Minor NFL Transactions: 1/1/26
Here’s our first minor NFL transactions of the 2026 calendar year:
Arizona Cardinals
- Claimed off waivers (from Vikings): LB Austin Keys
- Placed on IR: S Kitan Crawford
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed from practice squad: DE Khalid Kareem
- Placed on IR: CB Mike Hughes
Baltimore Ravens
- Waived: G Ben Cleveland
Miami Dolphins
- Signed off Raiders’ practice squad: QB Cam Miller
New England Patriots
- Signed from practice squad: CB Kobee Minor
Philadelphia Eagles
- Activated from IR: T Cameron Williams
After suspending him three weeks ago, the Ravens have finally removed Cleveland from the 53-man roster. The former third-round pick out of Georgia has never lived up to his draft stock and, despite struggles with the interior line in Baltimore, failed to ever earn a role on offense. Legal trouble in the offseason didn’t stop the team from re-signing him to a one-year deal, but whatever the cause for the suspension, it seems it was severe enough to end the contract. It’s unclear if they’ll look to retain Cleveland on the practice squad.
After miss two games earlier this year, Hughes has sat out of the Falcons’ last three contests with an ankle injury. The starting cornerback coming back from injury for a meaningless regular season finale doesn’t make much sense, so Atlanta has placed him on injured reserve to free up a spot on the 53-man roster.
Williams, the sixth-round rookie out of Texas, may not make his NFL debut this weekend, unless, maybe, on special teams, but his activation ensures he doesn’t spend nearly his entire rookie year on IR.
Bills DT Ed Oliver Undergoes Knee Surgery
Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver has been working back from a biceps tear since late October. There’s a chance Oliver will return sometime during the playoffs, but he’ll also have to overcome a knee injury first. Oliver underwent a meniscus cleanup on Monday, head coach Sean McDermott announced (via Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News and Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic).
This is the third significant injury of the season for Oliver, who incurred this unexpected setback during rehab. He only played in three regular-season games before going on IR.
After a stellar showing in the Bills’ Week 1 win over the Ravens, Oliver suffered an ankle injury in practice and missed four games in a row. He returned to play in two before tearing his biceps. The seventh-year man finished 2025 with 12 tackles, 11 pressures, seven TFL, five QB hits and three sacks.
While Oliver was only around for 108 defensive snaps during the regular season, Pro Football Focus awarded him an elite 90.4 grade against the run over that small sample. The Bills rank eighth in total defense and 12th in points allowed, but they’ve struggled to stop the run without Oliver.
The Bengals, Commanders and Giants are the only teams that have yielded more rushing yards than the Bills. Unlike those three, the 11-5 Bills earned a playoff berth. However, they’ll enter the postseason as a wild card for the first time since 2019. The 13-3 Patriots snapped the Bills’ five-year streak atop the AFC East.
Depending on the outcome of this week’s slate, Buffalo will finish anywhere from fifth to seventh in the AFC. The Bills will likely have to win three consecutive road games to advance to the Super Bowl. That’s a lot to ask with or without Oliver. If Oliver stays on the shelf during the playoffs, the Bills will have to continue leaning on fellow veteran starter DaQuan Jones and two rookies – fourth-rounder Deone Walker and second-rounder T.J. Sanders – as their top options at D-tackle. Larry Ogunjobi, Jordan Phillips and Phidarian Mathis are on hand as depth.
Jones and Phillips missed the Bills’ Week 17 loss to the Eagles with injuries, but their defense held up well in limiting Saquon Barkley to 68 yards on 19 carries. Meanwhile, quarterback Jalen Hurts didn’t complete a second-half pass during a 13-for-27, 110-yard afternoon. Regardless of whether Oliver returns, similar defensive performances in the coming weeks would increase the Bills’ chances of making a lengthy playoff run.
Packers QB Jordan Love Clears Concussion Protocol; Clayton Tune To Start In Week 18
Packers quarterback Jordan Love has cleared concussion protocol, but head coach Matt LaFleur will rest his starter in Week 18. With the 9-6-1 Packers locked into the seventh seed in the NFC, they will start third-stringer Clayton Tune against the Vikings on Sunday (via Matt Schneidman of The Athletic).
Love suffered his head injury in a 22-16 loss to the Bears in Week 16. Backup Malik Willis impressed in relief that night and played well again filling in for Love in Week 17, but the Packers fell 41-24 to the Ravens to extend their losing streak to three.
