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Saints Lose OL Will Clapp For Season

August 12th, 2025 at 7:33pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Saints have lost another piece of interior offensive line depth with center Will Clapp joining guard Nick Saldiveri on season-ending injured reserve, per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football.

Clapp, 29, is dealing with a Lisfranc injury, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. He was listed as the Saints’ second-team center on their unofficial depth chart; now, New Orleans will have to find a new backup to Erik McCoy.

The job will likely fall to veteran Shane Lemieux, who recently re-signed with the Saints after Saldiveri’s knee injury. Lemieux, currently listed as the backup right guard, started four games as the team’s center in 2024. A majority of his experience prior to arriving in New Orleans last year came as a left guard for the Giants, making the 28-year-old a valuable multi-positional backup for the 2025 season.

Clapp’s injury could also help second-year UDFA and third-team center Kyle Hergel make the 53-man roster. Even if Lemieux holds down the backup center role, his potential to be needed at guard may keep Hergel around as an emergency center.

The Saints also worked out a number of veteran offensive linemen, according to Underhill. including Cody Whitehair, Scott Quessenberry, and Nick Harris. However, New Orleans decided to sign a less experienced option in Mike Panasiuk, who also tried out on Tuesday. Panasiuk, 27, spent time with the Raiders, Panthers, and Colts as a defensive tackle before converting to center last year, but has yet to appear in an NFL game.

Clapp, meanwhile, will spend the season rehabbing his foot. Lisfranc injuries are notoriously tricky to recover from, so shutting him down this early in the year should give him a chance at getting back on the field in time for the 2026 season.

The seven-year veteran is in his second stint with the Saints after starting his NFL career in New Orleans as a seventh-round pick in 2018. He started seven games across his first four years with the Saints before signing with the Chargers in 2022 to back up center Corey Linsley. Clapp took over the starting job when Linsley stepped away from the field due to a health issue, but ended the season on the IR with a knee injury. The Chargers went in a different direction when replacing Linsley in the offseason, and Clapp signed with the Bills ahead of the 2024 season. He didn’t appear in a game until Week 18, when he started at right guard and played every snap.

In addition to placing Clapp on the IR, the Saints also waived tight end Mason Pline with an injury designation, according to ESPN’s Katherine Terrell. With a third spot opened by waiving injured wide receiver Chris Tyree, New Orleans signed tight end Seth Green, defensive tackle Jayden Peevy, and wide receiver Roderick Daniels, per Terrell.

Vikings WR Rondale Moore Suffers Knee Injury, Out For Season

August 12th, 2025 at 3:05pm CST by Rory Parks

AUGUST 12: It has since been revealed Moore will miss the season, the Vikings confirmed (via Seifert). The former second-round pick has landed on IR.

AUGUST 10: Vikings wide receiver and returner Rondale Moore suffered an injury to his left knee during the club’s preseason opener against the Texans on Saturday, as relayed by ESPN’s Kevin Seifert. Moore will undergo an MRI on Sunday to determine the extent of the damage, but in his post-game presser, head coach Kevin O’Connell called the situation “heartbreaking,” and ESPN’s Adam Schefter suggests Moore will miss the entire season.

If Schefter is correct, it would represent a harsh case of déjà vu for the 25-year-old, who sustained a season-ending injury to his right knee as a member of the Falcons last August, almost exactly one year ago. Despite missing the entirety of the 2024 slate, Moore attracted a number of suitors in free agency before signing a one-year, $2MM contract with Minnesota in March.

As Seifert notes, Moore was vying for a role as the Vikings’ No. 4 wideout and primary punt returner. The injury occurred during a punt return; he was running out of bounds after a two-yard gain when he was tackled by Houston linebacker Jamal Hill, who pulled Moore down awkwardly.

O’Connell believed Hill may have employed a hip-drop tackle, though he did not think there was any ill intent. Of course, that does not make the outcome easier to swallow for Moore, who slammed his hands on the back of the medical cart so hard that the sound reverberated throughout the stadium.

“It’s one of the most painful things for me as a head coach when I feel that emotion,” O’Connell said. “I make a life out of trying to leave others better than I found them. In that situation, there is nothing I can do, which is the worst feeling as a coach. So you just consult with him and make sure that he knows he’s not going to be alone.”

