NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/11/25
Today’s practice squad moves:
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: S Chris Edmonds
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: TE Tanner McLachlan
- Released: C Josh Kaltenberger
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: OT Doug Nester
CB Desmond King Retires
Desmond King‘s NFL career has come to an end. The veteran cornerback and return specialist took to X to announce his retirement. 
King has not played in 2025, and his retirement announcement confirms he will not look to make a late-season return to the league. Nearing his 31st birthday, he will instead turn his attention to his post-playing days. King saw time with five different franchises over the course of his eight-year career.
A Chargers fifth-round pick in 2017, his NFL tenure began in Los Angeles and remained there until a November 2020 trade. King was dealt from the Chargers to the Titans, the team with which he finished playing out his rookie contract. During his first trip to free agency, a one-year Texans pact was worked out. King operated as a defensive starter during his debut Houston campaign, and he did so again the following year upon re-upping with the team.
After being released shortly before the start of the 2023 season, King had a brief spell with the Steelers. That was followed by a return to Houston which covered the remainder of the campaign. In 2024, similarly, King was cut after training camp before making one appearance with the Texans. His final NFL games took place as a member of the Ravens while serving as the team’s punt returner. Third phase success was a key factor early in King’s career; the Iowa product earned first-team All-Pro acclaim in 2018 for his work as a returner.
In all, King made a combined total of 113 regular and postseason appearances during his time in the NFL. He departs the game with $14MM in career earnings.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/10/25
Today’s NFL practice squad transactions:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: G Wyatt Bowles, G Tyler Cooper
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: S Jordan Fuller
Chicago Bears
- Signed: LB Ty Summers
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed: WR Xavier Johnson
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: DT Maurice Hurst
- Released: DT Simeon Barrow Jr.
Houston Texans
- Signed: FB Jakob Johnson
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: C Jimmy Morrissey
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: RB Jaret Patterson, DT Kyle Peko
New England Patriots
- Activated from practice squad/injured list: RB Jashaun Corbin
- Placed on practice squad/injured list: RB Craig Reynolds
New York Giants
- Signed: WR Xavier Gipson
- Released: WR Ray-Ray McCloud
New York Jets
- Signed: QB Adrian Martinez, TE Nick Muse
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: T David Sharpe
- Released: RB Trey Sermon
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: CB Isaiah Bolden
Washington Commanders
- Signed: CB Kevon Seymour
Gipson is changing clubs for the third time this season after getting claimed off waivers by the Giants for the second time this year. After starting the season with the Jets and getting cut after a crucial fumble in Week 1, Gipson found his way across town to the other New York team. The Giants waived him after about two and a half weeks, and he was claimed by Philadelphia. His stint with the Eagles has been his longest with any team this year, but he’ll return to the Giants after getting waived once again.
Updated 2026 NFL Draft Order
Week 14’s action brought about a few notable updates to the standings at both ends of the NFL’s conferences. Another four teams are officially out of playoff contention, while wins by Tennessee and New Orleans could prove to be rather important once the campaign has ended.
The Jets, Browns, Falcons and Commanders were eliminated from the postseason through the results of recent days. Of course, each of those teams have been out of the running for a playoff push for some time now. Still, that group will be worth watching closely over the closing four weeks of the season as the top-10 order for Day 1 of the draft gradually comes into focus.
Uncertainty regarding the quarterback class of 2026 will no doubt remain a talking point over the coming months. Fernando Mendoza strengthened his case to be QB1 in April’s draft, although it remains to be seen if other top signal-callers like Dante Moore and Ty Simpson will turn pro or elect to remain in school for one more season. Decisions on those fronts will be central storylines carrying significant implications for the teams near the top of the order which find themselves in need of a quarterback investment.
For non-playoff teams, the draft order is determined by the inverted 2025 standings plus a series of tiebreakers, starting with strength of schedule. Playoff squads are slotted by their postseason outcome and the reverse order of their regular season record.