Willis is now dealing with a hamstring injury, making it unclear who will serve as the Packers’ No. 2 QB in their regular-season finale (via Rob Demovsky of ESPN). Desmond Ridder, who joined Green Bay’s practice squad on Wednesday, may back up Tune.
Although the Packers are skidding as they head toward the postseason, it’s a relief for them that Love is healthy again as the wild-card round approaches. Assuming he doesn’t play this week, the fifth-year man will end his regular season with a 66.3% completion rate, 7.7 yards per attempt, 23 touchdowns and six interceptions in 15 games. Love ranks second in QBR (73.4), trailing only Patriots MVP candidate Drake Maye, and seventh in traditional passer rating (101.2).
Tune, 26, is in line for his second NFL start. The Houston product entered the league as a fifth-round pick of the Cardinals in 2023. His lone start came as a rookie against the Browns in Week 9. It didn’t go well for Tune, who completed 11 of 20 passes for a meager 58 yards and two interceptions in a 27-0 loss. He has only attempted six passes in the regular season since then, including four after Willis aggravated a shoulder injury last week. He completed one pass and tossed another pick against the Ravens.
Tune, whom Green Bay signed from its practice squad to its active roster Wednesday, joined the organization after Arizona released him in late August. Four months later, he’ll have an opportunity to start a game for a playoff-bound team.
Cardinals Place DT Walter Nolen, CB Garrett Williams On Injured Reserve
JANUARY 1: Both Nolen and Williams have undergone surgery, Gannon said (via Urban). Gannon declined to confirm whether or not Nolen suffered an ACL tear, but in any case his attention will be focused on rehabbing during the offseason.
DECEMBER 30: Nolen underwent surgery on his left knee, according to ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss. Neither the severity nor extent of the injury have yet to be reported.
DECEMBER 22: The Cardinals are placing defensive tackle Walter Nolen and cornerback Garrett Williams on injured reserve, head coach Jonathan Gannon (via team reporter Darren Urban).
Both defenders went down in Arizona’s loss to the Falcons in Sunday. Nolen suffered a non-contact injury to his left knee, while Williams is believed to have suffered an Achilles tear. Gannon only confirmed the areas that were injured for each player but did not elaborate on the specifics.
Nolen, 22, was drafted in the first round of April’s draft (No. 16 overall), but spent the first eight weeks of the season on the PUP list with an calf issue. He debuted in In Week 12, Nolen went down with a knee injury early in the game and missed the next two contests. It is unknown if he injured the same knee on Sunday afternoon.
Nolen has only played 169 snaps this year, so the Cardinals defense is used to playing without him. They have five other defensive tackles on the roster who could fill the rotation for the rest of the year, thought they could call on Zachary Carter or Wyatt Bowles from their practice squad.
Williams, 24, took over the Cardinals’ slot cornerback job midway through his 2023 rookie season. He carried that role into 2024 and allowed completions on just 56.5% of his targets. He also finished as the league’s 10th-ranked cornerback with 5.3 yards per target.
That performance built hype for his third-year effort, but he landed on injured reserve after just two games with a knee injury. Williams missed five games and returned to the field in November, but he has not been able to replicate last season’s results. He has allowed a 79.3% completion rate and 8.3 yards per target as part of a Cardinals defense that has generally struggled to stop opposing offenses this year.
Arizona moved safety Jalen Thompson into the slot during Williams’ absence earlier this year and brought Dadrion Taylor-Demerson in to fill Thompson’s snaps. The Cardinals could use the same approach or reconfigure their secondary to give younger defensive backs some playing time at the end of the season.
Ravens ‘Very Optimistic’ That Lamar Jackson Plays In Week 18
JANUARY 1: Jackson said on Thursday that he will “100%” play in Pittsburgh on Sunday night. He will likely take the field with extra protection for his back.
DECEMBER 31: Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was a full participant in the team’s first practice of Week 18, an extremely encouraging sign for his availability for Sunday’s win-or-go-home matchup with the Steelers.
Jackson went down in Week 15 with a severe back contusion that held him out of practice last week. He was listed as doubtful and did not play on Saturday night against the Packers. Backup Tyler Huntley filled in and confidently commanded the offense to a 41-24 victory. Most of the credit goes to Derrick Henry, who finished with 36 carries for 216 yards and four touchdowns, but Huntley made plays whenever they needed to be made. He completed 80% of his passes, converted a number of key first downs through the air, and added 60 yards on eight rushing attempts.
