Minor NFL Transactions 11/19/24
Here are the latest moves from around the NFL:
Cincinnati Bengals
- Claimed via waivers: CB Marco Wilson
Cleveland Browns
- Placed on injured reserve: OT Dawand Jones (story)
Detroit Lions
- Activated from injured reserve: DT Brodric Martin
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Activated from injured reserve: RB Keilan Robinson
New England Patriots
- Signed to active roster: LB Titus Leo
- Placed on injured reserve: LB Curtis Jacobs
- Waived: LB Ochaun Mathis
Lions Place S Ifeatu Melifonwu On IR
Ifeatu Melifonwu was activated from injured reserve on Monday, a move which made him eligible to suit up as early as Week 12. It will still be several weeks before he makes his season debut, however. 
The fourth-year safety was moved back to IR on Tuesday, per a team announcement. As a result, he will be out for at least the next four games. Melifonwu has yet to suit up in 2024 while rehabbing an ankle injury, and his efforts to return to full health will continue for the foreseeable future. A finger issue encountered in practice will lead to this second stint on the sidelines.
Briefly activating the 25-year-old prevented him from seeing his original 21-day return window expire, something which would have ended his season. Instead, Melifonwu will reset the process of returning to practice later in the campaign once he is in position, health-wise, to do so. Head coach Dan Campbell said (via Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News) there is still a possibility the former third-rounder could suit up in 2024.
For the time being, though, the Lions will carry on with their current safety tandem of Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. That pairing has drawn praise, and if it remains intact Melifonwu will be slated for a backup/special teams role whenever he returns to the lineup. The Syracuse product is a pending free agent, so his missed time in 2024 will hinder his market value, and his performances if he does mange to see the field this year could be key in boosting his stock.
Detroit ranks 27th against the pass with an average of 233 yards surrendered per game through the air. Getting a key member of the secondary back in the form of Melifonwu (who made nine combined regular and postseason starts last year) would thus be a welcomed development for the NFC-leading Lions. The team has six IR activations remaining, and using a second one on Melifonwu will be needed for him to see playing time.
Lions Activate Ifeatu Melifonwu, Place Alex Anzalone On IR; David Long Added To Practice Squad
Ifeatu Melifonwu is set to make his season debut in Week 12. The fourth-year safety was activated from injured reserve on Monday, per a team announcement.
Melifonwu returned to practice earlier this month, opening his three-week activation window. He was not moved to the active roster in time for Detroit’s Week 10 or 11 contests, but now he will be eligible to suit up for the first time in 2024. An ankle injury landed him on IR in September, and the Lions’ secondary has been shorthanded ever since.
Down the stretch and through the playoffs last season, Melifonwu operated as a safety starter. The Lions still have Kerby Joseph in place at that spot, though, and the decision to move Brian Branch there from slot corner has given them an effective first-team tandem. Melifonwu, 25, will look to establish himself as a depth presence and a special teams contributor upon return. As a pending free agent, his play over the coming weeks will be key in determining the former third-rounder’s market value.
In a corresponding roster move, linebacker Alex Anzalone was moved to injured reserve. He suffered a broken forearm in yesterday’s contest, leaving him in position for a multi-week recovery period. Today’s move ensures at least a four-game absence before Anzalone will be eligible to return to action. Bringing him back into the fold will use up one of the six IR activations Detroit now has given the Melifonwu move.
The Lions also added David Long via a practice squad deal. The veteran linebacker was waived by the Dolphins last week not long after losing his starting role on defense. Miami elevated Anthony Walker to first-team duties, leaving Long out of the organization in short order. No team put in a claim for the 28-year-old, but he has quickly managed to land a gig as a free agent.
Of course, the fact Long has signed with Detroit comes as no surprise given Anzalone’s injury. The latter has remained a full-time starter on defense this season, so his absence will test the Lions’ depth at the second level. Long – who has 75 games and 49 starts to his name – could soon find himself being elevated to the active roster as at least a rotational option at the LB spot.
