Today’s reserve/futures deals:
Arizona Cardinals
- WR Dan Chisena
Detroit Lions
- OL Netane Muti
New England Patriots
- WR Kawaan Baker
Here are the standard gameday practice squad elevations for Championship Sunday:
Baltimore Ravens
- Elevated: WR Dan Chisena, LB Josh Ross
Detroit Lions
- Elevated: FB Jason Cabinda, OL Michael Schofield
Kansas City Chiefs
- Elevated: NT Mike Pennel, CB Keith Taylor
San Francisco 49ers
- Elevated: LB Curtis Robinson, WR Willie Snead
Ravens fans have been sitting on their hands for nearly three weeks now since the team clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC and began resting its starters in anticipation for a playoff run. The wait ends tomorrow with a matchup against the visiting Texans, and the Ravens made a number of roster moves in order to prepare for the divisional-round game. 
First, Baltimore brought in some reinforcements from injured reserve. While this move has been expected for some days now, it’s been unclear who exactly would be filling the team’s recent roster vacancies until today. Things became more clear when it was announced that star tight end Mark Andrews, who had been designated for return from IR, would not be available to play against the Texans. With that decision made for them, the Ravens went forward with the activations of wide receiver Devin Duvernay and defensive back Ar’Darius Washington from IR.
Duvernay adds wide receiver depth on the offense but mostly serves as the team’s return specialist. A former All-Pro as a return man, Duvernay was the only Raven returning any kickoffs or punts up until his injury. With his replacement, Tylan Wallace, declared out for Saturday with a knee injury, returning duties will fall directly back on Duvernay’s shoulders.
Washington, a former undrafted safety out of TCU, spent most of his first two years in the NFL as a special teamer and practice squad defender. The team was expecting a big 2023 season out of Washington after he opened the year as the Ravens’ starting nickel cornerback, but a chest injury landed him on IR after only Week 2, and he’s been out ever since. With star cornerback Marlon Humphrey out for tomorrow’s game with a calf injury, the depth Washington adds at cornerback will be welcome.
Additionally, running back Melvin Gordon, one of the players removed from the 53-man roster in order to make room for Duvernay, Washington, and Dalvin Cook, will remain in Baltimore under a new practice squad deal. The veteran rusher played a prominent role in the team’s Week 18 game as the Ravens attempted to rest Gus Edwards and Justice Hill, but a lost fumble early in the game forced the team not to take any chances. They’ve now subbed Cook in for Gordon on the active roster, but Gordon will now be available in case of emergency off of the practice squad after clearing waivers.
Lastly, the Ravens announced their standard gameday practice squad elevations for tomorrow’s game. Wide receiver Dan Chisena and linebacker Josh Ross will suit up with the active roster against the Texans. Houston, on the other hand, made the decision not to elevate any practice squad players for the second week in a row.
Here are today’s mid-week practice squad moves:
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: WR Dan Chisena
- Released: RB Jake Funk
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: CB Kalon Barnes
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed: DE Earnest Brown
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: P Brad Wing
San Fracisco 49ers
- Signed: CB Terrance Mitchell, DE Sam Okuayinonu
- Placed on practice squad IR: S Tayler Hawkins, CB Jason Verrett
After seeing two defensive backs in Hawkins and Verrett suffer injuries that won’t allow them to return for the playoffs, San Francisco made the move to add the veteran cornerback Mitchell. Mitchell had signed with the 49ers just prior to the preseason, but the team was forced to place him on injured reserve a week later. Since being released with an injury settlement, Mitchell has not signed with another team, failing to make an appearance in the 2023 regular season. Still, he provides San Francisco with some experienced depth in the secondary, should they call his number.
A handful of practice squad moves to pass along:
Arizona Cardinals
- Released: WR Dan Chisena, RB Corey Clement, DL Jacob Slade, DL Kendal Vickers, LB Davion Taylor
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Cardinals are releasing Clement from the practice squad so he can catch on with a contender for the playoffs. The running back has spent much of the past two seasons in Arizona, collecting 109 yards from scrimmage in 12 games. He spent the first chunk of his career with the Eagles, including 2017 and 2018 campaigns where he combined for 895 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns.
