NFL Injury Updates: Wharton, Lions, Colts
Defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton suffered a hamstring injury in his Panthers debut and will miss time as a result.
Head coach Dave Canales said (via team reporter Darin Gantt) that Wharton’s absence would be “somewhere in the two- to four-week range.” That could preclude a move to injured reserve, as Wharton would be sidelined for a mandatory four week after his placement. Given the nature of his injury, the Panthers likely want to get him back on the practice field sooner as he ramps up to game readiness.
Wharton, 27, signed in Carolina this offseason for $15MM per year with the hopes of combining with Derrick Brown and A’Shawn Robinson to upgrade the Panthers’ interior pass rush. The former Chief put up a career-high 6.5 sacks in 2024 and added two more in the playoffs.
Until Wharton returns to the field, the Panthers will lean on a backups Bobby Brown and Jaden Crumedy. Rookie Cam Jackson should also get more opportunities after sitting as a healthy scratch in Week 1.
Here are several other injury updates from around the NFL:
- Lions offensive tackle Jamarco Jones, who was placed on injured reserve before Week 1, will be out for the season with an ankle injury, per Justin Rodgers of the Detroit Football Network. Safety Daniel Thomas, meanwhile, is planning to play through a broken hand, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
- The Texans‘ offense has taken another hit with center Jake Andrews sustaining a high ankle sprain, per KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson. The veteran starter has an unclear return timeline with backup Jarrett Patterson set to take his place.
- Eagles running back Will Shipley sustained a fractured rib in Week 1, according to 97.5 The Fanatic’s Derrick Gunn, partially explaining the team’s recent acquisition of Tank Bigsby from the Jaguars. In addition to replacing Shipley as Saquon Barkley‘s primary backup, Bigsby will also be able to contribute as a returner on special teams.
- The Colts could be without multiple pieces of their secondary in Week 2, per Joel Erickson of the Indianapolis Star. Starter Charvarius Ward is still in concussion protocol, and third-year corner Jaylon Jones could land on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Head coach Shane Steichen said that Jones would be “out for a while” and declined to put a timeline on his return.
- The Packers will be without a pair of starting offensive linemen on Thursday night against the Commanders. Left guard Aaron Banks and right tackle Zach Tom were both ruled out with 2024 first-round pick Jordan Morgan and rookie third-rounder Anthony Belton taking their respective places.
Lions Were In ‘Wait-And-See Mode’ With WR Jameson Willliams After 2024 Season
The Lions signed Jameson Williams to a three-year extension on Saturday, locking down the young wideout for the foreseeable future.
However, despite Williams’ thousand-yard effort in 2024, Detroit was still in “wait-and-see mode” regarding an extension, per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. The team still had questions about Williams’ maturity after serving suspensions during the 2023 and 2024 seasons for violations of the league’s gambling and performance enhancing drugs policies, respectively.
However, a strong offseason from the 24-year-old gave the Lions enough confidence to extend Williams for an additional three years off his rookie contract. That will keep him in Detroit through the 2029 season, though precise details on his contract that would better clarify the team’s commitment level remain elusive.