A second-round pick of the Cardinals in 2021, Moore established himself as a versatile offensive option during his time in Arizona. He averaged 45 receptions per season between 2021 and 2023, and he also garnered 52 total carries (for 249 yards) over that span. He even got an extended look as a returner during his rookie campaign, a skill set the Vikings were trying to reexplore.

After the Falcons made a big splash at the quarterback position by signing Kirk Cousins last year, they viewed their primary 2023 QB1, Desmond Ridder, as trade fodder. They dealt Ridder to the Cardinals in exchange for Moore, whom they hoped would provide Cousins & Co. with a capable complementary target. That did not come to pass, and it unfortunately does not appear the Vikings’ plans for Moore will come to fruition either.

Texans Place TE Brevin Jordan On IR

August 12th, 2025 at 11:06am CST by Adam La Rose

Brevin Jordan worked his way back from a 2024 ACL tear in time to take part in training camp with the Texans. The veteran tight end will not play this season, however.

Jordan has been placed on injured reserve, per a team announcement. A serious leg injury suffered during practice yesterday raised concerns about a lengthy absence being possible (video link via Aaron Wilson of KPRC2). Now, not long after having returned to full health from the ACL tear, Jordan will be sidelined for the entire 2025 campaign.

The 25-year-old has spent his entire career with the Texans, occupying a depth role on offense along the way by chipping in as a run blocker and special teams contributor. Jordan was orginally set to reach free agency this spring upon seeing his rookie contract expire, but a one-year extension was agreed to in December. That pact marked a mutual commitment between team and player for another campaign with each other coming off the ACL tear months earlier. Given today’s news, though, things have not gone according to plan.

Jordan’s attention will turn to rehab once again, and he will do so as a pending 2026 free agent. The former fifth-rounder’s market will obviously take a hit given his absence for most of the 2024 season and all of the coming campaign. His loss will thin out Houston’s TE depth chart behind starter Dalton Schultz.

Wilson reports the Texans are expected to pursue a signing to help offset Jordan’s absence. Houston has Irv Smith Jr. along with Dalton Keene in the fold. The team spent Day 3 picks in the past two drafts on Cade Stover and Luke Lachey, and they could be in store for an increased role depending on how things shake out over the remainder of the offseason. The Texans entered Tuesday with nearly $15MM in cap space, so finances will not be an issue for any one-year signings which get worked out in the near future.

Dolphins Sign RBs Mike Boone, Aaron Shampklin

August 11th, 2025 at 9:41pm CST by Ben Levine

With Alexander Mattison done for the season, the Dolphins are adding some running back depth. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported earlier today that the team was adding Aaron Shampklin, while ESPN’s Adam Schefter adds that veteran Mike Boone is also joining the team. To make room on the roster, the team has officially placed Mattison on injured reserve and waived Monaray Baldwin (via Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston).

[RELATED: Dolphins RB Alexander Mattison Undergoes Season-Ending Neck Surgery]

Boone brings the most experience among the two additions, as the veteran has appeared in 72 games over the past seven years. Boone often found himself as a third-string RB in a Dalvin Cook-led depth chart in Minnesota, although he did finished the 2019 campaign with a career-high 290 yards from scrimmage. He’s bounced around the NFL a bit since leaving the Vikings, spending time with the Broncos, Texans, and Panthers. Over that four-year span, the veteran has added another 367 yards from scrimmage to his resume.

Boone has limited experience as a return man, tallying five kickoff returns. The 30-year-old has also garnered 738 special teams snaps during his career, so perhaps he could carve out a useful role in Miami.

Shampklin went undrafted out of Harvard in 2021 and has had stints with the Cowboys, Colts, Chargers, and Steelers. He made his NFL debut last season, collecting 17 rushing yards in three games with Pittsburgh. He was a relatively popular name in free agency in recent weeks, as the RB also auditioned for the Bears and Jets.

It’s uncertain if these two additions will represent Miami’s only solutions to replacing Mattison; the team notably worked out Jamaal Williams earlier today. Either way, the Dolphins still have plenty of depth at the position. De’Von Achane will still lead the grouping, with 2024 fourth-round pick Jaylen Wright serving as a primary backup. The team also used a draft pick on sixth-round RB Ollie Gordon II.