The last week of pregame transactions and gameday callups for several teams this season:
Arizona Cardinals
- Activated from IR: DL Leki Fotu
- Signed to active roster: DL Ben Stille
- Elevated: WR Dan Chisena, OL Jackson Barton
Buffalo Bills
- Elevated: RB Leonard Fournette
Carolina Panthers
- Elevated: G Deonte Brown, K Matthew Wright
Cincinnati Bengals
- Elevated: CB Sidney Jones, WR Stanley Morgan
Cleveland Browns
- Elevated: S Vincent Gray, K Riley Patterson
Dallas Cowboys
- Elevated: LB Buddy Johnson, S Sheldrick Redwine
Denver Broncos
- Placed on IR: T Mike McGlinchey
- Activated from IR: T Alex Palczewski
- Signed to active roster: CB Art Green
- Elevated: S Devon Key
Detroit Lions
- Elevated: DL Tyson Alualu, FB Jason Cabinda
Houston Texans
- Elevated: WR Johnny Johnson III
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Placed on IR: WR Jamal Agnew (story)
Kansas City Chiefs
- Elevated: DT Matt Dickerson, QB Chris Oladokun
Las Vegas Raiders
- Placed on IR: TE Michael Mayer
- Signed to active roster: DT Matthew Butler
- Elevated: WR Keelan Cole, S Jaydon Grant
Los Angeles Chargers
- Placed on IR: OLB Justin Hollins
- Signed to active roster: OLB Ty Shelby
- Elevated: DT Christopher Hinton, OL Austen Pleasants
Los Angeles Rams
- Elevated: LB Olakunle Fatukasi, QB Dresser Winn
Minnesota Vikings
- Placed on IR: WR Jalen Nailor
- Signed to active roster: WR Lucky Jackson
- Elevated: CB Jaylin Williams, CB Joejuan Williams
New England Patriots
- Placed on IR: TE Hunter Henry
- Signed to active roster: TE La’Michael Pettway
- Elevated: TE Matt Sokol, OL Andrew Stueber
New Orleans Saints
- Elevated: G Tommy Kraemer, RB Jordan Mims
New York Giants
- Placed on IR: S Jason Pinnock
- Signed to active roster: QB Jacob Eason, TE Tyree Jackson
- Elevated: T Yodny Cajuste, K Mason Crosby
Philadelphia Eagles
- Elevated: S Tristin McCollum
San Francisco 49ers
- Placed on IR: TE Ross Dwelley
- Activated from IR: WR Ray-Ray McCloud
- Elevated: S Tayler Hawkins, RB Jeremy McNichols
Seattle Seahawks
- Elevated: NT Austin Faoliu, NT Matthew Gotel
Tennessee Titans
- Placed on IR: WR Colton Dowell
- Signed to active roster: S Matt Jackson
- Elevated: LB Tae Crowder, CB Kendall Sheffield
Washington Commanders
- Elevated: S Sean Chandler, CB Jace Whittaker
Several teams whose season is set to come to an end tomorrow have elected to move injured players to injured reserve in order to create roster spots for practice squad options, particularly those who have had their three gameday elevations exhausted. In the case of the Broncos, McGlinchey will see his debut campaign in the Mile High City come to a premature end. Signed to a five-year, $87.5MM deal, the 28-year-old was part of a revamped O-line which did not produce the desired rebound on offense. Manning his usual right tackle spot, McGlinchey was charged with eight sacks and 49 pressures allowed by PFF, resulting in an overall grade of 67.5.
While the Giants will have an interesting decision to make with respect to Xavier McKinney‘s future, they will have Pinnock on the books for at least one more season. The latter’s rookie contract is set to expire following the 2024 campaign, one in which he will no doubt remain a vital member of New York’s secondary. Pinnock has recorded 85 tackles, two interceptions (including a 102-yard pick-six), six pass deflections and a pair of forced fumbles while logging over 1,000 defensive snaps this season. A return to health and a continuation of his 2023 level of play will be sorely needed next fall.
Here are today’s minor transactions and callups for the remainder of the Week 17 matchups:
Arizona Cardinals
- Activated from IR: CB Bobby Price
- Elevated: WR Dan Chisena
Atlanta Falcons
- Elevated: OL John Leglue
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed to active roster: WR Laquon Treadwell
- Elevated: S Andrew Adams, OLB Jeremiah Moon
- Placed on IR: CB Jalyn Armour-Davis
Carolina Panthers
- Elevated: G J.D. DiRenzo, CB AJ Parker
Chicago Bears
- Elevated: WR Collin Johnson
Dallas Cowboys
- Elevated: DT Carl Davis, LB Buddy Johnson
Denver Broncos
- Signed to active roster: WR Michael Bandy
- Elevated: WR Phillip Dorsett, OLB Ronnie Perkins
- Placed on reserve/non-football illness list: RB Dwayne Washington
Detroit Lions
- Signed to active roster: TE Anthony Firkser
- Elevated: DL Tyson Alualu, DE Bruce Irvin
Indianapolis Colts
- Elevated: LB Liam Anderson, WR Ethan Fernea
Kansas City Chiefs
- Elevated: RB Keaontay Ingram, NT Mike Pennel
- Waived: DT Matt Dickerson
Las Vegas Raiders
- Elevated: DT Matthew Butler, TE Cole Fotheringham
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed to active roster: WR Keelan Doss
- Elevated: DT Christopher Hinton, OL Austen Pleasants
Miami Dolphins
- Elevated: OLB Melvin Ingram
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed to active roster: DL T.J. Smith, LB Nick Vigil
- Elevated: WR Lucky Jackson, CB Jaylin Williams
- Placed on IR: LB Troy Dye
New England Patriots
- Elevated: TE Matt Sokol, OL Andrew Stueber
New Orleans Saints
- Elevated: CB Shemar Jean-Charles
New York Giants
- Signed to active roster: LB Darrian Beavers
- Elevated: K Mason Crosby, WR Dennis Houston
- Placed on IR: TE Lawrence Cager
Philadelphia Eagles
- Elevated: LB Brandon Smith
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Elevated: LB Myles Jack, S Eric Rowe
San Francisco 49ers
- Elevated: S Erik Harris, WR Tay Martin
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Elevated: CB Derrek Pitts, TE David Wells
Tennessee Titans
- Signed to active roster: DT Ross Blacklock
- Elevated: LB Tae Crowder, CB Kendall Sheffield
- Placed on IR: TE Josh Whyle
Alualu is set to make his Lions debut after signing earlier this month. Given the injury issues Detroit has faced up front, the 36-year-old has the chance to see playing time through the close of the regular season and into the playoffs. Alualu expressed a desire to continue playing with the Steelers this offseason, but he remained a free agent deep into the year. His tenure in the Motor City could help boost his free agent stock if he wishes to remain in the league in 2024, though.
