Injury Updates: Taylor, Eagles, Morse, McCoy
Early in Saturday’s historic loss to the Vikings, the Colts saw star running back Jonathan Taylor leave the game without tallying a single carry. Tests showed that Taylor suffered a sprained ankle, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, and while it was considered “nothing major,” it was enough to keep Taylor out for the remainder of the game.
In Taylor’s absence, in-season trade acquisition Zack Moss took over as the team’s lead back, assisted by Deon Jackson. Both put forth good performances for the rest of the contest, combining for 136 rushing yards on 37 carries.
With the Colts on the brink of elimination from postseason contention at 4-9-1, it’s not very surprising that Taylor didn’t risk his long-term health to return. Now the question arises of whether or not interim head coach Jeff Saturday and company will bring back Taylor at all for the rest of the season. If there’s no hope for a playoff run, will Indianapolis want to risk the long-term health of one of its keystone players or will it ride Moss and Jackson for the rest of the year?
Here are a few more injury updates from this weekend, starting with a player who didn’t even get to make an appearance:
- Some were expecting to see Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert return from injury this week against the Bears, but ultimately, Philadelphia did not activate him. According to Schefter, Goedert is still expected to return from the injury soon, but “it’s not expected to be until next” week’s division game in Dallas. The Eagles will be excited to have their starting tight end back after relying on Jack Stoll and rookie sixth-round pick Grant Calcaterra for the past five games.
- The Bills continued to take hits to their interior offensive line today after starting center Mitch Morse was knocked out of the game with a concussion. Backup guard Greg Van Roten, who was already filling in at right guard for an injured Ryan Bates, moved to center following Morse’s departure with backup offensive tackle David Quessenberry filling the empty slot at right guard. There is reason for concern due to Morse’s history with concussions. Back in 2020, it was reported he had suffered his fifth career concussion. It’s unclear if he’s suffered any since then, but the extensive history of brain trauma should not be taken lightly by the Bills training staff.
- Another team that had to dig deep into the depth chart due to concussions, the Cardinals saw quarterback Colt McCoy leave today’s loss to the Broncos with a concussion. McCoy was slated to fill in for the remainder of the season after Kyler Murray‘s torn ACL, so with McCoy out, Arizona turned to third-string quarterback Trace McSorley. McSorley struggled in the loss, completing less than 50-percent of his passes and throwing two interceptions, but the Cardinals didn’t have another option. The team recently signed David Blough off of the Vikings practice squad but did not have him available for today’s game. Already eliminated from playoff contention at 4-10, there’s no reason for Arizona to rush anyone back from injury. If McCoy cannot be cleared by their Christmas night matchup with the Buccaneers, McSorley and Blough will be in line to lead the team from under center.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/17/22
Today’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Activated from IR: G Will Hernandez
- Promoted: CB Nate Hairston, DL Manny Jones
Carolina Panthers
- Placed on IR: LB Brandon Smith
Chicago Bears
- Promoted: TE Jake Tonges, WR Nsimba Webster
Dallas Cowboys
- Promoted: C Brock Hoffman
Denver Broncos
- Promoted: RB Devine Ozigbo, QB Jarrett Guarantano
Detroit Lions
- Activated from IR: RB Craig Reynolds
- Promoted: LB Jarrad Davis, QB Joshua Dobbs
- Waived: WR Tom Kennedy
Los Angeles Chargers
- Activated off IR: TE Donald Parham
- Promoted: DL Christopher Hinton, S Raheem Layne
- Waived: WR Jason Moore
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed to active roster: RB Malcolm Brown
Miami Dolphins
- Promoted: WR Braylon Sanders
New Orleans Saints
- Promoted: WR Kirk Merritt
- Waived: Nephi Sewell
New York Giants
- Activated from IR: OL Ben Bredeson
- Placed on IR: OL Joshua Ezeudu
- Promoted: LB Landon Collins, QB Davis Webb
New York Jets
- Signed to active roster: LB Hamsah Nasirildeen
- Promoted: S Will Parks, DL Tanzel Smart
Philadelphia Eagles
- Promoted: LB Christian Elliss, P Brett Kern
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Promoted: LB J.J. Russell, WR Deven Thompkins
Washington Commanders
- Promoted: G Wes Martin
Eagles Designate Dallas Goedert For Return
Seeing their pass offense take a substantial leap this season, the Eagles are gearing up to have another of Jalen Hurts‘ weapons back soon. They designated Dallas Goedert for return from IR on Wednesday morning.
Goedert has been down with a shoulder injury since Week 10. Having missed four games, the veteran tight end can return to action this week. Although the team has some time (three weeks) to activate the fifth-year pass catcher, a Week 15 return has been in play for a bit now.
Philadelphia has three injury activations remaining. The 12-1 squad has two other key players — C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Robert Quinn — on IR, but neither is eligible to come back. If the Eagles activate Goedert, Gardner-Johnson and Quinn, that will represent their eight-player allotment for the year. Goedert, however, represents a key piece for Philly’s offense and will give Hurts’ MVP campaign another boost.