The Lions will be hoping that Williams can walk the straight and narrow for the rest of his stay in Detroit and continue to elevate his game every year. His four-catch, 23-yard performance in Week 1 was underwhelming (as was the entire Lions offense) given his 2024 production, offseason hype, and recent payday, but sweeping conclusions can’t be drawn from one game. While Detroit’s offense may be experiencing a post-Ben Johnson/Frank Ragnow hangover, Williams can still be a dangerous weapon both as a deep threat and a YAC weapon.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/9/25
Today’s practice squad moves:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: K John Parker Romo
- Released: LB Ronnie Perkins
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: WR Cornelius Johnson
- Released: LB Malik Hamm
Chicago Bears
- Signed: DB Dallis Flowers
- Released: DB Tre Flowers
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: DT Ralph Holley
- Released: RB Trayveon Williams
Denver Broncos
- Signed: RB Deuce Vaughn
Detroit Lions
- Signed: OL Devin Cochran, LB Monty Rice
- Released: LB Anthony Pittman
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: CB Keydrain Calligan, S Darrick Forrest
- Released: C Mose Vavao, S Trey Washington
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: WR Hal Presley
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: LB Kana’i Mauga
- Released: RB Nyheim Hines
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: QB Hunter Dekkers, QB Jake Haener
New York Jets
- Signed: RB Keilan Robinson
- Released: RB Lawrance Toafili
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: OL Jake Majors
- Released: RB Montrell Johnson
San Francisco 49ers
- Released: WR Robbie Chosen
Today’s practice squad transactions are highlighted by the release of a veteran running back. Nyheim Hines has been looking to revive his career since he missed the 2023 season thanks to a leg injury sustained in a jet ski collision. Since he was released by the Bills after that campaign, he’s spent time with the Browns and Chargers without getting into a game. A former fourth-round pick, Hines had four productive seasons with the Colts to begin his career, including a 2020 campaign where he compiled 862 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns.
2025 Offseason In Review Series
Here are PFR’s breakdowns of each NFL team’s 2025 offseason.
AFC East
AFC North
AFC South
AFC West
NFC East
NFC North
NFC South
NFC West
NFC North Rumors: Hafley, Thielen, Ratledge
In 2024, Jeff Hafley’s first year as the Packers’ defensive coordinator, Green Bay ranked fifth and sixth in total and scoring defense, respectively, while also finishing third in interceptions and seventh in sacks. That performance garnered Hafley a head coaching interview with the Jets this offseason, and more such interviews could be on the horizon.
Per Jeff Howe of The Athletic (subscription required), Hafley is viewed as a legitimate HC candidate in some league circles, and he has a chance to elevate his stock even further given the Packers’ addition of star edge defender Micah Parsons. Howe already expects teams in search of a defensive-minded head coach in next year’s cycle to do their homework on Hafley, and another strong showing from his unit will solidify his place on the HC radar.
Now for more from the NFC North:
- A trade at the end of August brought WR Adam Thielen back to the Vikings after a two-year stint with the Panthers. In a comprehensive look behind the scenes of the swap, Joseph Person of The Athletic (subscription required) says Carolina was not actively looking to deal Thielen, who became an important veteran leader. Given that, and given the Panthers’ leverage – Minnesota’s need for a veteran wideout was well-documented – Carolina originally asked the Vikes for a third-round pick in exchange for Thielen and a fifth-rounder. The Panthers wanted to get the equivalent of fourth-round value in a Thielen trade, and they eventually got there while shaving off $7MM in cap space they can roll over to next year. The Vikes, meanwhile, did not have to give up a third.
- Rookie Tate Ratledge was initially penciled in as the Lions’ starting center in the wake of Frank Ragnow’s retirement, but that experiment lasted all of three training camp practices before Detroit shifted Ratledge to right guard and veteran Graham Glasgow to the pivot. However, that had less to do with Ratledge’s performance than Glasgow’s existing rapport with QB Jared Goff, and as Justin Rogers of Detroit Football Network writes, GM Brad Holmes still sees Ratledge as the long-term center, where he may have an even higher ceiling (despite his success at guard in college).
- The Lions waived sixth-round rookie Ahmed Hassanein with an injury settlement during final roster cutdowns at the end of August, but Holmes still expects the defensive end to suit up for the team this year (via Jeremy Reisman of PrideofDetroit.com). Holmes said there is a handshake deal in place for Hassanein, who has cleared waivers, to return to Detroit once the length of the injury settlement term (plus an additional three weeks) is complete. That term is presently unknown.
- Former Lions long snapper Don Muhlbach will serve in a game management role for the club this year, per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Muhlbach, a two-time Pro Bowler and the second-longest-tenured player in franchise history, joined the team in an administrative role shortly after his 2021 release. He will now assist HC Dan Campbell with replay reviews, rules interpretations, and “other gameday trends.”