Saturday’s gameday elevations and other minor moves around the league:
Arizona Cardinals
- Elevated: WR Dan Chisena, WR Kaden Davis
Atlanta Falcons
- Placed on IR: FB Keith Smith
- Signed to active roster: TE Tucker Fisk
- Elevated: P Pat O’Donnell, OL John Leglue
Buffalo Bills
- Elevated: RB Leonard Fournette
Carolina Panthers
- Elevated: G Gabe Jackson, G J.D. DiRenzo
Chicago Bears
- Elevated: WR Collin Johnson
Cleveland Browns
- Elevated: S Tanner McCalister, LB Charlie Thomas
Dallas Cowboys
- Elevated: DT Carl Davis, RB Malik Davis
Denver Broncos
- Elevated: QB Ben DiNucci, OLB Ronnie Perkins
Detroit Lions
- Elevated: K Michael Badgley (story), TE Anthony Firkser
Green Bay Packers
- Elevated: WR Bo Melton, S Benny Sapp
Indianapolis Colts
- Elevated: WR Ethan Fernea
Miami Dolphins
- Elevated: CB Ethan Bonner, OLB Melvin Ingram
Minnesota Vikings
- Elevated: WR Lucky Jackson, CB Jaylin Williams
New York Jets
- Elevated: FB Nick Bawden, LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball
Seattle Seahawks
- Elevated: CB Kelvin Joseph, S Ty Okada
Tennessee Titans
- DB Shyheim Carter, CB Tay Gowan
Washington Commanders
- Elevated: LS Tucker Addington, OL Nolan Laufenberg
The Bills will not have depth running back Ty Johnson available for tonight’s game, leading to the decision to elevate Fournette. The former Super Bowl champion will thus make his Buffalo debut, although with lead back James Cook in the lineup, Fournette will likely not receive many looks on offense. The latter has already returned a kickoff for the first time in his career, however.
Signed to the Dolphins’ practice squad last week, Ingram will also make his 2023 debut in Week 16. The 34-year-old last played during his Miami stint in 2022, during which time he started three games and recorded six sacks. With Jaelan Phillips out for the year, Ingram will look to once again give the Dolphins a rotational presence off the edge.
Here are Tuesday’s practice squad moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: WR Dan Chisena
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: QB Jake Luton
- Released: WR Matt Landers, OLB Jordan Thomas
Detroit Lions
- Signed: DL Tyson Alualu (story), OL Matt Farniok
- Released: LB Raymond Johnson
Houston Texans
- Signed: WR Davion Davis
- Placed on practice squad injured list: WR Jared Wayne
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: S Tyree Gillespie
- Released: WR Chase Cota
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: LB Charles Snowden
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: RB Elijah Dotson
Los Angeles Rams
- Released: TE Miller Forristall
New York Jets
- Signed: OL Xavier Newman
- Placed on practice squad injured list: DT Tanzel Smart
Philadelphia Eagles
- Released: WR Cam Sims
Today’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Waived: WR Dan Chisena
Baltimore Ravens
- Designated to return from IR: LB Malik Hamm
Carolina Panthers
- Waived: G Brett Toth
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed to active roster: QB A.J. McCarron
Green Bay Packers
- Claimed off waivers (from Panthers): DB David Long
Indianapolis Colts
- Reinstated from suspended list: DT Grover Stewart
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Promoted: TE Josh Pederson
New York Giants
- Waived: QB Matt Barkley
While the Giants haven’t activated Tyrod Taylor, the veteran QB is expected to be back on the active roster next Monday. In preparation, the team has moved on from Matt Barkley, who has been serving as the backup to Tommy DeVito since Daniel Jones went down with an injury. Barkley hasn’t seen the field for a regular season game since 2020, when he got into five games with the Bills.