Here is an updated look at the first-round order:
- New York Giants (2-11)
- Las Vegas Raiders (2-11)
- Tennessee Titans (2-11)
- Cleveland Browns (3-10)
- New Orleans Saints (3-10)
- Washington Commanders (3-10)
- New York Jets (3-10)
- Arizona Cardinals (3-10)
- Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons)
- Cincinnati Bengals (4-9)
- Minnesota Vikings (5-8)
- Miami Dolphins (6-7)
- Baltimore Ravens (6-7)
- Kansas City Chiefs (6-7)
- Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1)
- Carolina Panthers (7-6)
- Detroit Lions (8-5)
- New York Jets (via Colts)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6)
- Philadelphia Eagles (8-5)
- Houston Texans (8-5)
- Chicago Bears (9-4)
- Buffalo Bills (9-4)
- Los Angeles Chargers (9-4)
- San Francisco 49ers (9-4)
- Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars)
- Dallas Cowboys (via Packers)
- Seattle Seahawks (10-3)
- New England Patriots (11-2)
- Los Angeles Rams (10-3)
- Denver Broncos (11-2)
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/9/25
Here are Tuesday’s practice squad moves in the NFL:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: WR Steven Sims
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: CB MJ Devonshire
- Released: OL Nick Broeker
Chicago Bears
- Released: RB Royce Newman
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: OL Darrian Dalcourt, DT Keith Cooper Jr.
- Released: DE Ochaun Mathis, LB Mark Robinson
Denver Broncos
- Signed: RB Sincere McCormick, WR Kyrese Rowan
- Released: OT Marques Cox
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: CB Troy Pride Jr.
Los Angeles Chargers
- Released: DT Kyle Peko
Los Angeles Rams
- Released: TE Nick Muse
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: LB K.C. Ossai
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: LB Josh Ross
New York Giants
- Signed: P Cameron Johnston
- Released: CB Myles Purchase
New York Jets
- Signed: DL Kingsley Jonathan
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: LB Nate Lynn, TE Cole Turner
- Placed on IR: TE Joel Wilson
Washington Commanders
- Signed: WR Chris Moore
- Released: WR River Cracraft
Giants punter Jamie Gillan is dealing with an injury, so they brought in several punters to try out on Tuesday. Johnston emerged as the best of the group and will be on hand for punting duties in Week 15 if Gillan is not healthy enough to play.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/9/25
Here are the latest minor moves from around the NFL:
Cleveland Browns
- Signed off Chargers’ practice squad: RB Trayveon Williams
Detroit Lions
- Waived: TE Ross Dwelley
Houston Texans
- Waived: S Jalen Mills
- Claimed off waivers (from Chargers): DT Naquan Jones
Indianapolis Colts
- Placed on IR: QB Daniel Jones (story), CB Chris Lammons
- Signed from practice squad: CB Cameron Mitchell
Los Angeles Rams
- Waived: LB Nick Hampton
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed off Cardinals’ practice squad: CB Chigozie Anusiem
- Placed on IR: CB Kyu Blu Kelly (story)
Philadelphia Eagles
- Waived: LS Cal Adomitis
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed from practice squad: LB Nick Jackson
Jones was waived by the Chargers on Monday and quickly found himself joining one of the NFL’s best defenses in Houston. The Texans recently lost Tim Settle to a season-ending injury, so Jones will help fill his snaps in the defensive line rotation.
Justin Herbert Active For MNF; Chargers Make Handful Of Roster Moves
Justin Herbert‘s status for tonight’s game was still in doubt as of this morning. Well, the Chargers quarterback is officially active for Monday Night Football, per the team.
[RELATED: Chargers QB Justin Herbert’s Status Uncertain For Week 14]
NFL Network’s Omar Ruiz reported earlier that Herbert was expected to play tonight. After undergoing surgery to repair a fracture in his non-throwing hand, the quarterback will wear a padded glove for the time being. ESPN’s Kris Rhim notes that Herbert admitted that gripping the football was his biggest issue, and the reporter spotted the QB practicing handoffs and play-action sequences while gripping the ball with his left hand.
