Minor NFL Transactions: 10/25/25
Here are Saturday’s minor moves and standard gameday practice squad elevations for tomorrow’s slate of games:
Baltimore Ravens
- Elevated: DT Taven Bryan, S Keondre Jackson
Carolina Panthers
- Elevated: OLB Boogie Basham, QB Hendon Hooker
Cincinnati Bengals
- Elevated: LB Joe Giles-Harris
Cleveland Browns
- Elevated: DT Sam Kamara, QB Bailey Zappe
Denver Broncos
- Elevated: LB Jordan Turner
Houston Texans
- Activated from IR: CB Jaylin Smith
- Elevated: WR Jared Wayne
- Waived: TE Brenden Bates
Indianapolis Colts
- Elevated: CB Cameron Mitchell, DE Durell Nchami
Miami Dolphins
- Elevated: TE Hayden Rucci, CB Kendall Sheffield
New England Patriots
- Elevated: S Richie Grant, RB Terrell Jennings
New Orleans Saints
- Elevated: LB Eku Leota
Philadelphia Eagles
- Activated from IR: WR Darius Cooper
San Francisco 49ers
- Elevated: DE Trevis Gipson, OL Nick Zakelj
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Elevated: QB Connor Bazelak, OLB Mohamed Kamara
Tennessee Titans
- Elevated: WR James Proche
Recently named QB2 Shedeur Sanders found his way to the injury report today with a back injury. By elevating Zappe, Cleveland is ensuring Sanders won’t play tomorrow, since in order to have three quarterbacks dressed for gameday, all three passers must be on the 53-man roster. Zappe will back up Dillon Gabriel, and Sanders will likely be in sweats. Similarly in Carolina, with Bryce Young set to sit this week, Hooker has been called up to back up Andy Dalton.
Both Buccaneers quarterbacks, Baker Mayfield and Teddy Bridgewater, were on the injury report this week, though neither received a “questionable” injury designation as result of their ailments. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that both passers are expected to be available, but with Bazelak taking up a spot on the active roster, it seems likely that only one other quarterback will be suited up alongside the practice squad callup. Because Bazelak’s not on the 53-man roster, only two passers can be active. Tampa Bay can still designate Bazelak as the inactive third quarterback, but doing so would seemingly be making this elevation moot.
There is no corresponding move necessary for Philadelphia to add Cooper. The team received a two-game roster exemption after signing veteran defensive end Brandon Graham, so they had an open roster spot.
For Basham in Carolina and Jennings in New England, this will be their third and final standard gameday practice squad elevations. If either of their respective teams want them to play in another game this season, they will need to first be signed to the 53-man roster.
Bengals Open To Trading Logan Wilson
While the Bengals are unlikely to trade superstar pass rusher Trey Hendrickson before the Nov. 4 deadline, they could move another longtime defensive linchpin in the next couple of weeks. They’re “open to dealing” linebacker Logan Wilson, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
Now in his sixth season, Wilson joined the Bengals as a third-round pick from Wyoming in 2020. After mostly working as a reserve during his rookie campaign, Wilson has started in all 65 of his appearances since his second season.
In his most productive season, 2023, Wilson tallied 135 tackles, four interceptions, and two forced fumbles over 17 games. The Bengals signed him to a four-year, $37.25MM extension prior to that season. He’s under team control through 2027 as a result.
Despite the long-term commitment the Bengals made to Wilson, and despite his past production, the team has reduced his role this season. Wilson has played in all seven of the Bengals’ games and notched 41 tackles, but fourth-round rookie Barrett Carter has begun eating into his playing time under first-year defensive coordinator Al Golden. While Golden coached Wilson and the rest of the Bengals’ linebackers from 2020-21, Lou Anarumo ran the defense during the first five years of his career. Anarumo is now the D-coordinator for the Colts, who are looking for defensive help.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor indicated last week that Carter will continue to get more reps than Wilson, per Ben Baby of ESPN.com, saying: “I just felt he’s shown enough to [have us] continue to work through it. We’re going to see constant improvement every single game.”
With Carter usurping Wilson’s role alongside Demetrius Knight, the Bengals’ other primary linebacker, a deadline trade looks like a realistic possibility. Fowler and colleague Matt Bowen name the Colts as a potential fit, which would enable Wilson to reunite with Anarumo. They also identify the Cowboys, 49ers, and Bills as other teams that could swing a deal for Wilson.