Lions’ Alex Anzalone Suffers Broken Forearm
The Lions enjoyed a blowout victory on Sunday, but the team’s defense did suffer a notable injury along the way. Linebacker Alex Anzalone is dealing with a broken forearm. 
As a result of the injury, head coach Dan Campbell pointed to an absence of six to eight weeks (h/t ESPN’s Eric Woodyard). Anzalone’s presence will certainly be missed by the NFC’s top seed, although that recovery timeline could still allow him to return to action in time for the playoffs. In the meantime, Detroit will be notably shorthanded at the second level.
Anzalone has remained a full-time starter in 2024, his fourth Lions season. The 30-year-old topped 1,000 defensive snaps during each of the past two campaigns, and he exceeded 100 tackles both times while totaling 4.5 sacks. This year, he has amassed 56 stops (including seven tackles for loss) to go along with four pass deflections. Replacing that production over the next several weeks will be challenging for Detroit.
Derrick Barnes resides on injured reserve, and it remains to be seen if he will be able to return at any point in 2024. Anzalone’s continued high-level play has helped compensate for Barnes’ absence, but being without both for the foreseeable future could prove to be difficult. The Lions – who improved to 9-1 on the year with their 46-point win over the Jaguars – still have 2023 first-rounder Jack Campbell in place as a first-team option. Jalen Reeves-Maybin was recently moved to IR, which leaves Malcolm Rodriguez as a candidate for increased usage moving forward.
Anzalone re-signed with the Lions on a three-year, $18.75MM deal this offseason. That pact underscores his importance to Detroit’s defense (a unit which ranked eighth in scoring entering Sunday’s action) for this season and beyond. The Lions’ eight-game winning streak has not resulted in much breathing space atop the NFC North, and wins by the Vikings and Packers on Sunday will keep the pressure on to remain in pole position. With plenty still at stake down the stretch, Detroit will need at least a temporary contingency plan at the linebacker spot.
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/16/24
Saturday’s minor moves, including standard gameday practice squad elevations:
Baltimore Ravens
- Elevated: LB Kristian Welch
Buffalo Bills
- Elevated: TE Zach Davidson, T Richard Gouraige
Cincinnati Bengals
- Elevated: T Devin Cochran, LB Shaka Heyward
Cleveland Browns
- Signed to active roster: DT Sam Kamara, DE Elerson Smith
- Elevated: WR Kadarius Toney
- Placed on IR: DT Mike Hall Jr.
Denver Broncos
- Elevated: LB Zach Cunningham, S Keidron Smith
Detroit Lions
- Signed to active roster: LB Zeke Turner
- Elevated: TE James Mitchell
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed to active roster: LB Liam Anderson
- Elevated: G Atonio Mafi, G Josh Sills
- Waived: DT Adam Gotsis
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Elevated: WR Velus Jones, LB Anthony Pittman
Kansas City Chiefs
- Elevated: LB Cole Christiansen
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed to active roster: LB Shaquille Quarterman
- Elevated: CB Eli Apple, OLB Caleb Murphy
- Waived: CB Dicaprio Bootle
Los Angeles Rams
- Elevated: T Geron Christian, DL Jonah Williams
Miami Dolphins
- Elevated: LS Tucker Addington, T Jackson Carman
Minnesota Vikings
- Elevated: LS Jake McQuaide
New England Patriots
- Elevated: LB Keshawn Banks, LB Joe Giles-Harris
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed to active roster: P Pat O’Donnell
- Elevated: S Tashaun Gipson, CB Nick McCloud
- Placed on IR: CB Darrell Luter Jr.
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed to active roster: TE Tyler Mabry, WR Cody White
- Elevated: LB Patrick O’Connell, S Ty Okada
- Placed on reserve/retired list: C Connor Williams (story)
- Waived: NT Brandon Pili
Tennessee Titans
- Signed to active roster: C Corey Levin
- Elevated: T Isaiah Prince, S Daryl Worley
Toney is set to make his debut for the regular season. The former first-round pick out of Florida has had a rocky first four years in the league, despite coming away with two Super Bowl rings in Kansas City. He was signed to the Browns’ practice squad just after the season opener and will be eligible to see game action with Cleveland in Week 11.
