Buccaneers WRs Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan Could Return To Practice This Week
The Buccaneers receivers depth chart could soon be whole. Todd Bowles told reporters today that Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan could return to practice this week (via Greg Auman of FOX Sports). The coach did caution that the two players may not necessarily make their returns this Sunday against the Saints.
Evans missed three games earlier this season thanks to a hamstring injury, and his Week 7 return couldn’t have gone much worse. The veteran exited that contest in the first quarter with what was initially deemed a concussion. However, it was later revealed that the receiver had also suffered a broken clavicle, shelving him for several months.
The injury shut the door on Evans extending his 11-season streak of tallying at least 1,000 receiving yards. After finishing the 2024 campaign with 74 catches for 1,004 yards and 11 touchdowns, Evans’ age-32 season has seen him haul in 14 receptions for 140 yards and one touchdown.
McMillan suffered a serious neck injury following an awkward fall during Tampa Bay’s second preseason contest. Bowles admitted that the second-year receiver had to “adjust to wearing a helmet” again (per Auman).
“He’s been running,” Bowles said. “It’s just a matter of him putting on a helmet and seeing where he is strength-wise with his neck. He’ll start doing more this week, and we’ll see exactly what [he can do] — whether it’s individual or whether it’s some more things this week as well — but he will start moving around.”
The 2024 third-round pick had a standout rookie campaign. The Washington product finished the 2024 season with 37 catches for 461 yards and eight touchdowns.
With Chris Godwin also missing time, Baker Mayfield has had to operate with a depleted group of wideouts in 2025. The team has gotten an All-Rookie performance from first-round WR Emeka Egbuka, with veteran Sterling Shepard and seventh-round rookie Tez Johnson also helping to soak up some snaps at the position.
Broncos Host WR Elijah Moore
Recently released wide receiver Elijah Moore could hop from one AFC playoff contender to another. Moore visited the AFC West-leading Broncos on Monday, Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette reports.
Moore has been searching for a new team since Buffalo waived him last Wednesday. After the Bills added Brandin Cooks to what has been an underwhelming receiving corps in 2025, they and Moore mutually agreed to part ways.
Moore, a 2021 second-round pick from Mississippi, divided the first four seasons of his career between the Jets and Browns. The 5-foot-10, 178-pounder averaged roughly 50 catches, 541 yards, and two touchdowns per year during that span.
Despite his decent production in New York and Cleveland, Moore went without a free agent contract until after the draft. The Bills scooped him up in late April on a one-year deal worth a guaranteed $2.5MM.
Although the Bills’ investment in Moore was modest, they got little to no value out of it. Moore played in nine games with Buffalo and snagged just nine of 17 targets for 112 yards. His only touchdown came on a four-yard run in Week 2. The Bills moved on after a Week 12 performance in which he caught one pass for minus-three yards in a loss to the Texans.
Like the Bills, the Broncos were reportedly interested in swinging a deal for a receiver before the Nov. 4 trade deadline. Neither team succeeded on that front. The Broncos then reunited with Lil’Jordan Humphrey, whom they signed off the Giants’ practice squad, on Nov. 12.
With Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, Pat Bryant, and Marvin Mims locked in as the Broncos’ top four receivers, Humphrey has played just 23 offensive snaps over two games in his return to Denver. He didn’t catch a pass in either of those contests.
It’s unclear whether the Broncos are considering adding Moore to their active roster, which could come at Humphrey’s expense, or as veteran insurance on their practice squad. The Broncos’ taxi squad includes receivers Michael Bandy, A.T. Perry, and Kyrese Rowan, but those three have combined for just 23 catches in the pros.
Packers Open Practice Window On RB MarShawn Lloyd, DE Brenton Cox, DE Collin Oliver
The Packers will soon be getting some reinforcement on both sides of the ball. Per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, running back MarShawn Lloyd and defensive end Brenton Cox had their practice windows opened today. Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston adds that the team has also opened the practice window on defensive end Collin Oliver.