Although the Cowboys boast an elite offense, they’re in dire need of defensive help, whether that’s Wilson or a more splashy acquisition. The 49ers could have interest in Wilson after losing four-time first-team All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner to a season-ending ankle injury. The Bills extended LB Terrel Bernard on a four-year, $50MM pact last March, but the oft-injured Matt Milano and Shaq Thompson aren’t under contract past this season, and third-year man Dorian Williams has struggled in 2025.
Colts Pursuing ‘Proven Defensive Playmaker’
The Colts are approaching the trade deadline with a “focus on adding a proven defensive playmaker,” per FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz.
Indianapolis currently stands alone as the only six-win team in the NFL on the back of a Daniel Jones-led offense that leads the league in points scored and ranks second in total yards. The unit has taken full advantage of some easier matchups with the Dolphins, Titans, Raiders, and Cardinals, but also put up more than 29 points and 400 yards against the Broncos in Week 2 and the Chargers in Week 7.
The Colts defense has performed well under new coordinator Lou Anarumo, giving up the eighth-fewest points and forcing at least one turnover in every game this season. However, they have also allowed the fourth-most passing yards in the league. That’s partially due to consistently leading their opponents, but their secondary was undermanned coming into the season and has struggled with injuries since it began.
Indianapolis’ cornerback room in particular has been decimated. Charvarius Ward, Jaylon Jones, and Mike Hilton all landed on injured reserve, not to mention Xavien Howard‘s abrupt retirement after four starts. Kenny Moore also missed time but came back in Week 7, and Jones returned to practice this week. At a minimum, the team needs depth at corner, and they could certainly use an upgrade.
The Colts have also been linked to edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, but the Bengals are not interested in trading him. Ballard could look elsewhere to supercharge a pass rush that has already been a solid unit this season to take pressure off the beleaguered secondary.
Colts Work Out OLB Shaq Barrett
The Colts hosted veteran edge rusher Shaquil Barrett for a workout on Tuesday, per KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson.
Barrett signed with the Dolphins during the 2024 offseason but abruptly retired in July. He changed his mind later in the year and eventually convinced Miami to let him depart for his longtime team, the Buccaneers. However, the 10-year veteran only played 17 snaps across Tampa Bay’s Week 18 and wild card matchups.
Barrett’s agent said in April that “he’s definitely going to play this year,” but the two-time Pro Bowler has received no reported interest until now.
The Colts have been in the market for defensive reinforcements, specifically at edge rusher and cornerback. Barrett does not profile as a high-impact addition – his 7.5 sacks in 2023 and 2024 were his lowest two-year total since the 2017 and 2018 seasons – but the 32-year-old has long a strong understanding of how to rush the passer. If general manager Chris Ballard is targeting a more significant upgrade to his secondary, he may look to piece together some more inexpensive additions off the edge. Barrett would fall into that category.
Five other edge rushers visited Indianapolis for workouts on Tuesday: Deslin Alexandre, Seth Coleman, Jasheen Davis, D.J. Johnson, and Benton Whitley. Johnson was a Panthers third-round pick in 2023 and played 17 games in his first two seasons with minimal production. That continued in his four games this year, leading to his release in September. Whitley appeared in six games for the Giants and the Vikings, primarily playing special teams.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/21/25
Today’s practice squad moves:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: OL Raiqwon O’Neal
- Placed on IR: OL Ryan Hayes
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: LB Jeremiah Moon
- Released: CB Keion Crossen, OT Michael Tarquin
Chicago Bears
- Released: DL Tanoh Kpassagnon
Denver Broncos
- Signed: OL Marques Cox
- Released: OL Karsen Barnhart
Detroit Lions
- Signed: LB Ty Summers
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: DE Seth Coleman
- Released: CB Keenan Garber
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: RB Trayveon Williams
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: RB Audric Estime
New York Giants
- Signed: DT Elijah Garcia
New York Jets
- Signed: DT Fatorma Mulbah
Philadelphia Eagles
- Released: TE Jaheim Bell
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Released: QB Logan Woodside
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: LB Stone Blanton, TE Brayden Willis
- Released: TE Messiah Swinson
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: DE David Ebuka Agoha, LB Ochaun Mathis
- Released: LB Curtis Jacobs
Colts DE Samson Ebukam Expected To Miss Multiple Weeks
After suffering a MCL injury in last Sunday’s win over the Chargers, Colts defensive end Samson Ebukam is likely to miss multiple weeks, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports. He’s not expected to land on IR, according to Mike Chappell of FOX 59.
