NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/25/25
Saturday’s lone taxi squad move:
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: OL Esa Pole
Pole was among the Chiefs’ final roster cuts this summer, leading to a waiver claim from the Jets. After being let go by New York earlier this week, though, he was free to sign with any team. Pole is now back with Kansas City on the team’s practice squad.
Chiefs LT Josh Simmons To Miss Week 8, Return In A Few Weeks
5:57pm: Simmons might not be the only lineman missing for the Chiefs on Monday night. Per Pete Sweeney of The Kansas City Star, starting right guard Trey Smith is considered “doubtful” to play as he deals with low back spasms. The injury took Smith out of last week’s blowout win over the Raiders, and third-year backup lineman Mike Caliendo filled in during Smith’s absence. If Smith’s likelihood of playing continues to trend in the wrong direction, Caliendo will be in line to make his first start of the year.
9:19am: Chiefs left tackle Josh Simmons is expected to return in a few more weeks after missing two games due to a personal matter, according to ESPN’s Nate Taylor.
Simmons was a late addition to Kansas City’s injury report in Weeks 5 and 6. He did not play in the second matchup or the Chiefs’ next game against the Raiders. He was listed as questionable with an illness in Week 5, which is reportedly related to the situation he’s dealing with now. In the last two weeks, his absence has been explained with a non-injury-related/personal designation.
The Chiefs have a bye in Week 10, so Taylor’s report suggests that Simmons will not be back until Week 11 or later. That will keep former 49ers offensive tackle Jaylon Moore on the field for the foreseeable future. The five-year veteran has started in Simmons’ place for the past two games, which both featured Chiefs victories and at least 30 points.
Moore arrived in Kansas City on a two-year, $30MM deal this offseason as a potential starting left tackle. The Chiefs landed Simmons in the draft, and he quickly emerged as the starter, but Moore’s value as a reliable replacement has been apparent for the last two weeks.
2023 third-rounder Wanya Morris will now be the next man up in the Chiefs’ offensive tackle room. If Moore or right tackle Jawaan Taylor were to miss any time as the latter did for part of the team’s last game. Taylor has been dealing with knee and shoulder injuries, but he was a full participant in practice this week and should be good to go on Sunday.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/21/25
Today’s minor moves:
Cleveland Browns
- Waived from IR: WR Cade McDonald
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed from practice squad: CB Kevin Knowles
- Placed on IR: DT Omarr Norman-Lott
New Orleans Saints
- Signed from practice squad: RB Velus Jones
New York Giants
- Signed off Jets’ practice squad: CB Korie Black
Washington Commanders
- Signed: DE Jalyn Holmes
The Commanders turned to a familiar face to replace DoranceArmstrong, who is done for the season after suffering a knee injury this past weekend. Washington cut Jalyn Holmes just the other day to make room for guard Sam Cosmi on the active roster, but he quickly found his way back to the active roster. The defensive end has seen time in four games this season, and he collected a pair of sacks in 11 appearances with the franchise in 2024.
Chiefs’ Omarr Norman-Lott Suffers Torn ACL
The Chiefs’ defense enjoyed a shutout performance on Sunday, but the unit lost a key figure along the way. Omarr Norman-Lott exited the game and he will miss the remainder of his rookie campaign. 
Norman-Lott suffered an ACL tear, as first reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. That will bring an end to the second-rounder’s debut NFL season. It will also leave Kansas City short on options along the defensive line aside from Chris Jones.
During his five games in the regular season, Norman-Lott logged one start and handled a snap share of 27%. As ESPN’s Nate Taylor notes, the Chiefs planned on increasing his workload over the coming weeks. Now, that will of course not be an option. It will be interesting to see how Kansas City proceeds over the coming weeks with a greater need for depth up front.
The team has been linked to running back interest on the trade front, but the most recent report on the matter indicated defensive line help was the top priority. In the wake of Norman-Lott going down for the rest of the year, that could certainly be the case to an even greater extent moving forward. The Chiefs have 15 days before the deadline to make any trade acquisitions, and finding at least a rental capable of filling in on the D-line would come as little surprise.
After three seasons at Arizona State, Norman-Lott transferred to Tennessee. During his two campaigns as a Volunteer, he totaled 9.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss. That production made the 23-year-old one of the top options in a stacked defensive tackle class during April’s draft. Having been selected early in the event, Norman-Lott was set to handle a notable part-time role as the Chiefs looked to replace Tershawn Wharton following his free agent departure. That effort will now be on hold until 2026.
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.
Chiefs WR Rashee Rice Set To Return In Week 7
After a sluggish start to the 2025 slate, the Chiefs appear to be rounding into form. They have won three of their last four contests, and since wideout Xavier Worthy returned to the field in Week 4 – the second-year pro had been sidelined since the first quarter of the regular season opener due to a shoulder injury – they are averaging over 31 points per game.
The offense will get another jolt on Sunday, when Rashee Rice will make his 2025 debut (as relayed by ESPN’s Nate Taylor). Kansas City’s top wide receiver served a six-game suspension to open the season due to his involvement in a hit-and-run in March 2024, along with accusations of punching a photographer and another incident during his time as a collegian at SMU in which he or a member of his party fired gunshots into an empty vehicle belonging to an SMU basketball player.
The criminal portion of the hit-and-run matter concluded in July – as part of a plea deal, Rice received five years of probation and deferred adjudication on a 30-day jail sentence – and he and the league ultimately agreed to the six-game ban. He will be eligible for a second contract after the season, so he will now have the opportunity to bolster his future earning power while helping KC make another deep postseason run.
