Cardinals Place D.J. Humphries On IR
The Cardinals placed left tackle D.J. Humphries on injured reserve, according to a team announcement. In related moves, the club signed offensive linemen Joe Barksdale and Rees Odhiambo from the Colts’ practice squad. 
It has been a disastrous year for the Cardinals on the whole, but their offense line has been hit particularly hard by injuries. So far this year, the Cardinals have trotted out eight different combinations of starting offensive linemen, lost four different linemen to IR, and are presently starting none of their projected front five. Heading into camp, the Cardinals’ line was comprised of A.Q. Shipley, Justin Pugh, Mike Iupati, Humphries, and Andre Smith. The first four were knocked out by injury and Smith was released in November due to inconsistent play in his eight starts.
Humphries, who turns 25 on Dec. 28, has been out of action since suffering a knee injury in the club’s Week 10 loss to the Chiefs. It’s a disappointing way for his season to end, and the Cardinals now have a decision to make regarding his future. The Cardinals can control him through 2019 thanks to his $9.625MM fifth-year option, but the deal is guaranteed for injury only. If the Cardinals want to move on from Humphries, they can cut him loose, provided that he can pass a physical early next year.
The former No. 24 overall pick pick in the 2015 draft is no stranger to the injury bug. He was inactive for every game as a rookie and a knee injury limited him to just five games in 2017.
Giants To Place Landon Collins On IR
Landon Collins‘ season is over. The Giants safety will undergo surgery on his injured shoulder next week, ruling him out for the remainder of the season (Twitter link via Josina Anderson of ESPN.com). 
Publicly, the Giants are leaving open the possibility that Collins can return this year. When asked about Collins on Wednesday morning, head coach Pat Shurmur admitted that Collins will “most likely” require an operation, but did not say that it was a certainty. Unfortunately, a 2018 return for Collins is simply not an option.
Collins is scheduled to reach free agency in March, but the Giants reportedly plan to keep him from the open market with the franchise tag if they two sides cannot agree to an extension. Last month, Collins said the Giants have yet to contact him about a new deal with him and questioned the team’s desire to re-sign him in the wake of midseason trade rumors.
Collins, a second-round pick in the 2015 draft, has been a full-time starter for the Giants since entering the league. A two-time Pro Bowler, Collins has 67 tackles, four passes defensed, and a forced fumble this season while grading as the NFL’s 36th-best safety, per Pro Football Focus. For what it’s worth, PFF had Collins as the No. 13 ranked safety in the league through Week 9.
Bengals Place A.J. Green On IR
It’s official. On Wednesday morning, the Bengals formally placed star wide receiver A.J. Green on injured reserve. To fill his place on the roster, the Bengals activated fifth-round cornerback Davontae Harris from IR. 
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This marks the second time in three seasons that Green has ended a season on IR. Green has been in and out of the Bengals’ lineup all year and the team clearly missed him when he was sidelined for three November games. After starting the season 4-1, the Bengals have dropped to 5-7 and are looking to stop a four-game losing streak without the services of Green or quarterback Andy Dalton.
Green’s nagging toe injury held him back earlier this season and he had to be carted off the field after re-aggravating the malady during Sunday’s loss to the Broncos. His season ends with 46 catches for 694 yards and six touchdowns. The Bengals, meanwhile, are effectively mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
Without Green, the Bengals will turn to Tyler Boyd, John Ross, and former UDFA Alex Erickson as their top receivers. They’ll be catching passes from Jeff Driskel as the Bengals wrap up their season against the Chargers, Raiders, Browns, and Steelers. Currently, the Bengals are on course for the No. 13 overall pick in the draft.
Redskins To Sign QB Josh Johnson
The Redskins reached agreement on a deal with quarterback Josh Johnson, according to John Keim of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Johnson auditioned alongside several other QBs on Tuesday and emerged as the best option of the bunch. 
Johsnon now becomes the Redskins’ second healthy quarterback, joining Mark Sanchez. After losing both Alex Smith and Colt McCoy to injury, the Redskins are hoping to get by, somehow, with a duo of journeymen.