NFL Minor Transactions: 8/11/25

August 11th, 2025 at 8:18pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves:

Chicago Bears

Cleveland Browns

Denver Broncos

Houston Texans

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Rams

  • Signed: TE McCallan Castles
  • Waived/injured: TE Anthony Torres

Minnesota Vikings

  • Claimed off waivers (from Falcons): G Michael Gonzalez
  • Placed on IR: OT Matt Nelson

New England Patriots

Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Signed: TE Kevin Foelsch, DB Mikey Victor
  • Waived: TE D.J. Thomas-Jones
  • Waived/injured: DB Cameron McCutcheon

San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks

  • Signed: LB Alphonzo Tuputala
  • Waived: CB Kam Alexander

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

A handful of players injured in the first week of the preseason were placed on IR today, effectively ending their seasons early. These players won’t be allowed to play for their current squads in 2025, although they could place elsewhere if they’re released from injured reserve (often via an injury settlement).

Among those who landed on IR includes Texans DT Marlon Davidson, who remained in his team’s preseason opener after suffering a biceps injury. Vikings lineman Matt Nelson also suffered a biceps injury that will land him on IR. The veteran just joined Minnesota last week.

In addition to bringing back old friend Jeff Wilson, the 49ers made a handful of additional moves today. This includes shifting veteran RB Ameer Abdullah to injured reserve. Abdullah suffered a rib injury that will prevent him from taking the field with San Francisco this season. The veteran is coming off one of the most productive seasons of his career in 2024, when he compiled 572 yards from scrimmage in 16 games (three starts) with the Raiders. The 49ers also added defensive lineman Trevis Gipson, who started 19 games for the Bears between 2021 and 2022.

Titans Sign QB Trevor Siemian, Release QB Tim Boyle

August 11th, 2025 at 3:32pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Titans have not looked to add a quarterback in the wake of losing Will Levis for the season. The team has nevertheless made a change at the position.

Trevor Siemian was signed by Tennessee on Monday, per a team announcement. In a corresponding move, Tim Boyle was released. Siemian will now receive an opportunity to compete with Brandon Allen for the backup gig (or at least solidify the QB3 spot) over the remainder of the offseason. Boyle will hit free agency in a bid to find another opportunity before roster cuts.

The Titans selected Cam Ward first overall in this year’s draft, and the Levis injury further ensured he will handled starting duties right away during his rookie campaign. The free agent departure of Mason Rudolph has led to a number of moves for the team this offseason, though. That included signing Boyle in March; the journeyman has made 23 appearances and five starts in the NFL and played in Tennessee’s preseason opener. Boyle completed four of 13 attempts with one interceptions against the Buccaneers.

In the wake of that performance (plus his showings in practice, of course), the Titans have decided to move on. Siemian will now join the fold in time for the team’s final two preseason games. The 33-year-old has made 33 starts in his career, including three with the Jets in 2023; that doubles as his most recent regular season game action. Siemian spent much of last year with the Titans on their practice squad, being elevated to the gameday roster three times but never seeing the field.

The former seventh-rounder is thus a familiar face to head coach Brian Callahan and Co. The same is also true, however, of Allen based on his time with Callahan in Cincinnati. Both veterans will offer experience to Ward provided they survive roster cuts. If Siemian is released later this month, he will obviously be a practice squad candidate.

To no surprise, the Titans also activated center Lloyd Cushenberry from the active/PUP list today. The 2024 free agent signing has been rehabbing the Achilles tear which cut his debut Tennessee campaign short, but Callahan recently noted a return to practice was likely in store. Cushenberry will use the coming weeks to prepare himself for starting duties on an offensive line which has undergone a number of changes this offseason.

Commanders Sign CBs Antonio Hamilton, Essang Bassey; T Lucas Niang Out For Season

August 11th, 2025 at 9:43am CST by Adam La Rose

A set of Sunday workouts for the Commanders quickly resulted in a deal being worked out for linebacker Duke Riley. More signings have taken place on Monday.

The Riley deal is now official, per the team. It was also announced that cornerbacks Essang Bassey and Antonio Hamilton have been signed. Both of them took part in yesterday’s workout, as noted by The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala.

Bassey has spent his entire career in the AFC West to date, bouncing between the Chargers and Broncos. The 26-year-old has 43 appearances and five starts to his name, and he will spend the coming weeks looking to carve out a special teams role. Hamilton, like Bassey, joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent but he has managed to stay in the league for nine years. Hamilton has made 18 starts (nine of which came with the Cardinals in 2023) but with 190 games to his name he will add experience to Washington’s secondary.