O’Donnell was added to the 49ers’ practice squad earlier this week given the chance of Mitch Wishnowsky missing time. The latter is now on injured reserve, ensuring at least a four-game absence. O’Donnell, 32, is a veteran of 145 games but Week 11 will mark his first regular season action since 2022.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/13/24
Wednesday’s practice squad transactions:
Chicago Bears
- Signed: C Ricky Stromberg
Denver Broncos
- Signed: S Keidron Smith
Detroit Lions
- Signed: LB Abraham Beauplan
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: TE Hayden Rucci
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: P Pat O’Donnell
- Released: DT T.Y. McGill
The 49ers continue to deal with injuries on special teams. As a result, they’re bringing in the 33-year-old veteran out of Miami (FL). O’Donnell spent eight years in Chicago as the Bears’ primary punter before playing a season in Green Bay. If Mitch Wishnowsky‘s back injury forces him to miss game time, O’Donnell could see his first NFL action since 2022.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/12/24
Today’s practice squad moves:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: WR Jakeem Grant
- Released: LB Tyreek Maddox-Williams
Carolina Panthers
- Released: LB Cam Johnson
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: QB Will Grier
- Released: S Emany Johnson
Detroit Lions
- Signed: WR Maurice Alexander, DE Isaiah Thomas
Houston Texans
- Signed: OL Cameron Erving, CB D’Angelo Ross
- Released: CB Desmond King, OT David Sharpe
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: OT Mason Brooks
- Released: DE Derek Rivers
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: OL Jerome Carvin, OL Dieter Eiselen
- Released: LS Peter Bowden, QB John Rhys Plumlee
New York Giants
- Signed: OT Joshua Miles
- Released: P Matt Haack
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: RB Patrick Taylor
- Released: RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: OL Chandler Brewer
The Falcons have added a notable name to their special teams corps in Jakeem Grant. The long-time Dolphins returner has collected six ST touchdowns in his career (four via punts, two via kickoffs), and he’s even hauled in 100 catches. However, the veteran hasn’t seen the field since the 2021 campaign while spending the past few years on Cleveland’s practice squad.
With Dak Prescott done for the season, the Cowboys have added some extra QB depth. In comes old friend Will Grier, who spent the 2021 and 2022 campaigns in Dallas. The former third-round pick has since bounced around the NFL, including stops with the Bengals, Patriots, and Chargers in just 2023. Grier still only has two career appearances on his resume, both coming with the Panthers in 2019.
The Texans have added some experienced OL depth in Cameron Erving. The veteran is coming off a 2023 campaign where he started two of his three appearances for the Saints, and he barely played in 11 appearances with the Panthers in 2022. Still, the 32-year-old brings 98 games (58 starts) of experience to Houston, a factor that could be valuable down the stretch. To make room on the practice squad, the Texans moved on from cornerback Desmond King. The veteran has only seen time in one game for Houston this season, although he’s not far removed from a 2022 campaign where he started 13 games for the Texans.
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/11/24
Here are today’s minor moves around the NFL:
Dallas Cowboys
- Reinstated from suspension: DE Sam Williams
Detroit Lions
- Waived: LB Abraham Beauplan
Green Bay Packers
- Designated for return from injured reserve: RB Marshawn Lloyd
Houston Texans
- Reinstated from suspension, one-game roster exemption granted: DE Mario Edwards
Los Angeles Rams
- Elevated from practice squad: DE Jonah Williams
Miami Dolphins
- Elevated from practice squad: LS Tucker Addington, OT Jackson Carman
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed to active roster from practice squad: CB Josh Jobe
- Claimed off waivers: NT Brandon Pili
- Placed on injured reserve: S K’Von Wallace
Williams completed his three-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. He remains on injured reserve after a season-ending knee injury suffered during training camp.
Edwards served a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy and is now eligible to be reinstated to the Texans’ active roster. Houston requested and received a one-game roster exemption to give Edwards an additional week to practice with the team before being added back to the 53-man roster.