The Chargers were afforded a bit of extra time to evaluate Herbert’s progress thanks to their MNF showdown with the Eagles. The quarterback participated in both seven-on-seven drills as well as 11-on-11 work this week, although there were reports that he’s struggled to receive snaps from under center. This limitation will certainly require some watching tonight.
The Chargers made a handful of additional moves in anticipation of tonight’s game. Most notably, the team activated running back Omarion Hampton from injured reserve, a move that was reported last week. The team will also be welcoming back running back Hassan Haskins and defensive lineman Otito Ogbonnia from injured reserve.
Haskins suffered a hamstring injury in Week 7 that landed him on IR. In the two games preceding that injury, Haskins garnered 11 carries as the Chargers navigated a depleted RBs room following the injuries to Hampton and Najee Harris. While Haskins has been sidelined, Kimani Vidal ran with the starting RB job. Now, both backs are expected to serve as reserves behind Hampton. Ogbonnia hasn’t played since October thanks to an elbow injury. The former fifth-round pick has collected a single tackle in his four appearances this season.
The Chargers weren’t done making moves. Wide receiver Dalevon Campbell was elevated from the practice squad for tonight’s contest. To make room on the roster for all these moves, the Chargers placed tight end Tucker Fisk on IR and waived both defensive lineman Naquan Jones and running back Jaret Patterson.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert’s Status Uncertain For Week 14
Since Justin Herbert underwent surgery to repair a fracture in his non-throwing hand, his availability for Week 14 has been in question. That remains the case as of early Monday. 
The Chargers have expressed optimism in recent days about Herbert being able to play through the injury tonight against the Eagles. The Pro Bowler has logged limited sessions in practice, but head coach Jim Harbaugh noted (h/t ESPN’s Kris Rhim) Herbert has managed to participate in seven-on-seven as well as 11-on-11 work this week. He is therefore still a candidate to suit up.
In the event Herbert does play, though, his mechanics will be something to monitor closely. Throughout his preparation in recent days, he has not been able to receive snaps from under center. Shotgun operations have been normal, as noted by Daniel Popper of The Athletic. Managing to handle snaps of all kinds without issue will of course be critical in determining whether or not Herbert will be able to finish (or even start) the Bolts’ Week 14 game.
Entering tonight, the Chargers sit at 8-4. Catching the Broncos for top spot in the division will be difficult even with a win, but Los Angeles is in a strong position to secure a wild-card berth. The 8-5 Colts are set to finish the season without quarterback Daniel Jones, while the Chiefs, Ravens and Dolphins all sport records of 6-7. Needless to say, Herbert’s health will be critical down the stretch.
The Chargers will have running back Omarion Hampton in place tonight. The first-round rookie will be counted on to handle a large workload in his first game action since late October. A run-based approach will be key especially if Herbert is limited or if he winds up being unable to play.
Trey Lance will be tasked with guiding Los Angeles’ offense in the event Herbert is ruled out for tonight. The former No. 3 pick has made three appearances so far this season, attempting just 13 passes. Those figures will increase if Herbert is ruled out later today, but it remains to be seen if that will be the case.
Chargers To Activate RB Omarion Hampton
After a two-month absence, Chargers running back Omarion Hampton is set to return in Week 14. The Chargers are activating Hampton from injured reserve, veteran insider Jordan Schultz reports. He’ll play against the Eagles on Monday night.
The Chargers invested heavily in their backfield in the offseason, first signing former Steeler Najee Harris to a one-year deal worth up to $9.5M. Hampton joined the team over a month later as the 22nd overall pick in the draft.
Unfortunately for the Chargers, injuries have prevented Hampton and Harris from forming a strong duo. Hampton has been out since fracturing his ankle in Week 5, which was brutal timing after Harris went down with a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 3.
Hampton, a former North Carolina standout, performed well in his first five games. The 22-year-old averaged 4.8 yards per carry on 66 attempts and added two rushing touchdowns. He also caught 20 of 22 targets for 136 yards.
In the wake of the injuries to Hampton and Harris, the Chargers reportedly showed interest in running backs ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline. No deal came to fruition, but they found an in-house solution in backup Kimani Vidal. The 24-year-old has amassed 543 yards and three scores on 121 attempts (4.5 YPC). Vidal has rushed for 100-plus yards in three games, including 126 in a win over the Raiders in Week 13, while chipping in 13 receptions and another score.