In corresponding moves, edge rusher Viliami Fehoko, cornerback Allan George and linebacker Dominique Hampton have been waived. Hampton was a fifth-round pick last year, so even though he made just one appearance as a rookie it is somewhat surprising to see him let go at this point. All three players will now hit the waiver wire; provided they go unclaimed, each will become a free agent.

The Commanders also placed offensive tackle Lucas Niang on injured reserve, ending his season. Head coach Dan Quinn announced yesterday (via JP Finlay of NBC Sports) that Niang suffered an ACL tear. The former Chief signed with Washington this spring and was set to handle a backup role along the offensive line. Now, that unit’s depth will take a hit behind Laremy Tunsil, Andrew Wylie and first-round rookie Josh Conerly Jr. Veteran cornerback/special teamer Kevon Seymour was also moved to IR on Monday. Unless he is released via an injury settlement, his season is over as well.

Minor NFL Transactions: 8/10/25

August 10th, 2025 at 9:09pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Here are the latest minor moves from around the NFL:

Arizona Cardinals

Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens

  • Placed on IR: CB Robert Longerbeam

Buffalo Bills

Denver Broncos

Detroit Lions

New England Patriots

  • Signed: RB Deneric Prince, DE Jereme Robinson
  • Waived: S Josh Minkins
  • Placed on IR: RB Lan Larison

New Orleans Saints

  • Waived/injured: WR Chris Tyree

Larison suffered a foot injury during a promising preseason debut against the Commanders on Friday night. He will undergo surgery and spend the season rehabbing, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, with the hope of renewing his 53-man roster push next summer.

Jets Activate Jermaine Johnson From PUP List

August 10th, 2025 at 8:21pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Jets edge rusher Jermaine Johnson has taken another step in his return to the field after missing most of last season with a torn Achilles.

Johnson passed his physical and was activated from the active/physically unable to perform list on Sunday, per senior team reporter Eric Allen. For the first time since he was knocked out of the Jets’ Week 2 matchup against the Titans 11 months ago, Johnson will be available to join his teammates at practice on Monday.

However, the 2022 first-rounder will likely ramp up his participation as the regular season approaches. He has a little under a month to get back to game-ready condition, though the Jets have no intention of rushing him back.

“We want to make sure we have him for the long haul,” said Jets head coach Aaron Glenn (via Allen).

Before going down last year, Johnson was expected to take another leap after his Pro Bowl campaign in 2023. He recorded 7.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss while also knocking down seven passes and returning an interception for a touchdown. Micheal Clemons started in Johnson’s place in 2024 but only registered 4.5 sacks and four tackles for loss.

The Jets will be hoping that Johnson can quickly return to his 2023 form and pair with Will McDonald to form a dangerous edge-rushing duo after the latter’s breakout with 10.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss.

Commanders To Sign LB Duke Riley

August 10th, 2025 at 6:25pm CST by Adam La Rose

Sunday saw the Commanders host seven linebackers on a free agent visit. That effort has produced at least one signing.

Duke Riley has a deal in place with Washington, his agents told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The news comes not long after it was revealed Riley was among the veterans who took part in a workout today (h/t Mike Garafolo of NFL Network). With 124 appearances in the NFL, he will certainly add experience to the position in the nation’s capital.

The Commanders’ depth linebackers have not stood out in the preseason, according to ESPN’s John Keim, and 2024 fifth-rounder Jordan Magee has also missed time. At a minimum, Riley is a trusted camp body who can absorb preseason snaps as needed, but his extensive experience as a special teams ace could give him a chance at a roster spot.

Riley, 31, appeared in all but one game for the Dolphins over the last four years. He was a core special teams contributor with a rotational role on defense until last year, when his defensive snap count plummeted to 42 under new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. It was clear that Riley would not receive another short-term contract in Miami, and he drew little interest on the free agent market this spring.

In Washington, the veteran linebacker will reunite with head coach Dan Quinn, who held the same position in Atlanta when the Falcons drafted Riley in 2017. The former third-round pick started 16 games across his first two seasons before an October 2019 trade to the Eagles, where he initially played special teams before taking over a starting role in 2020. A pre-existing relationship with Quinn and familiarity with his scheme should allow Riley to settle in quickly.

The Commanders’ group of workouts also included linebackers Amare Barno, Nicholas Morrow, Tanner Muse, Ronnie Perkins, Sione Takitaki, and Oshane Ximines, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic.

Nikhil Mehta contributed to this post.

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