HEADLINES

Texans Open Practice Windows For DE Denico Autry, S Jaylen Reed

September 29th, 2025 at 11:08pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Texans defensive end Denico Autry and safety Jaylen Reed will both return to practice this week after starting the season on reserve lists, per KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson.

Their 21-day return window will officially open on Tuesday when the Texans hold their first practice of the weeks. Autry and Reed will need to be activated by the end of that period; if not, they will revert to a reserve list for the rest of the season. Returning to practice as soon as they were eligible is a good sign that neither player will be subject to that worse-case scenario.

Autry was placed on the physically unable to perform list at the beginning of training camp as he recovered from a 2024 knee injury that lingered into this season. He played through it in 2024, appearing in 10 games (two starts) after a six-game suspension sidelined him to start the year. The injury affected Autry’s production, which took a significant dip relative to the rest of his career.

Houston’s defensive line has otherwise been healthy to start the season, so Autry can take his time ramping up in practice before officially starting his 12th NFL season.

Reed, a sixth-round pick in April’s draft, sprained his knee in training camp and was placed on injured reserve with a return designation during final roster cuts. The Texans are thin at safety after releasing C.J. Gardner-Johnson, so Reed would offer some depth upon his return. However, the rookie is untested against NFL-caliber competition after missing the preseason and will be unlikely to see the field upon his return outside of special teams work.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/29/25

September 29th, 2025 at 10:27pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Here are the NFL’s practice squad transactions immediately following Week 4.

Arizona Cardinals

Seattle Seahawks

  • Signed: OT Logan Brown

Tennessee Titans

The Broncos wanted to re-sign Watson to their practice squad, per Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette, but they would have had to wait until Week 7 after a previous injury settlement with the second-year running back. Watson is now healthy and preferred to sign with a new team as soon as possible.

Bengals Make RG Switch

September 29th, 2025 at 8:00pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

SEPTEMBER 29: Cincinnati did opt to make a switch at right guard, starting Rivers in place of Risner for their Monday night matchup with the Broncos.

SEPTEMBER 26: The Bengals are considering a change at right guard for Week 4 after veteran Dalton Risner‘s struggles in the last two weeks.

Lucas Patrick won the starting job out of training camp, but landed on injured reserve after Week 1 with a calf injury. He will be eligible to return in Week 6.

The Bengals were originally planning to start Risner until then, but he injured his calf in Week 3 with rookie Jalen Rivers finishing the game.

Though Risner appears to be healthy this week – he was a full participant in practice on Thursday – head coach Zac Taylor indicated (via Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer) that the team was considering starting Rivers in Week 4. Risner has not played well this year; his 42.4 grade from Pro Football Focus (subscription required) is the ninth-worst among guards with at least 125 snaps this year.

Rivers only received a 50.7 grade from PFF in Week 3, but practicing with the first-team could improve his chemistry and confidence for Week 4.

“This week, I’m getting some reps with the 1s,” said Rivers, per Conway. “Getting the cadence down. Being next to the guys, [center Ted Karras] and [right tackle Amarius Mims], just gelling with them. If I am in on Monday…it’s good to gel with the guys. Monday Night Football, everyone is watching, they are going to trust me, I’m going to make the most of my opportunity.”

Starting Rivers would introduce a second rookie into the Bengals’ starting OL. Third-round pick Dylan Fairchild has started all three games at LG, with somewhat disappointing results. His 52.3 PFF grade ranks among the bottom-20 guards (min. 125 snaps).

There is certainly some risk with starting a pair of rookie offensive linemen, though they won’t be responsible for protecting franchise quarterback Joe Burrow. Rivers and Fairchild would instead be playing in front of backup Jake Browning, who has struggled under pressure since taking over the starting job. It’s not that the Bengals don’t care about Browning’s health, but they might be willing to roll the dice with him under cetner rather than Burrow.

The Bengals have struggled to develop their drafted offensive linemen over the last few years, but starting Rivers could help his long-term progression. He would get starting reps against starting-caliber competition, which could be a baptism by fire that helps him in the long run.