An IR stint would require Ebukam to miss four games. With the Colts’ bye falling in Week 11, going on IR would prevent Ebukam from returning until Week 13. Fortunately for first-place Indianapolis, it doesn’t seem that he’s facing a long-term absence.
A former Ram and 49er, Ebukam signed a three-year deal with the Colts before the 2023 season. He responded with 17 starts and 9.5 sacks that year, but a torn Achilles sidelined him for all of last season. Before his latest injury, the 30-year-old played in all seven of the Colts’ games during a 6-1 start and logged a 44.2% snap share with two sacks.
Along with Ebukam, the Colts saw defensive end Tyquan Lewis exit in Week 7 with a groin injury. He’s considered “day-to-day this week, and we’ll just see how the week goes,” head coach Shane Steichen said (via Joel A. Erickson and Nathan Brown of the Indianapolis Star).
Lewis, who has played a little over 41% of defensive snaps in 2025, is tied for the team lead with three sacks. With Lewis and Ebukam dealing with injuries, Kwity Paye, Laiatu Latu, and JT Tuimoloau are the Colts’ only healthy defensive ends heading into Sunday’s game against the Titans.
Even when the Colts are at full strength, they don’t boast an especially formidable pass rush. That could be an area for general manager Chris Ballard to improve on before the Nov. 4 trade deadline, though the team also has questions in its injury-riddled secondary. The Colts have just under $5MM in cap space, leaving Ballard with little breathing room.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/20/25
Today’s practice squad moves:
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: WR Colton Dowell
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: CB David Long Jr.
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: TE Brayden Willis
David Long Jr. brings some experience to Indy’s practice squad, as the veteran defensive back has seen time in 79 career games. This included a 13-game showing with the Colts in 2024, although all but nine of his 117 snaps came on special teams. If he finds his way to the active roster, he’ll likely be eyeing a similar role this time around.
AFC Trade Notes: Patriots, Colts, Chiefs, Ravens, Jaguars
The Patriots improved to 5-2 on the season with their win this afternoon. As a result, New England could be one of the teams inclined to pursue trade additions over the coming days.
The Pats have already made one in-season swap, sending Ja’Lynn Polk to the Saints. That trade left the team thinner at the receiver spot, but an addition at that position does not appear to be forthcoming. During an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported New England should not be expected to pursue a receiver move compared to other positions (video link). Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas have each played a role in quarterback Drake Maye‘s strong start to the season; it seems that depth chart will not change in the near future.
On the other hand, New England’s pass rush room could be different shortly. Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports (subscription required) the Patriots are making calls about an addition along the edge. With a league-leading $55MM in cap space, the team could certainly afford a splashy addition. Meanwhile, New England is receiving calls about a number of internal players, per Russini. Anfernee Jennings could be on the move, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network adds. The 28-year-old has lost his starting spot, so a change of scenery could be worked out allowing him to return to first-team action. Jennings – who would be an inexpensive target for interested teams – is under contract through 2026.
As the November 4 deadline approaches, here are some other trade notes from around the AFC:
- Injuries (along with Xavien Howard‘s retirement) have ravaged the Colts’ secondary in 2025. In spite of that, Indianapolis has managed to start the season 5-1. It would thus come as little surprise if the team operated as a buyer ahead of the deadline. Per Russini, cornerback is a position being targeted as part of the general aim of adding on defense. Finances could be a challenge since Indianapolis has just $4.7MM in cap space, but the team will be one to monitor regarding at least a modest acquisition.
- After a shutout win against Vegas, the Chiefs are 4-3. Kansas City has been named as one of the top suitors for a backfield addition, but it appears nothing is imminent on that front. Russini reports the Chiefs are making calls about a defensive line acquisition but not doing so for running backs. Most of the team’s incumbent backs are pending free agents, although the second half of the campaign could convince Kansas City to retain one or more of them. The Chiefs’ passing game has thrived this year, but they sit mid-pack in rushing production.
- Second-year Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr has drawn criticism for his unit’s poor play early on. Orr is safe in his current position, and he could soon have one or more new players in the fold. According to Rappoport, Baltimore is in the market for a defensive addition. General manager Eric DeCosta has a history of being aggressive on the trade front, and the Ravens have the cap space ($14.65MM) to swing at least a rental move ahead of the deadline.