Thanks in part to Vidal, the Chargers have overcome a slew of notable injuries – including to starting offensive tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt – to start 8-4. Hampton’s return should aid the Chargers in their quest to win the AFC West, which the 10-2 Broncos lead, or at least earn a wild-card berth. They’ll face a rough closing schedule with the Eagles, Chiefs, Cowboys, Texans, and Broncos on the docket. Like the Chargers, all of those clubs are pushing for a playoff spot.
Titans HC Rumors: Nagy, McCarthy, Minter
After finishing with an NFL-worst three wins in 2024, the Titans’ 1-5 start this year was enough to cost Brian Callahan his job. Tennessee became the the first team of the season to fire its head coach when it gave Callahan his walking papers on Oct. 13.
Almost two full months since Callahan’s ouster, the Titans have logged even worse results. They’re 0-6 under interim head coach Mike McCoy, who likely has little to no chance of earning a full-time promotion after the season. That should put president of football operations Chad Brinker and first-year general manager Mike Borgonzi in position to find a new sideline leader from outside the organization.
With the hiring cycle still weeks from getting underway, Brinker and Borgonzi probably won’t make their pick until sometime in January. If they prioritize hiring an experienced candidate, Albert Breer of SI.com points to Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and former Packers and Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy as names to watch.
Nagy has an obvious connection to Borgonzi, previously a longtime member of Kansas City’s front office. He also has some past success as an NFL head coach, having gone 34-31 with the Bears from 2018-21. Nagy took the Bears to the playoffs twice in that span.
McCarthy coached the Packers from 2006-18, winning one Super Bowl along the way, and Brinker was in their front office for most of that span. With a career .608 winning percentage over 18 seasons, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see someone give McCarthy a third opportunity.
As established coaches on the offensive side of the ball, either Nagy or McCarthy could aid in the development of quarterback Cam Ward. The first overall pick in last spring’s draft, Ward is the most important player in the organization. If Ward eventually lives up to his draft stock, it would go a long way in helping the Titans orchestrate a turnaround. Ward’s career has gotten off to a rough start, though, which isn’t a shock when considering the lack of coaching stability and the Titans’ dearth of talent.
While the Titans need more from Ward, they aren’t necessarily locked in on hiring an offensive choice or someone with head coaching experience. Two defensive coordinators, the Chargers’ Jesse Minter and the Rams’ Chris Shula, are among the “wide array of candidates” the Titans have considered so far, Breer reports. PFR’s Sam Robinson previously highlighted Minter and Shula as ascending defensive coaches to monitor during the hiring cycle, which will lack obvious slam-dunk picks on the offensive side.
The 42-year-old Minter and Shula, 39, don’t have head coaching experience at any level. However, they’ve drawn rave reviews in coordinator roles, which will lead to interest from other organizations.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh brought Minter with him to LA after a national championship-winning season with the Michigan Wolverines in 2023. The move has worked out for the Chargers, who have boasted upper-echelon defenses under Minter.
Shula, the grandson of legendary head coach Don Shula and the son of former Bengals HC Dave Shula, is also in his second year as a coordinator. Playing its first season of the post-Aaron Donald era, the Rams’ defense ranked an underwhelming 17th in scoring and 26th in yards in 2024. It’s a far more impressive second and 13th in those categories this year.
While Nagy, McCarthy, Minter, and Shula all seem like reasonable possibilities to end up as the Titans’ next sideline leader, there are surely more choices under consideration. The Titans are working to narrow down the list by season’s end, per Breer.
The next hire will bring in a new staff, but management will “likely” ask that individual to strongly consider retaining first-year sspecial teams coordinator John Fassel, according to Titans reporter Paul Kuharsky. Fassel previously led ST units for the Raiders, Rams, and Cowboys. He was on McCarthy’s staff in Dallas from 2020-24. It could work in Fassel’s favor if the Titans hire McCarthy.