Lions Initiate Aidan Hutchinson Extension Talks; Deal Not Expected Before Week 1
SEPTEMBER 7: Contract talks between Hutchinson and the Lions have been positive, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. However, no deal is expected before Detroit’s season gets underway on Sunday.
While Week 1 often serves as an artificial deadline for negotiations, Schefter does not suggest that is the case here. As such, it would not be a surprise to see an agreement announced in the coming weeks.
AUGUST 29: The Lions have opened extension talks with star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
Hutchinson, the No. 2 overall pick in 2022, became eligible for an extension earlier this offseason. The Lions picked up his fifth-year option to lock down his services in 2026 for $19.872MM, but no serious negotiations on a long-term deal picked up until recently.
Hutchinson declined to offer an update on contract talks last week, saying (via Birkett) that he preferred to be “hands-off with the process.”
“I think the business side can take away from your love of the game a little bit,” explained Hutchinson. “And that’s kind of the reality of the NFL.
But on Thursday morning, Lions general manager Brad Holmes said that a “dialogue” with Hutchinson’s representation had begun. Hours later, however, Micah Parsons completely upended the EDGE market with a $47MM APY and $120MM fully guaranteed on his new deal with the Packers. It’s hard to argue that Hutchinson (or any other defender) is worth as much as Parsons, but his new contract does raise the ceiling on future edge rusher negotiations.
Hutchinson wasn’t as dominant in his first two seasons as Parsons was in his, but the former Michigan Wolverine got off to a torrid start in 2024 with 7.5 sacks in five games. It might have been difficult to carry that 25.5-sack pace through the rest of the season, but Hutchinson seemed to have a strong chance at leading the league and potentially reach 20.0 sacks, two things Parsons hasn’t done yet.
However, a broken leg abruptly ended his season after just five games, ending his shot at a record-breaking season. His recovery appears to have gone smoothly heading into the regular season, so he’ll be trying to replicate last year’s efforts and push for an APY above $40MM.
On Thursday, Holmes also said that the team has not been in recent talks to sign Za’Darius Smith, according to Birkett. The Lions acquired Smith from the Browns at the 2024 trade deadline and was released as a cap casualty before free agency. He expressed a desire to return to Detroit and stayed in touch with the team throughout the offseason. Their most recent contact was in early August, but with the regular season soon approaching, it doesn’t seem that Smith will return to the Motor City.
Lions, Jameson Williams Agree To Extension
Jameson Williams was already under contract with the Lions through 2026 entering the season, but he will remain in place beyond that point. The ascending wideout has an extension agreement in place.
Team and player worked out a deal on Saturday, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports. This pact is three years in length, and it is worth $83MM with $67MM guaranteed. Since Williams’ fifth-year option was picked up this spring, he is now on the books through 2029.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter clarifies $83MM represents the maximum value of this pact. The average annual value of the extension at first glance – $27.67MM – is likely an inflated figure as a result. Even if so, a strong guarantee along with long-term stability has been attained via this agreement. Williams is the latest member of the Lions’ offensive core to receive a major raise.
Last offseason, fellow receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown landed an extension averaging just over $30MM per season. Quarterback Jared Goff, along with offensive tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker, as well as running back David Montgomery, each signed new deals in 2024 as well. That led to questions about whether or not Williams would fit into the team’s long-term plans, especially with Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta eligible for extensions next year.
An answer has now arrived just before Week 1. Williams, 24, will finish playing out his rookie deal in the Motor City but he will remain in place on his second contract. The Alabama product played just 18 games across his first two campaigns due to injury and multiple suspensions. When on the field, though, Williams showed his potential as a deep threat.
In 2024, a notable step forward was taken in terms of production. Williams played 16 combined regular and postseason games, and his availability yielded positive results. He recorded 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 17.3 yards per catch. A full-time role and increased expectations will await Williams in 2025 but for several years after the coming season as well.