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/9/24
Today’s minor moves, including standard gameday practice squad elevations:
Arizona Cardinals
- Elevated: CB Divaad Wilson
Atlanta Falcons
- Elevated: WR Chris Blair, OLB Khalid Kareem
Buffalo Bills
- Elevated: WR Tyrell Shavers, WR K.J. Hamler
- Placed on IR: LB Baylon Spector
Chicago Bears
- Activated from IR: G Ryan Bates (story)
- Elevated: T Jake Curhan, LB Carl Jones Jr.
Dallas Cowboys
- Elevated: CB Josh Butler, WR Jalen Cropper
Denver Broncos
- Activated from IR: C Luke Wattenberg
- Elevated: FB Michael Burton, LB Zach Cunningham
Detroit Lions
- Signed to active roster: LB Abraham Beauplan, OLB Al-Quadin Muhammad, TE Shane Zylstra
- Elevated: T Jamarco Jones, LB Zeke Turner
- Placed on IR: LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin
- Waived: DE Isaiah Thomas
Houston Texans
- Elevated: DT Tommy Togiai
Indianapolis Colts
- Elevated: WR Laquon Treadwell
Kansas City Chiefs
- Elevated: LB Cole Christiansen, WR Justyn Ross
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed to active roster: TE Tucker Fisk
- Elevated: CB Eli Apple, OLB Caleb Murphy
Miami Dolphins
- Waived: DT Brandon Pili
Minnesota Vikings
- Elevated: LS Jake McQuaide
New England Patriots
- Elevated: LB Joe Giles-Harris, TE Mitchell Wilcox
New Orleans Saints
- Elevated: WR Kevin Austin, WR Dante Pettis
New York Giants
- Elevated: LB Curtis Bolton, WR Isaiah Hodgins
New York Jets
- Elevated: K Spencer Shrader
San Francisco 49ers
- Elevated: S Tashaun Gipson
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Activated from IR: LS Evan Deckers
- Elevated: WR Marquez Callaway, LB Vi Jones
- Waived: LS Zach Triner
Tennessee Titans
- Elevated: C Corey Levin, S Daryl Worley
Washington Commanders
- Signed to active roster: RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.
- Elevated: K Zane Gonzalez, DE Efe Obada
- Placed on IR: TE Colson Yankoff
Spector will miss at least the next four games as a result of the Bills’ move. He has remained a mainstay on special teams this year, having also done so in 2022 and ’23. The former seventh-rounder has made three starts on defense, however, so his absence will be felt moving forward. Linebacker has been a position hit hard by injuries this season, and Buffalo’s depth at the second level will now be tested even further.
Wattenberg had his 21-day practice window opened by the Broncos earlier this week, paving the way for today’s activation. The 27-year-old operated as the team’s starting center prior to going down after having won a summer competition for the gig with Alex Forsyth. Forsyth handled first-team duties over the past four games, drawing a superior PFF evaluation and therefore potentially playing his way into an extended look atop the depth chart. At a minimum, having Wattenberg back will give Denver – a team with three IR activations left – depth up front.
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/8/24
Friday’s minor roster moves:
Buffalo Bills
- Signed to active roster: WR Jalen Virgil
Cincinnati Bengals
- Claimed off waivers (from Lions): WR Isaiah Williams
New England Patriots
- Waived: LB Raekwon McMillan
San Francisco 49ers
- Waived: RB Patrick Taylor
Taylor was waived today in anticipation of everyone’s expectation that Christian McCaffrey will finally be coming off of injured reserve to make his season debut this week.
Virgil was previously on the Broncos but landed on waivers as part of final roster cuts before the start of the regular season. According to Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette, Denver tried desperately to sign him to their practice squad after he cleared waivers, but Virgil ultimately decided to sign with Buffalo’s practice squad. He’ll now get an opportunity on the team’s active roster after two standard gameday elevations this year.
Despite being a vested veteran, McMillan will need to clear waivers in order to be re-signed to the Patriots’ practice squad, per Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald. The team already has Joe Giles-Harris and Monty Rice on the practice squad at the position.