed from practice squad: CB Dwight McGlothern
- Elevated: LB Sione Takitaki
New York Giants
- DT Elijah Chatman, K Ben Sauls
New York Jets
- Elevated: DB Tre Brown
New Orleans Saints
- Elevated: T Easton Kilty, TE Moliki Matavao
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Elevated: CB Daryl Porter Jr., T Jack Driscoll
San Francisco 49ers
- Placed on IR: LB Nick Martin
Tennessee Titans
- Signed from practice squad: DT Cam Horsley
- Waived: DT Shy Tuttle
- Elevated: CB Kemon Hall
Agnew’s time in Atlanta has come to an end after 11 appearances with his third career team. The veteran did not see any usage on offense, but he handled 45 total returns between kickoffs and punts this season. Agnew totaled 855 yards in that capacity, but he will now hit the waiver wire. Provided he clears, the 30-year-old will become a free agent.
The same is true of Tuttle. A veteran of 105 games, he has made just one start so far this season. Tuttle has only handled a 25% snap share on defense, so he is unlikely to generate much interest as a free agent. Nevertheless, a depth role could await him on a contender down the stretch.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/20/25
Saturday’s taxi squad moves:
Buffalo Bills
- Released: DL Morgan Fox
Denver Broncos
- Signed: G Calvin Throckmorton
Fox’s release is the corresponding move to the Bills signing Matt Judon. Throckmorton, meanwhile, became a free agent upon clearing waivers this week. He has elected to remain in Denver via a practice squad agreement.