Head coach John Harbaugh said that he was “very optimistic” about Jackson’s status, adding that the two-time MVP’s status improved throughout last week. He was seen at Wednesday’s practice wearing some kind of protective equipment, per Brian Wacker of The Baltimore Sun.
Obviously, Jackson taking the field would be a major boost for the Ravens offense. Though they can continue to lean on Henry, Jackson is undoubtedly a better passer than Huntley and his availability would open up the offense to its full complement of plays. The Ravens rushed for 217 yards in their first meeting with the Steelers a few weeks ago, so offensive coordinator Todd Monken should be motivated to stick with the run either way.
Huntley’s success against the Packers on Saturday and the Bears in Week 8 indicates that Baltimore’s offense would still be in good hands if Jackson cannot go. That would be Jackson’s fourth absence of the season and Huntley’s third start.
Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers Not Committed To Retirement
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers entered the 2025 season believing it would be in last, but his comments on Wednesday indicate that he is still open to playing in 2026.
Rodgers spoke about his future this week and acknowledged the obvious: he is 42 years old and is not under contract for next season. This is a change from his previous stance in June – after he signed with the Steelers – when Rodgers was “pretty sure” he would retire after the season. He also noted that he signed a one-year deal in Pittsburgh for that reason. His words on Wednesday indicate, at at minimum, that he has not made up his mind.
If Rodgers were to play in 2026, the main question would be where. He believes that he would have options if he decides to keep playing, which could include the Steelers. He expressed his satisfaction with the organization on Wednesday, which could play a factor in his decision.
“I’ve enjoyed this experience, and everybody in Pittsburgh has been fantastic to me on and off the field,” Rodgers said (via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor). “And it’s really what I was hoping for this experience was, it’s been even better than I was hoping.”
Running it back with the Steelers would, of course, mean that the team wants to continue the partnership as well. They appear to be open to the idea. Otherwise, it is hard to know which teams, if any, would be interested in Rodgers.
Rodgers mentioned a few other factors in his decision, including his wife’s insight and his physical ability to keep playing. He may also want to end his career on a better note, especially if the Steelers miss the playoffs with a loss to the Ravens on Sunday night. In general, he putting up similar stats to last season’s numbers with the Jets, but he is also on pace for his fewest yards per game as a starter.
“Anytime you’re in a first-year offense, there’s always some growing pains within the offense,” Rodgers said. “It’s always like, you feel like, if you had another year, what you could do.”
The Steelers offense has been middling at best this year, but it is their first year with Rodgers under center and D.K. Metcalf out wide. The running game has not thrived, and Rodgers has not had a reliable No. 2 receiver to target. Pittsburgh is always interested in wide receivers and the prospect of adding one or two this offseason could inspire Rodgers to come back.
It is also worth noting the past media circuses around Rodgers’ decisions about if and where he will play in the future. If he does decide to return for the 2026 season – his 22nd in the NFL – the process could drag out as it has in years past.
Patriots DT Christian Barmore Facing Domestic Assault Charge
Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore faces one misdemeanor domestic assault charge, court documents from Attleborough District Court (Mass.) revealed on Wednesday. 
Barmore faces one count of assault and battery on a family/household member, as detailed by Emily Maher of WCBV. The charge stems from an alleged incident which took place on August 8, 2025 at a home in Mansfield. Barmore was in a relationship with the alleged victim, a woman with whom he engaged in an argument on the day in question.
According to the charging documents, Barmore grabbed the woman’s phone out of her hand while she was attempting to leave the house. He is alleged to have grabbed the woman before she could leave and “[thrown] her to the floor.” Barmore then grabbed her by the by the shirt “in the area of the neck” before eventually letting go, per the documents.
“The New England Patriots are aware of reports regarding a pending February arraignment involving Christian Barmore, which stems from an alleged domestic incident that occurred in August,” a team statement reads. “The Patriots were made aware at the time of the incident and informed the NFL in a timely manner. The matter remains part of an ongoing legal process. We will respect that process, continue to monitor the situation closely, as we have over the past few months, and cooperate fully with the league. We will have no further comment at this time.”
Court records reveal that on December 4, the alleged victim sent an email to police indicating her desire not to proceed with charges. A criminal complaint then emerged on December 16. Barmore is now scheduled to be arraigned on February 3.
A second-round pick in 2021, Barmore has been a regular contributor during his tenure in New England and a full-time starter this season. The 26-year-old has posted 26 tackles and one sack while playing an important role on the 13-3 Patriots. Barmore – who was limited to four games last season due to blood clot issues – is attached to a $21MM-per-year deal. His contract runs through 2028.