Lloyd landed on IR before the start of the 2025 season with a hamstring injury. The 2024 third-round pick also spent most of his rookie campaign on injured reserve, collecting 18 yards from scrimmage in a single appearance. Lloyd may have a tough time cracking Green Bay’s depth chart upon his return, as the team has relied on the trio of Josh Jacobs, Emanuel Wilson, and Chris Brooks in 2025.
Cox suffered a groin injury back in Week 1 that ended up shelving him for close to three months. The former UDFA hasn’t gotten a lot of run through his three seasons in Green Bay, although he did show some pass-rush prowess in 2024. Despite being limited to about a third of his team’s defensive snaps in seven games, Cox finished last season with four sacks.
Oliver, a fifth-round pick out of Oklahoma State, has been sidelined since training camp with a hamstring injury that required surgery. The defensive lineman was a standout in the Big 12, earning three All-Conference shoutouts while tallying 40.5 sacks. He was limited to only a pair of games in 2024 that ultimately contributed to a falling draft stock. Considering his time off the field, Oliver likely won’t be counted on to contribute during the stretch run of the season.
The Packers will now have 21 days to activate any of these three players to the active roster.
Justin Herbert To Undergo Hand Surgery
DECEMBER 1: The Chargers announced that Herbert underwent successful surgery today. The quarterback is now day-to-day, and his status for next Monday’s matchup with the Eagles “will be determined later in the week.”
NOVEMBER 30: Following today’s victory over the Raiders, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh told the media that quarterback Justin Herbert has suffered a broken bone in left (non-throwing) hand and that Herbert would be undergoing a procedure tomorrow to address the injury, per Daniel Popper of The Athletic. Harbaugh also told reporters that he doesn’t know whether Herbert will have to miss time because of the surgery or not. 
It’s been a rough go for the Chargers offense this year. Injuries have taken their toll on a group that has seen both starting tackles and three running backs land on injured reserve. With so many pieces missing already, losing Herbert for even a week or two could be very hard for this team to weather. They’re currently a game behind the Broncos for the division lead, and it could be two, depending on the outcome of tonight’s game. They’re in a Wildcard spot at the moment, but there are multiple teams lapping at their heels in the standings.
With that in mind, it makes sense that Herbert will try not to miss any time because of this surgery. When asked if he would need to miss time, Herbert told reporters that doctors are “pretty hopeful” he won’t need to. According to ESPN’s Kris Rhim, Herbert wore a hard cast on his left hand underneath his glove today, so it stands to reason that that may be a postop option, as well. “It’s one of those things where you just stabilize it,” Herbert told reporters. “I’m not the doctor, but yeah, they were hopeful, so I think that’s a good thing.”
Rhim’s fellow ESPN staffer Adam Schefter added on that Herbert is approaching next week’s game as if he will be playing in it. The Chargers next contest will be a Monday night road trip to Philadelphia. If Herbert is forced to miss any time, backup quarterback Trey Lance would likely get the start. Lance has four games of starting experience from his time in San Francisco, plus a start for the Cowboys last year, but he hasn’t thrown a touchdown since his rookie campaign in 2021.
Popper pointed to a moment earlier in Herbert’s career, two years ago, in which Herbert broke a finger in his left hand early in the season. He didn’t miss any games because of the injury back in 2023. Herbert drew on that experience to underline his confidence in being able to play for Monday Night Football next week, telling reporters, “In terms of experience, I’ve gone through similar things, so I think it will be helpful.”