Minor NFL Transactions: 9/29/25

September 29th, 2025 at 7:11pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Four teams are playing on Monday night, three of which made elevations from their practice squad. Here are those transactions and the rest of today’s minor moves from around the league:

Arizona Cardinals

Cleveland Browns

Denver Broncos

Indianapolis Colts

Miami Dolphins

New York Giants

New York Jets

With Jason Sanders on IR, Patterson has been the Dolphins’ kicker to start the season. The team used up his three practice squad elevations in the first three games, so he had to be signed to the active roster to play in Monday night’s game vs. the Jets.

Marshall, a fifth-round pick in April’s draft, played a rotational role in a depleted Dolphins secondary in Weeks 1-3. The unit will now need to turn to depth options like Cornell Armstrong and Julius Brents.

Cardinals Open DT Bilal Nichols’ Practice Window

September 29th, 2025 at 6:38pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Cardinals opened the 21-day practice window for defensive tackle Bilal Nichols to return from the physically unable to perform list, per team writer Zach Gershman.

Since Arizona played on Thursday night in Week 4, they started their practice week on Monday with Nichols in the mix. The eight-year veteran started the 2025 season on the physically unable to perform list after sustaining multiple stingers in 2024 that turned into a season-ending neck injury. He will have three weeks to practice before he must be added to the active roster or revert to the PUP list for the rest of the season.

Nichols’ return would be a major boost to a Cardinals defensive line that has been decimated by injuries. Veterans Justin Jones and L.J. Collier are already out for the year, while first-round rookie Walter Nolen landed on the PUP list before training camp even began. Second-year defensive tackle Darius Robinson also left last week’s game with a chest injury and did not practice on Monday.

The injuries have forced the Cardinals to rely heavily on third-year UDFA Dante Stills alongside veteran starters Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson. Campbell and Tomlinson have largely held up, but Stills’ 47.2 grade from Pro Football Focus (subscription required) is the seventh lowest among defensive linemen with at least 115 snaps. (Robinson’s 35.5 grade is the second-lowest in the same group.) As such, Nichols’ return would significantly help reinforce the unit.

“[Nichols] can play a couple of different hats for us,” said head coach Jonathan Gannon after Monday’s practice. “Good to have him back out there today. He plays the way we want him to play. He’s got energy and juice, so it was good to see him out there.”

Opening Nichols’ window as soon as he became eligible is a good sign for his return timeline, but neck injuries are notoriously tricky and the Cardinals are unlikely to rush him back to the field.

Chargers T Joe Alt Suffers High Ankle Sprain

September 29th, 2025 at 4:57pm CST by Ely Allen

SEPTEMBER 29: Monday’s MRI has confirmed the diagnosis of a high ankle sprain. Rapoport reports Alt is now seeking second opinions, although in any case a notable absence is in store.

SEPTEMBER 28: As if it hadn’t been through enough, things went from bad to worse for the Chargers offensive line today when offensive tackle Joe Alt was carted off the field with an ankle injury, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Rapoport followed up that report with news that X-rays on the ankle came back negative for broken bones but that a high ankle sprain was the preliminary diagnosis. Alt will undergo MRI testing tomorrow to determine the severity of the injury.

The Chargers came into today down two starters on the offensive line already. Regular left tackle Rashawn Slater is already out for the season with a torn patellar tendon, and starting right guard Mekhi Becton was ruled out for Week 4’s game due to a concussion. They lost their third starter on the line when Alt was carted off, leaving only center Bradley Bozeman and left guard Zion Johnson as the last of the original first-team offensive line remaining.

While we know Slater isn’t coming back to the field until next year, Becton should be back as soon as he clears concussion protocol. Alt’s timetable for return will depend on the results of the upcoming MRI. A high ankle sprain usually means an absence of, at least, a couple weeks. If the injury is severe enough, it could take months for Alt to return to the line. An absence of that length would be brutal for a team that has had such a promising start to the season.

Alt was only playing left tackle for the Chargers because of Slater’s injury. With Alt vacating the right tackle spot he played in his rookie campaign, Los Angeles has been starting Trey Pipkins on the right side. When the Chargers lost their second left tackle in as many months, it was Austin Deculus who came in to fill out the first-team offensive line at left tackle.