Today’s news comes one day after it was learned Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs faces strangulation and assault charges. Neither player spoke to the media on Wednesday.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/31/25
Several teams made practice squad moves on the final day of the 2025 calendar year. Here are the latest updates:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: DT Patrick Jenkins
Chicago Bears
- Activated from practice squad/injured list: TE Nikola Kalinic
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: G Karsen Barnhart, CB Tyron Herring, QB Desmond Ridder
Houston Texans
- Signed: DE Solomon Byrd
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: RB Sincere McCormick
New Orleans Saints
- Activated from practice squad/injured list: QB Hunter Dekkers
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: LS Charley Hughlett
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: TE Jaheim Bell
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: RB Josh Williams
Washington Commanders
- Signed: G Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, DE D.J. Johnson
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/31/25
Several NFL teams completed minor transactions on New Year’s Eve to prepare their rosters for Week 18. Here are the latest updates:
Atlanta Falcons
- Designated for return from IR: S DeMarcco Hellams
Chicago Bears
- Placed on IR: LB Noah Sewell
Cleveland Browns
- Signed from the Lions’ practice squad: C Kingsley Eguakun
- Placed on IR: G Wyatt Teller
Green Bay Packers
- Signed from practice squad: S Johnathan Baldwin, QB Clayton Tune
- Placed on IR: S Zayne Anderson
Minnesota Vikings
- Waived: LB Austin Keys
New England Patriots
- Designated for return from IR: CB Alex Austin
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed from practice squad: OL Jack Driscoll
- Placed on IR: TE Darnell Washington (story)
Washington Commanders
- Placed on IR: C Tyler Biadasz
- Signed from practice squad: OL Julian Good-Jones
Sewell suffered a torn Achilles in Sunday night’s loss to the 49ers, ending his 2025 season and starting a length rehab process for the third-year linebacker.
Teller aggravated a calf injury on Sunday against the Steelers. He will miss the Browns’ last game of the season and is set to hit free agency this offseason. After seven years in Cleveland, Teller may need to find a new home this offseason.
Washington underwent surgery on his broken arm on Tuesday, per The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo. The third-year tight end will not be able to return in the playoffs if the Steelers qualify.
Ravens Could Consider Coaching Changes This Offseason
The Ravens’ disappointing 2025 season has sparked speculation about the future of their coaching staff, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
While some fans believe that head coach John Harbaugh should be on his way out – especially if the Ravens miss the playoffs with a loss to the Steelers on Sunday night – the team may also consider changing out their coordinators.
Defensive coordinator Zach Orr has come under fire for a second year in a row. At the start of last season, his defense struggled to stop opposing quarterbacks, but bounced back after moving Kyle Hamilton back to a traditional safety role and inserting Ar’Darius Washington into the starting lineup alongside him. This year, Orr’s unit had a similarly rough start, including on run defense, which was not a problem for the Ravens in 2024 or years past. Injuries to key players like Marlon Humphrey, Roquan Smith, and Nnamdi Madubuike compounded the issues, but the defense improved with better health after their Week 7 bye. The Ravens also acquired safety Alohi Gilman from the Chargers and moved Hamilton closer to the line of scrimmage, which tightened their run defense, improved their pass rush, and increased their turnover production. Orr deserves credit for those and other adjustments.
In their last five games, though, Baltimore’s defense has allowed at least 27 points four times with particularly rough showings against quarterbacks Drake Maye and Malik Willis in the last two weeks. Though the secondary deserves their share of the blame for their lapses in coverage, the Ravens’ pass rush has been a problem all year. Trading for Gilman required giving up Odafe Oweh, arguably the team’s best edge rusher, and Madubuike’s season-ending injury deprived the defensive line of its best player.
In the middle of those five games, however, the Ravens pitched a dominant shutout against the Bengals that showed what their defense is capable of at its best. They should be able to contain Rodgers in Week 18, but a loss as the result of a poor defensive performance could raise some tough questions about Orr this offseason.
Offensive coordinator Todd Monken is in a more complicated situation. He led the offense to very successful seasons in 2023 and 2024, which led to head coaching interviews and a contract extension in Baltimore. This year, his unit has clearly regressed. Lamar Jackson injuries have played a factor, but so have an inconsistent offensive line and some confounding decisions about Derrick Henry‘s usage. If Monken’s offense struggles in Pittsburgh and/or fizzles out in the playoffs, his future could be a topic of discussion in Baltimore as well.