However, he may not enjoy a full workload right away, as head coach Andy Reid implied in advance of his team’s Week 7 tilt with the Raiders.
“How many snaps he gets, [I don’t know],” Reid said (via Taylor). “He’s excited to be back in and going. I think getting through practices [this week] will be good for him to get into the swing of things. He’s been working hard. He’s in good shape. … There’s one ball, and somebody isn’t going to get every snap. They got to check that ego and I appreciate that.”
Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network hears there is an air of selflessness and excitement in Kansas City’s wide receivers room at the moment. And while the coaching staff will indeed monitor Rice’s snap count in Week 7, Garafolo says the 25-year-old is expected to play “a bunch” (video link).
Per Taylor, the Chiefs believe Rice will begin to look like his usual self sooner rather than later. Over the course of his suspension, Rice has been doing individual workouts in which he has focused on his route running, strength and conditioning, and quickness.
As Taylor also points out, Sunday will mark the first time that Rice, Worthy, and Marquise Brown – who joined the club in free agency in 2024 and who re-upped this offseason – will all be active in the same game.
Chiefs LT Josh Simmons To Miss Second Straight Game
After becoming a last second scratch last week, Chiefs rookie left tackle Josh Simmons will miss his second game in a row as he deals with what head coach Andy Reid described as a “family situation” (via The Athletic’s Nate Taylor). This reporting echoes the wording used in the initial reports made last week by NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. 
Simmons was downgraded to questionable just hours before the team’s Sunday night matchup with the Lions and didn’t end up playing. This wasn’t the first time Simmons had been given a late-week injury designation in his young NFL career. In a radio appearance yesterday, ESPN’s Nate Taylor disclosed that Simmons had also been a late addition to the injury report in Week 5, being listed as questionable due to illness.
Taylor went on to say, “I was sort of told yesterday that his blip on the injury report hours before kickoff in the stadium in Jacksonville is related to what he’s dealing with now.”
It’s hard to see the link between an illness and “personal” designation due to a family situation, but with the lack of clarity on anything related to Simmons at the moment, clear answers are not expected. It also seems like the first-round pick has yet to rejoin the team at all as he’s missed practice this week. According to Jacob Camenker of USA Today, quarterback Patrick Mahomes told the media that he’d been in communication with Simmons, which makes it sound as if he hasn’t been in the building.
Free agent addition Jaylon Moore was called on to start at left tackle in Simmons’ place on Sunday. Following his signing and Simmons’ selection in the draft, it was thought that Moore may have been brought in to serve as a bridge at left tackle in case Simmons needed development. Over his first four years in the league, Moore only started 12 games for the 49ers as a primary backup. Kansas City agreed to pay him $30MM over a two-year deal, yet his first start for the Chiefs came six weeks into the season. Moore struggled in the spot start, making the uncertainty of Simmons’ situation all the more worrisome.
At the moment, though, there doesn’t seem to be any information suggesting Simmons could return soon. Per Camenker, when head coach Andy Reid was asked if there was any timetable for Simmons’ return, Reid shook his head. This was at a press conference that Reid opened up by saying, “As far as Josh Simmons’ situation goes, I’m not going to comment on it today. (General manager Brett) Veach is handling everything there, and we’ll leave it at that.”
If that’s all we’re getting from the Chiefs’ head coach, it sounds like it might not be an easily remediable situation.
Nikhil Mehta contributed to this post.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/16/25
Today’s minor moves:
Houston Texans
- Designed for return from active/NFI: CB Alijah Huzzie
Free Agency
- Suspended: DT Alex Williams
Free agent defensive tackle Alex Williams has been hit with a six-game suspension for an undisclosed violation of league rules, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston. The Ohio State product joined the Vikings as a UDFA this past offseason, but a fractured ankle landed him on season-ending IR. He was waived from injured reserve in September, allowing him to suit up elsewhere during the 2025 campaign, although those chances obviously took a significant blow today.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/15/25
Here are Wednesday’s practice squad transactions:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: TE Pharaoh Brown, WR Bryson Green
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: LB Jimmy Ciarlo
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: T Thayer Munford
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: T Kilian Zierer
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: CB Jason Brownlee
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: WR Dalevon Campbell, CB Myles Purchase
- Released: C Josh Kaltenberger
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: TE Jaheim Bell, DE Titus Leo
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: T Isaac Alarcón
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: WR Tyler Scott
- Released: WR Tyrone Broden
Both Jacksonville and San Francisco had their practice squads filled up with 16 players apiece, but Zierer and Alarcón were both able to be added as players in the league’s International Player Pathway Program. Zierer is a German-born lineman, and Alarcón was born in Mexico.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/15/25
Here are today’s midweek minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed from practice squad: TE Josiah Deguara
Detroit Lions
- Signed off Chiefs’ practice squad: S Jammie Robinson
Indianapolis Colts
- Released (with injury settlement): LB Joe Bachie
New York Giants
- Designated to return from reserve/PUP: OLB Victor Dimukeje
As injuries and suspensions thin out the Lions’ secondary, Detroit is bringing in Robinson, who signed to the Chiefs’ taxi squad in the days leading up to the regular season and has yet to see any gametime this year.
With Arizona losing tight end Travis Vokolek for the rest of the season with a neck injury, Deguara gets the call to fill out the room off the practice squad.
Dimukeje has been working his way back from a torn pectoral muscle suffered in offseason workouts back in May, shortly after joining the team. He’ll have 21 days to get activated off the PUP list and debut in New York.