In nine games to start the season, Goedert was on pace for a career-best slate. Beginning his first season without Zach Ertz in the picture, the highly paid tight end is averaging a career-most 60.4 receiving yards per game. He is at 43 catches for 544 yards and three touchdowns. The former second-round pick represents a key Hurts option alongside A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, though Hurts’ MVP push has not exactly lost steam during Goedert’s absence.
The Division I-FCS product has already totaled four 70-plus-yard receiving games this season, including a 100-yard performance in his most recent full game (Week 9 against the Texans). Despite missing four games, Goedert still ranks sixth among tight ends in receiving yards. In terms of yards per game, only Travis Kelce has more at this position this season.
The Eagles have Goedert tied to a four-year, $57MM deal — agreed to in November of last year. This season doubles as the first year of that pact, one that could look quite team-friendly soon. Drafted shortly after the Eagles won Super Bowl LII, Goedert is on track to help the team claim the NFC’s top seed for the first time since that season.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/13/22
Today’s practice squad moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: QB Carson Strong
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: LB Nate Landman
- Released: OL Parker Ferguson
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: WR Cole Beasley (story)
- Released: WR Marquez Stevenson
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: CB Tae Hayes
- Released: RB Nate McCrary
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: LB Storey Jackson
Denver Broncos
- Released: DL McTelvin Agim
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: OT Jean Delance, C Michal Menet
- Released: DL Jack Heflin, WR Dede Westbrook
Houston Texans
- Signed: RB Gerrid Doaks, WR D.J. Montgomery
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: WR Robert Foster
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: LB Kana’i Mauga, OT Willie Wright
New York Jets
- Signed: DL Marquiss Spencer
- Placed on IR: LB Marcell Harris
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: S Anthony Harris, P Brett Kern
- Released: S Marquise Blair, WR Auden Tate
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: QB Kevin Hogan, OL Zach McCloud, G Jordan Roos, WR Jonathan Ward
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/13/22
Here are Tuesday’s minor moves:
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: DT Brandin Bryant
- Waived: DT C.J. Brewer
Carolina Panthers
- Waived: DL Daviyon Nixon
Denver Broncos
- Placed on IR: RB Mike Boone
- Signed off Dolphins’ practice squad: WR Freddie Swain
Houston Texans
- Signed from practice squad: QB Jeff Driskel
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed off practice squad: TE Nikola Kalinic
- Waived: WR Keke Coutee
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed off Broncos’ practice squad: G Netane Muti
- Placed on IR: LB Jayon Brown
Philadelphia Eagles
- Placed on IR: P Arryn Siposs (story)
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed off Jets’ practice squad: DT Jonathan Marshall
- Signed: LB Olasunkanmi Adeniyi
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Waived: LB Olakunle Fatukasi
Eagles To Sign S Anthony Harris
Shorthanded on the backend of their secondary, the Eagles are bringing back a familiar face. Philadelphia is set to sign veteran safety Anthony Harris, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter).
The move comes as little surprise, as Harris visited the Eagles yesterday (Twitter link via Mike Garafolo of NFL Network). The 31-year-old played in Philadelphia last season on a one-year deal, which marked his first campaign played outside of Minnesota. His time with the Vikings (which included a league-leading six interceptions in 2019), led to significant expectations.
Harris was a full-time starter in Philadelphia in 2021, and he recorded 72 tackles, one interception and three pass breakups. The acquisition of C.J. Gardner-Johnson from the Saints pointed to Harris being let go, however. The former UDFA was released at the end of August.
That led him to Denver midway through the season, but Harris only saw special teams action. He was unsurprisingly waived by the Broncos, and has remained a free agent since. The Eagles could once again offer him significant playing time on defense, with multiple injuries at safety leaving them thin at the position. Gardner-Johnson is currently sidelined with a lacerated kidney, and Reed Blankenship exited Sunday’s win over the Giants. Garafolo tweets that the latter will not be placed on IR, meaning he is facing a short-term absence.
Still, Harris will be a familiar face for the Eagles as they weigh their replacement options. Marcus Epps is likely to remain a starter, but Harris could compete for playing time with the likes of K’Von Wallace, Andre Chachere and Josiah Scott for snaps alongside him. His first action back with Philadelphia could come as soon as Week 15 against the Bears as the NFC leaders look to move closer to a division title and a first-round bye.
Eagles To Sign P Brett Kern; P Arryn Siposs Expected To Miss Time
Brett Kern will have an opportunity to begin his 15th NFL season soon. After a Monday workout, the Eagles are signing the veteran punter, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.
The Eagles had a need at punter, with Arryn Siposs out indefinitely (via Tom Pelissero of NFL.com, on Twitter) due to a lower-leg injury sustained when the Giants blocked a first-half punt. Week 15 stands to be Siposs’ first missed NFL game.
Kern, 36, has punted in 219 NFL contests; though, none have come since last season. The former Titans and Broncos specialist has not been with a team since the Titans released him on roster cutdown day. Tennessee had kept Kern in place as its punter since 2009, but the team shifted to a younger player (Ryan Stonehouse) out of training camp this year.