Pipkins had had prior experience as a starting tackle for the Chargers, though his time in that role was partially the reason for the team drafting Alt. He shifted in to a starting guard spot once Alt came in, but his return to a starting tackle role was not a necessarily difficult move. Deculus, on the other hand, has only started one game in his four-year NFL career, and even including that start, he has never played more than 38 snaps in an NFL game.

Deculus’ lack of experience is only a potential concern if Alt’s MRI comes back with bad news. If it turns out that the Alt is in for an extended absence, the Chargers will have to navigate that time with two backup tackles. They should know more about what they’re dealing with tomorrow.

Opinions Split On Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill’s Trade Value

September 29th, 2025 at 4:22pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Dolphins enter tonight’s contest with a record of 0-3. Especially if Miami loses, attention will turn to the possibility of changes on the sidelines and/or in the front office.

Head coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier are viewed as being on the hot seat, although owner Stephen Ross‘ preference is to finish out the season with the current regime remaining in place. Regardless of what happens on that front, Miami falling to 0-4 would lead to increased speculation surrounding Tyreek Hill‘s future.

The All-Pro receiver has been linked to trade talk for much of his Dolphins tenure, especially in the aftermath of his decision to pull himself from the team’s season finale in 2024. Conversations with McDaniel helped smooth things out to an extent, but it would come as little surprise if a trade were to be explored at some point by Miami. Should that take place, opinions are split with respect to the compensation in a potential deal.

Jeff Howe of The Athletic polled a number of NFL coaches and executives to gauge the market of a Hill trade (subscription required). Nearly half (six of 13) predicted the Dolphins could receive a third-round pick, which would fall in line with recent receiver deals worked out before the deadline. In 2024, both Davante Adams and Amari Cooper fetched third-round picks in their respective trades.

Cooper was on an expiring contract at the time, but Adams had term on his pact. However, the lack of future guarantees essentially made him a rental for the purposes of the trade. Hill is in a similar situation; the 31-year-old is on the books through 2026 but none of his scheduled base salary for next year ($29.9MM) is locked in.

Hill’s status as a rental (for all intents and purposes) could make him an attractive target for contending teams, especially in the case of a reunion with the Chiefs. The Steelers have also been floated as a suitor for Hill, although the most recent update on that front indicated Pittsburgh is no longer interested in a swap. Price would of course be a major factor in any trade agreement, and Howe’s poll drew responses stating a Day 3 pick is all Miami could expect for dealing away Hill.

Speculation about a trade taking place comes against the backdrop of domestic violence allegations made by Hill’s ex-wife which emerged earlier this month. Hill has denied the allegations, but in the absence of certainty regarding a criminal case being launched or an NFL investigation opening – neither of which have happened as of yet – suitors could understandably hesitate on the trade front.

Miami’s passing attacks ranks 20th entering Monday’s action. Hill topped 100 yards in Week 2 but his other games have been quiet with respect to production. The six-time 1,000-yard wideout has plenty of time to rebound in terms of his statistical impact, but it remains to be seen if that will include a full campaign with the Dolphins.

Commanders To Place DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste On IR

September 29th, 2025 at 3:00pm CST by Adam La Rose

3:00pm: Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed (via Jhabvala) Jean-Baptiste suffered a pectoral injury and will miss extended time as a result (although the door is open to a return late in the year). Surgery is in store, along with a move to injured reserve.

9:51am: The Commanders appear to have suffered another blow at the defensive end spot. Javontae Jean-Baptiste is feared to have suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Week 4, Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic reports.

An MRI will be used to confirm the diagnosis. Provided a torn pec is indeed the case in this instance, though, Jean-Baptiste could miss the remainder of the campaign. The 2024 seventh-rounder made 12 appearances as a rookie during the regular season and played in each of Washington’s three playoff games. He served in a depth capacity while doing so.

Jean-Baptiste handled a 30% snap share on defense this season, and he would have been in line to remain a part-time contributor at the DE spot moving forward if not for the injury. A lengthy rehab process will be in store for the 25-year-old provided a torn pec is confirmed with further testing. That would leave Washington even thinner at the position given the team’s other injuries early in the campaign.