- Both Rapoport and Russini point to the Jaguars as another team to watch. Jacksonville has made a pair of trades since the start of the campaign, and more could be coming. Defensive help is being sought out, and Rapoport specifies the D-line as an area which could be targeted. Sunday’s lopsided loss to the Rams dropped Jacksonville to 4-3; the team leads the NFL in interceptions but ranks just 22nd in scoring defense.
Bengals Considered Long List Of QBs Before Joe Flacco Trade
After a Week 5 loss to the Lions, their third straight lopsided defeat under backup signal-caller Jake Browning, the Bengals aggressively began searching for a different Joe Burrow fill-in. Led by director of player personnel Duke Tobin, the Bengals put together an extensive list of potential upgrades over Browning, Albert Breer of SI.com details.
Before swinging a trade with the division-rival Browns for Joe Flacco, the Bengals considered Anthony Richardson (Colts); Kirk Cousins (Falcons); the Giants’ backup duo of Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston; the Rams’ Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett; Tanner McKee (Eagles); and Josh Johnson (Commanders). They joined the previously reported Derek Carr (Saints), Sam Howell (Eagles), Drew Lock (Seahawks), and Davis Mills (Texans) in Cincinnati’s exhaustive search.
The Bengals narrowed the list down to five before choosing Flacco as the best option, according to Breer. It’s unclear who joined the 40-year-old in the group of finalists or whether the Bengals even made calls on all of those QBs.
In the end, Flacco won out as a result of a few factors. Flacco is affordable ($1.26MM base salary) and only cost a fifth-round pick. The well-traveled Super Bowl XLVII MVP also has plenty of AFC North experience, and coordinator Dan Pitcher identified him as a clear fit based on similarities between Cincinnati’s offense and Cleveland’s in terms of “spacing the field and progressing pass concepts,” Breer writes.
Two weeks into what will be a short-lived run as the Bengals’ starter, Flacco has looked like a shrewd acquisition. The Bengals lost his first start to the Packers, but they bounced back with an upset over the division-rival Steelers on Thursday.
Flacco outdueled fellow 40-something Aaron Rodgers in Week 7, going 31 for 47 for 342 yards and three touchdowns in a 33-31 thriller. He made superstar wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase the focal point of the offense, targeting him on a jaw-dropping 23 throws and hitting him 16 times for 161 yards and a score. Chase has already hauled in 26 passes and two of Flacco’s five TDs as a Bengal. Flacco has yet to throw a pick with the team after tossing six in four games with the Browns.
The goal in acquiring Flacco was to hang around long enough to make a potential Burrow return worthwhile in 2025. Burrow, who underwent toe surgery on Sept. 19, is expected to miss at least three months. That means the Bengals will have to stay in the race into December under Flacco. At 3-4, they trail the division-leading Steelers (4-2) and sit in ninth place in the AFC. While the Bengals are still facing an uphill climb, Flacco has at least given them a more credible option than Browning under center.
Colts Place Charvarius Ward On IR
After he suffered a concussion in pregame warmups last week, the Colts will go without cornerback Charvarius Ward for the foreseeable future. The team has placed Ward on injured reserve, requiring him to sit out at least four games. With a bye after that stretch, Ward will be eligible to return in Week 12.
A former Chief and 49er, Ward joined the Colts on a three-year deal worth up to $60MM last March. Alarmingly, the 29-year-old has already dealt with two concussions in 2025. He returned quickly after missing a Week 2 win over the Broncos with a head injury, but that won’t be the case this time.
When healthy, Ward has started in all four appearances and tallied 13 tackles and three passes defensed. Pro Football Focus has been enamored of Ward’s play, ranking his early season performance second among 107 qualifying corners.
Ward’s injury is a major blow at corner, where the Colts are now dangerously thin behind Mekhi Blackmon and slot CB Kenny Moore.
While Moore is likely to return Sunday after missing three straight games with an Achilles injury, the Colts are still lacking at the position. Undrafted rookie Johnathan Edwards and the veteran duo of Chris Lammons and Cameron Mitchell have combined for just 199 defensive snaps this season. For now, they’re next in line as a result of Ward’s injury. They’re in for a significant challenge in Week 7 against Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.
Along with Ward’s IR placement, the Colts announced the elevations of Mitchell and wide receiver Laquon Treadwell from the practice squad on Saturday. They also signed running back Ameer Abdullah from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. Treadwell will serve as depth with receivers Josh Downs (concussion) and Ashton Dulin (chest) out on Sunday. Running back Tyler Goodson (knee) won’t play either, creating room for Abdullah behind starter Jonathan Taylor.