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/1/25
Today’s practice squad moves:
Chicago Bears
- Signed: RB Brittain Brown
- Released: LB Dominique Hampton
Detroit Lions
- Signed: WR Andrew Armstrong, TE Giovanni Ricci, RB Jabari Small
- Released: CB Tre Flowers, OL Netane Muti
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: RB Royce Freeman
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed: K Joshua Karty
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: WR Terrace Marshall
Joshua Karty is already back with the Rams. After getting waived by the team the other day, the kicker has landed back with the Rams practice squad. Harrison Mevis will continue to operate as the team’s kicker for the time being, and the Missouri product continued his perfect season with four XP makes yesterday. The organization apparently isn’t completely ready to hand over the gig to Mevis, however, as Karty will stick around as insurance.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/1/25
Today’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Waived: RB Jermar Jefferson
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed from practice squad: CB Jalen Davis
- Placed on IR: LB Brian Asamoah
Detroit Lions
- Claimed off waivers (from Dolphins): TE Hayden Rucci
- Designated for return from IR: TE Shane Zylstra
- Placed on reserve/retired list: C Frank Ragnow
Green Bay Packers
- Waived: WR Will Sheppard
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Waived: WR Austin Trammell
New England Patriots
- Elevated: OL Brenden Jaimes, DT Jeremiah Pharms
New York Giants
- Signed from practice squad: LB Tomon Fox
- Elevated: LB Swayze Bozeman, WR Dalen Cambre
The Lions continue to work through their tight end depth with Sam LaPorta done for the season. The team’s first move today was claiming Hayden Rucci, who was waived by the Dolphins on Saturday. A former UDFA out of Wisconsin, Rucci spent much of the 2024 and 2025 campaigns in Miami. He got into four games with the organization this season, with the majority of his snaps coming on special teams.
The Lions also welcomed Shane Zylstra back to practice today. The tight end has been out since Week 2, when he suffered an ankle injury while blocking on a punt return. The veteran has gotten into 31 games with the Lions since the 2021 season, hauling in 15 catches for 116 yards and four touchdowns.
Otherwise, the Lions placed center Frank Ragnow back on the reserve/retired list after the veteran failed his physical.
49ers G Ben Bartch Done For Season
Ben Bartch‘s season has ended early. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan revealed today that the guard has a foot sprain that will land him on IR and end his season, per Matt Barrows of The Athletic.
While subsequent tests will reveal more details, the organization believes Bartch suffered a Lisfranc injury. Shanahan told reporters that he isn’t confident the offensive lineman will be able to return in time for the postseason (per Barrows).
Bartch suffered the injury during the third quarter of yesterday’s win over the Browns. Spencer Burford filled in at left guard for the rest of the contest and will likely serve as the team’s starter for the remainder of the season. Fortunately for the 49ers, the coaching staff has been alternating between Bartch and Burford at the position throughout the campaign, so the fill-in has plenty of familiarity playing alongside the first-team offense. Matt Hennessy will likely slide into the backup LG role moving forward.
This is a disappointing development for Bartch, whose 2024 campaign ended early thanks to a high ankle sprain. That same injury forced Bartch to miss a handful of games earlier this season.
A former fourth-round pick, Bartch spent the first three-plus seasons of his career in Jacksonville, where he started 20 of his 41 appearances. He joined the 49ers during the 2023 campaign and has generally served as a reserve lineman for the franchise. In two-plus seasons with the 49ers, Bartch has started four of his 14 appearances.
Lions CB Terrion Arnold Done For Season
5:30pm: Arnold will indeed not return this season, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The cornerback is set to undergo shoulder surgery that will end his season prematurely.
5:03pm: Terrion Arnold is in line to miss further time in 2025. The second-year cornerback has been placed on injured reserve by the Lions, per Monday’s transactions wire. 
A shoulder injury has resulted in this move, one which will leave Arnold sidelined for at least four games. The Lions have five contests remaining in their regular season schedule. This news will deal another blow to the team’s secondary, a unit which has dealt with a slew of injuries over the course of the year.
Arnold has been limited to just eight games in 2025. The former first-rounder returned to action in time for Detroit’s Thanksgiving game after recovering from a concussion. Prior to that, Arnold dealt with a shoulder ailment which at one point threatened to cost him the remainder of the season. If he is to play again in 2025, another recovery process will need to be completed.