Rumors emerged about a potential trade being considered in this situation, but Lions general manager Brad Holmes said in April that was not the case. Williams’ future in Detroit was ensured to an extent when his option – like that of former No. 2 pick Aidan Hutchinson – was exercised. Talks on a Hutchinson extension have taken place, but during that process work has also successfully been done on a new Williams accord.
The Lions were largely quiet this offseason with respect to outside free agent additions, looking instead to retaining as many member of their core as possible. That resulted in safety Kerby Joseph landing a monster deal of his own, and Williams has now joined him in that regard. Continued development from both players would be key in allowing for Detroit to remain among the NFL’s top contenders.
St. Brown topped 1,100 yards for the third straight season in 2024, and he will be counted on to lead the way once again this year. LaPorta figures to reprise his role as a key figure in the passing game. Williams will offer a different skillset than those two, and based on this investment the Lions are confident he will be able to consistently offer them another high-end option on offense.
Minor NFL Transactions: 9/6/25
With our first slate of Sunday games tomorrow, we’ll see our first slew of standard gameday practice squad elevations. Here are today’s minor transactions:
Atlanta Falcons
- Elevated: WR David Sills, RB Carlos Washington Jr.
Baltimore Ravens
- Elevated: TE Zaire Mitchell-Paden
Buffalo Bills
- Elevated: G Kendrick Green, K Matt Prater
Carolina Panthers
- Signed to active roster: DT Jaden Crumedy
- Placed on IR: CB Damarri Mathis (story)
Cincinnati Bengals
- Elevated: DT Mike Pennel
Denver Broncos
- Elevated: FB Adam Prentice, LB Levelle Bailey
Detroit Lions
- Signed to active roster: RB Jacob Saylors
- Elevated: LB Anthony Pittman
- Placed on IR: T Jamarco Jones
Green Bay Packers
- Elevated: CB Micah Robinson
Houston Texans
- Elevated: FB Jakob Johnson
Indianapolis Colts
- Elevated: LB Austin Ajiake, RB Ulysses Bentley IV
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Elevated: T Ricky Lee
Las Vegas Raiders
- Elevated: WR Alex Bachman, S Terrell Edmunds
Los Angeles Rams
- Elevated: RB Cody Schrader
Miami Dolphins
- Elevated: K Riley Patterson, RB Jeff Wilson
New England Patriots
- Signed to active roster: DT Cory Durden
- Elevated: CB Corey Ballentine, LB Mark Robinson
- Released: DT Jeremiah Pharms
New Orleans Saints
- Signed to active roster: DE Fadil Diggs
- Elevated: TE Jack Stoll, DE Jonah Williams
- Waived: QB Jake Haener
New York Giants
- Elevated: DT Elijah Garcia
New York Jets
- Elevated: WR Tyler Johnson
- Placed on IR: G Alijah Vera-Tucker (story)
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Elevated: CB James Pierre
San Francisco 49ers
- Elevated: WR Russell Gage, LB Curtis Robinson
Seattle Seahawks
- Elevated: CB Shaquill Griffin, DT Quinton Bohanna
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Elevated: DT Adam Gotsis, G Michael Jordan
Tennessee Titans
- Elevated: C Corey Levin, DT Carlos Watkins
Washington Commanders
- Elevated: C Michael Deiter, WR Chris Moore
Each NFL team is granted up to two standard gameday practice squad elevations each game, allowing them to call up two members of their practice squad who are able to play in that weekend’s game. After the game is played, the elevated players revert back to the practice squad with no transaction required. This differs from the situation with somebody like Crumedy in Carolina. With Mathis’ placement on injured reserve opening a spot on the 53-man roster, Crumedy has been promoted from the practice squad to the active roster, where he will remain until he is cut or his contract expires.
Practice squad players can be called up a maximum of three times under a single practice squad contract. If a team wants to call up a player who’s been called up three times already, the team will usually sign the player to their active roster for a game, cut them after, and then sign them to a new practice squad contract. Under the new contract, the player would be eligible to be elevated for three more games.