Deatrich Wise suffered a season-ending quad injury in Week 2, something which prompted an in-season addition along the defensive line. Preston Smith returned to Washington in the wake of Wise’s injury, although he has yet to play in 2025. The 10-year veteran could be counted on to handle a notable role once he is fully prepared to suit up given the Commanders’ injury situation.

Jean-Baptiste’s rookie contract runs through 2027, so he has plenty of time to return to full health and contribute for Washington. That may not be possible until next season, however. Especially if the worst-case scenario is to be confirmed in this case, the Commanders could again find themselves in the market for an addition via trade or free agency.

Lions Could Move CB D.J. Reed To IR

September 29th, 2025 at 12:43pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Lions saw cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed suffer injuries yesterday. The former does not appear to be in line for an extended absence, but the latter could find himself on injured reserve.

Arnold suffered a shoulder injury on Sunday, although head coach Dan Campbell said (via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network) he does not anticipate a lengthy spell on the sidelines. That will be welcomed news even with Arnold’s struggles early this season and the resultant plan to lower his playing time. Such a setup may need to be put on hold for now.

Reed was carted off the field with a hamstring injury. Based on Campbell’s post-game remarks, Rapoport notes a move to IR could be in store in this case. That would ensure at least a four-week absence for Reed; it would also leave Detroit without a perimeter starter for an extended period.

During the offseason, the Lions expectedly lost Carlton Davis on the open market. Detroit took the free agent route to bring in Reed on a pact similar in length and value (three years, $48MM) to the one Davis landed with the Patriots. Arnold and fellow returnee Amik Robertson have been key figures in the secondary to date, and that will of course remain the case moving forward. Still, losing Reed for any notable period will mark a blow to Detroit’s secondary.

The 28-year-old has served as a full-time starter with his newest team, collecting four pass deflections early on. Reed also notched his first interception of the season shortly before suffering the injury. Further testing in his case will be worth watching closely, as it will inform the Lions’ decision with respect to an IR move taking place or being avoided.

The plan for reducing Arnold’s usage was aimed at giving Robertson more time on the boundary as opposed to the slot. If Reed winds up missing considerable game action, Robertson may be forced to handle a full-time role on the perimeter opposite Arnold (presuming, of course, he does not wind up being sidelined for an extended period). In any case, defensive adjustments will likely be necessary as the Lions look to build off their strong start.

Eagles DE Ogbo Okoronkwo Feared To Have Suffered Triceps Tear

September 29th, 2025 at 11:22am CST by Adam La Rose

The Eagles are likely to be even more shorthanded along the edge for the remainder of the season. Ogbo Okoronkwo exited Philadelphia’s game on Sunday and he is in danger of missing the rest of the campaign.

Further testing is needed, but Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports Okoronkwo is feared to have suffered a triceps tear. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirms that is indeed the expectation in this case. Season-ending surgery will be required provided a tear did in fact take place.

If that is true, the Eagles’ edge rush depth will be tested even further. Nolan Smith is on injured reserve due to a triceps injury of his own, although surgery is not believed to be necessary in his case. Smith is in line to return sometime after the bye (Week 9), but especially until that point Philadelphia’s setup along the edge will be a talking point.

Brandon Graham retired this offseason, one in which Josh Sweat departed in free agency. Those losses led to questions in term of pass rush production for the defending champions. Smith has worked as a starter when healthy, and 2024 third-rounder Jalyx Hunt has seen a major uptick in usage compared to his rookie season. Free agent pickup Za’Darius Smith‘s snap share sits at 40% right now, and that figure could rise with Okoronkwo out of the picture.

During his two years in Cleveland, Okoronkwo served as a regular on the edge but only operated as a starter late in 2024. The 30-year-old was released this offseason but lined up a deal with the Eagles in time for training camp. Okoronkwo made his season debut yesterday but was limited to only four snaps before suffering the injury. If he is indeed facing a season-long absence, the Oklahoma product’s market value will obviously take a major hit.

In the wake of this latest EDGE injury, Azeez Ojulari could find himself on the field moving forward. The former Giant took a one-year Eagles deal in free agency, but he has yet to play this season. Prior to Sunday’s game, EJ Smith of PHLY Sports observed Ojulari’s time in Philadelphia could be coming to an end. That could now change with the Eagles facing another pass rush absence, however.

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