The Lions recently activated D.J. Reed and Khalil Dorsey from IR, giving them options at the cornerback spot. Shortly thereafter, veteran Arthur Maulet was waived. With Arnold now once again in store for an extended absence, it will be interesting to see if Maulet is brought back or if another move is explored. Detroit (7-5) sits 17th in the league in passing yards allowed per game.
Arnold served as a full-time starter during his rookie season, nothing 10 pass deflections along the way. The Alabama product has logged seven starts in 2025, but his snap share has dropped considerably (65% compared to 91% last year). Arnold has not developed as hoped in coverage, although his absence will still be felt as the Lions continue to deal with injuries in the secondary. The team will look to reach the playoffs with a strong finish to the season, and if that takes place Arnold could be available based on his recovery timeline.
Bills K Tyler Bass Undergoes Surgery, Unlikely To Play In 2025
Tyler Bass landed on injured reserve shortly before the start of the Bills’ season. The veteran kicker is set to remain sidelined through the end of the campaign without seeing any game time. 
Head coach Sean McDermott said on Monday (via ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg) Bass recently underwent surgery. As a result, his season has essentially come to an end. A lingering hip/groin issue has resulted in this absence, one which appears as though it will stretch through the playoffs.
As of October, McDermott was unsure of whether or not Bass would be able to suit up at any point in 2025. The team previously thought the ailment was improving, but in the end surgery has been deemed necessary. With the procedure having taken place, Bass will turn his attention to recovery in preparation for the 2026 season.
The 28-year-old has served as Buffalo’s kicker from 2020-24, missing only one game during that span. Bass’ field goal success rates have never topped the league, but they have remained consistent over the course of his career. Overall, the former sixth-rounder has connected on 84.5% of his field goal attempts and all but 10 of his 274 extra point tries. Bass is under contract through 2027 thanks to the $5.1MM-per-year extension he signed in 2023.
That pact does not contain any remaining guarantees in terms of base salary, however. Coming off a full season spent on the sidelines, it will be interesting to see if the Bills explore the possibility of moving on from Bass (or at least attempt to work out a pay cut agreement). In any case, his replacement will be counted on to continue handling kicking duties the rest of the way.
Matt Prater has operated as Buffalo’s kicker all season. The 41-year-old has already missed three extra point attempts, but with respect to field goals he has gone 17-for-19. No indication has been made that McDermott and the Bills are looking for another option at this point, so it will be Prater tasked with continuing his performance down the stretch.
David Blough To Finish Season As Commanders’ QBs Coach
Last week, Tavita Pritchard accepted the head coaching position at Stanford. That left the Commanders in need of a replacement quarterbacks coach to close out the season. 
At the time of the Pritchard news, assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough was named as the logical candidate to take over. To no surprise, that will indeed be the case. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed on Monday (via Tashan Reed of the Washington Post) Blough will finish the season as the Commanders’ new QBs coach.
Blough was hired in 2024 as part of Quinn’s first Washington staff. That came shortly after his playing career – which included nine regular season NFL appearances – ended. During last year’s hiring cycle, Blough drew interest from a number of teams, with the Commanders blocking an interview request from the Jets. It will be interesting to see if the Washington’s commitment in this case continues past the 2025 season.
As Quinn has clarified (h/t Reed), pass-game coordinator Brian Johnson will assist in coaching the Commanders’ quarterbacks over the closing stages of the campaign. Johnson has also been a part of Washington’s staff for the past two years. His stint in the nation’s capital began after his run with the Eagles (including offensive coordinator duties for 2023) came to an end. No new assistant QBs coach will be named on an interim basis.
For the time being, Blough’s promotion has him on track to work with veteran backup Marcus Mariota. Starter Jayden Daniels continues to work toward a return as early as Week 14, however. Once Daniels is back in the fold, he will finish out his second year with a new (but familiar) position coach.