As the Dolphins await Jason Sanders‘ return from IR, Patterson was named the winner of a kicking audition with three other veteran kickers. Miami will be able to elevate him three times but will have to promote him to the active roster for any games between that and Sanders’ activation. Similarly, Prater will likely be on the same plan in Buffalo.
Haener’s stint on the Saints’ active roster was short-lived as the team decides to move forward with only two quarterbacks. Spencer Rattler will handle starting duties to begin the campaign with second-round rookie Tyler Shough serving as his backup.
Lions Sign C.J. Beathard To Practice Squad
Once roster cuts and subsequent moves had taken place last week, the Lions had just two quarterbacks in the fold. That is no longer the case. 
[RELATED: Recapping Lions’ Offseason]
C.J. Beathard signed to Detroit’s practice squad Thursday, per a team announcement. The 31-year-old represented one of the top quarterbacks left on the market this deep into the offseason and worked out with Detroit yesterday. He will give the Lions an option for gameday elevations or a promotion to the active roster in 2025.
Jared Goff will again handle starting duties this season, but Detroit has a new backup in the form of Kyle Allen. Allen drew praise for his work during training camp and the preseason, to the point where he overtook incumbent Hendon Hooker on the depth chart. In a move which came as little surprise as a result, Hooker was waived ahead of the cutdown deadline.
The 2023 third-rounder quickly found a home on the Panthers’ practice squad, meaning a stay in Detroit was not an option after he cleared waivers (not that one was expected). After a few days without a signal-caller on their taxi squad, the Lions will move forward with Beathard. The former UDFA has totaled 32 regular season appearances and 13 starts, his most recent coming with the Jaguars in 2023. If Goff or Allen suffer an injury, Beathard will be counted on to fill in.
In a corresponding move, the Lions released second-year defensive end Isaac Ukwu from their practice squad. Ukwu made two appearances for Detroit last season while the team dealt with a slew of injuries on defense. He will now look for another opportunity in time for the start of the season.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/3/25
Today’s practice squad moves:
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: S J.T. Gray
- Released: CB Thomas Graham
Buffalo Bills
- Released: S Jordan Poyer
Detroit Lions
- Signed: QB C.J. Beathard
Houston Texans
- Signed: WR Silas Bolden, CB D’Angelo Ross, OT Sidy Sow
- Released: G Reid Holskey, LB K.C. Ossai, OT Jaylon Thomas
New England Patriots
- Signed: LB Darius Harris
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: CB Eli Ricks
- Released: OL Hollin Pierce
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: WR Lance McCutcheon, LB Jon Rhattigan
- Released: OL Aiden Williams
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: WR Russell Gage
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: RB Damien Martinez
Tennessee Titans
- Released: DL Isaiah Raikes
The Ravens added a notable special teamer to their taxi squad today, agreeing to a deal with veteran J.T. Gray. The 29-year-old spent his entire professional career with the Saints before getting cut by the team last week. The majority of Gray’s playing time has come on special teams, where he’s earned three All-Pro nods for his efforts. As Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic notes, the veteran will likely see a role in Baltimore, as the team is still looking to fill holes left by a handful of departed core special teamers this past offseason.
To accommodate the addition of old friend Gabe Davis to the practice squad, the Bills had to get a bit creative. Temporarily, the team has released veteran safety Jordan Poyer, but the former Buffalo starter shouldn’t be gone for long. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston, Poyer is expected to rejoin the Bills practice squad once Davis is placed on the taxi squad injured list.
The Lions landed on a third-string quarterback after holding an audition earlier today. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports that the team has signed C.J. Beathard to the practice squad. Beathard worked out for the team earlier today alongside Nathan Peterman. Beathard has only started one game since garnering 12 starts for the 49ers between 2017 and 2020. He split last season with the Jaguars and Dolphins without getting into a game. In Detroit, he’ll serve as a third-stringer behind Jared Goff and Kyle Allen.