Three Pro Bowl nods — form 2017-19 — appear on Kern’s resume. He will follow thirtysomethings Ndamukong Suh and Linval Joseph in joining the 12-1 Eagles in-season. Kern finished with his lowest per-punt average since 2016 last season, at 44.8. Siposs is averaging 45.6 per boot in his second Eagles season. Should this Kern move be an active-roster addition, it should be expected Siposs will land on IR.
The Eagles added Siposs as a UDFA last year. Despite Siposs being only in his second season, he recently turned 30. The Australian ventured to Auburn in 2017, transitioning from a career in Australian Rules Football. The Eagles gave him a reserve/futures deal in January 2021. It remains to be seen if Siposs will miss the rest of this season, as it is not known exactly what injury he sustained. But Siposs being carted off did not represent a good visual for the Eagles, who will pick up the pieces with Kern.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/10/22
Here are the minor moves around the league in advance of the Week 14 slate of games:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed off Titans’ practice squad: QB Logan Woodside
Baltimore Ravens
- Elevated: QB Anthony Brown, S Ar’Darius Washington
Buffalo Bills
- Elevated: WR John Brown
Carolina Panthers
- Activated from NFI list: DL Henry Anderson
- Waived: CB Tae Hayes
Cleveland Browns
- Elevated: S Mike Brown, LB Tae Davis
Dallas Cowboys
- Elevated: T Aviante Collins
- Placed on IR: CB Anthony Brown (story)
Denver Broncos
- Signed to active roster: T Quinn Bailey
- Elevated: G Netane Muti, LB Harvey Langi
Detroit Lions
- Signed to active roster: OL Ross Pierschbacher
- Elevated: LB Jarrad Davis, CB Jarren Williams
- Placed on IR: CB Chase Lucas
Houston Texans
- Elevated: WR Jalen Camp, QB Jeff Driskel
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Activated from IR: OLB K’Lavon Chaisson
- Elevated: LB Ty Summers
Kansas City Chiefs
- Elevated: WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed to active roster: C Hroniss Grasu
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed to active roster: CB Kemon Hall
- Elevated: DL Christopher Hinton, S Raheem Layne
- Placed on IR: TE Richard Rodgers
Miami Dolphins
- Elevated: WR Freddie Swain
Minnesota Vikings
- Elevated: S Myles Dorn, CB Tay Gowan
New York Giants
- Elevated: DT Ryder Anderson, CB Zyon Gilbert
New York Jets
- Elevated: LB Marcell Harris
Philadelphia Eagles
- Elevated: LB Christian Elliss
San Francisco 49ers
- Elevated: RB Tevin Coleman, S Dontae Johnson
Seattle Seahawks
- Activated from PUP list: LB Jon Rhattigan
- Elevated: RB Godwin Igwebuike, WR Laquon Treadwell
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Activated from IR: LB K.J. Britt
- Elevated: WR Deven Thompkins, S Nolan Turner
Tennessee Titans
- Signed to active roster: WR Chris Conley, LB Jack Gibbens, CB Greg Mabin
- Activated from IR: WR Racey McMath, CB Josh Thompson
- Elevated: RB Julius Chestnut, CB Davontae Harris
- Placed on IR: LB David Long
- Released: DL Larrell Murchison, OL Jordan Roos
Eagles Activate CB Avonte Maddox From IR
The Eagles’ secondary will be back to full strength tomorrow in time for a divisional clash with the Giants. Philadelphia announced on Saturday that slot corner Avonte Maddox has been activated from IR. 
The 26-year-old was expected to be back soon, given the team’s decision to designate him for return earlier this week. He exited the Eagles’ Week 9 victory with an ankle injury, and has been out since then. That marked a significant blow to Philadelphia’s personnel, if not their performance, on the backend of their defense. 2020 fourth-rounder Josiah Scott had been filling in as a starter in the nickel.
Maddox made 27 tackles in his first six contests in 2022, adding one interception and three pass deflections. That represented an encouraging start to his first season after inking a three-year deal to remain in Philadelphia, but the injury interrupted his campaign. Despite the injury, the NFC-leading Eagles have been able to maintain one of the league’s elite defenses. Philadelphia leads the NFL with 15 interceptions, and ranks second with an average of 179 yards allowed per game though the air.
Maddox will once again line up with Darius Slay and James Bradberry operating on the perimeter. That, coupled with safeties C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Marcus Epps, will give the Eagles one of the most formidable secondaries in the NFL during the closing weeks of the regular season and into the playoffs. That could become especially important given the loss of edge rusher Robert Quinn for an extended stretch after the trade acquisition was placed on IR.
This move will leave the Eagles with three activations on the campaign, one of which will likely be reserved for Quinn. A healthy defense will no doubt go a long way to determining whether or not Philadelphia will be able to translate one of the league’s most talented roster into another Super Bowl title.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/8/22
Here are Thursday’s practice squad moves:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: CB Javelin Guidry
Denver Broncos
- Signed: T Quinn Bailey
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: C Austin Reiter
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: S Andre Chachere
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: DE Sam Okuayinonu