Johnson, 29, was quickly chosen over E.J. Manuel, T.J. Yates, Landry Jones, and Ryan Mallett, but the Redskins had some hurdles to clear first. Johnson was the first pick of the AAF’s San Diego franchise just last week, but AAF co-founder Bill Polian confirmed that Johnson will be released from his deal so that he can sign with Washington.
Sanchez struggled against the Eagles last week, but he’ll start this week against the Giants as the Redskins fight to keep their playoff hopes alive. Johnson, who has history with coach Jay Gruden thanks to their time in Tampa and Cincinnati, might have an opportunity to get in the game if Sanchez falters again.
Raiders Sign RB C.J. Anderson
C.J. Anderson has found a new gig, and it isn’t in Kansas City. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports (via Twitter) that the Raiders have signed the veteran running back.
After spending the first five seasons of his career with the Broncos, the 27-year-old joined the Panthers during the offseason. The running back ended up playing sparingly for his new team, compiling 104 rushing yards on only 24 carries. He was waived by the Panthers last month, and he had subsequent workouts with the Lions and Chiefs.
The Raiders have needed some reinforcement at running back, especially following the season-ending injury to Marshawn Lynch. Anderson still managed to rush for 1,000 yards last season, so he could easily overtake Doug Martin and pass-catcher Jalen Richard atop the Raiders’ depth chart. At the very least, the organization has an opportunity to evaluate the veteran before the offseason. The move also presents a homecoming for Anderson, who grew up in Vallejo, California.
Following his workout with Kansas City, it was reported that the Chiefs brought in the running back ”with the intent of signing him to a contract if he passes” a physical. This made plenty of sense after the team waived Kareem Hunt, as the Chiefs’ backfield was left with Spencer Ware, Damien Williams, and Darrel Williams. The team ended up opting for former player Charcandrick West, presumably taking them out of the running for Anderson.
Texans Activate RB D’Onta Foreman From PUP
D’Onta Foreman is back. ESPN’s Field Yates reports (via Twitter) that the Texans have activated the running back from the physically unable to perform list. To make room on the roster, the team has cut safety Natrell Jamerson, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (via Twitter).
The 22-year-old running back tore his Achilles towards the end of last season, and he’s spent this entire campaign on the PUP. While the Texans were probably hoping that the 2017 third-rounder would take on a bigger role during his sophomore campaign, they’ve been fine rolling with the duo of Lamar Miller and Alfred Blue.
Foreman is the biggest bruiser of the bunch, and the Texans will surely want to see what they’ve got in the former Texas Longhorns standout. The running back looked solid during his rookie campaign, compiling 327 rushing yards on 78 carries (4.2-yard average). He added another six receptions for 83 yards, and he even returned a single kickoff. The Texans will likely ease him back into game action, but there’s a chance he could supplant Miller come playoff time if the veteran is struggling.
Jamerson was a fifth-round pick by the Saints in this past year’s draft, but he was cut by New Orleans at the end of the preseason. He soon caught on with the Texans, and he went on to compile seven tackles and one pass defended in 10 games. With the rookie out of the picture, the Texans will move forward with Justin Reid, Michael Tyson, and Andre Hal as their reserve safeties.
Redskins To Sign DE Marcus Smith
The Redskins have agreed to sign former Eagles first round pick Marcus Smith. The defensive end may have an opportunity to make his D.C. debut on Sunday when the Redskins face the rival Giants. 
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Smith showed his wares for the Jets and Bills last month, but left both auditions without a deal. Instead, the Redskins will give him his first opportunity to play in 2018 after he reportedly flirted with retirement in the summer .
In three seasons with the Eagles, Smith never made a start and registered only four sacks. Over time, his playing time waned and Smith played on only 20% of Philadelphia’s defensive snaps in 2016. The Seahawks scooped up the 26-year-old in 2017 017 and he showed some promise in a limited role. In his 252 snaps, Smith registered 14 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
The Redskins have bigger issues to deal with – such as their ailing offensive line and messy quarterback situation – but Smith could provide support for the team’s leading edge rushers down the stretch.
Bills Release WR Kelvin Benjamin
The Bills released wide receivers Kelvin Benjamin and Andre Holmes, according to a team press release. The release of Benjamin is particularly shocking given his resume. 
Benjamin came to the Bills in a blockbuster trade deadline deal last year. Since then, Benjamin has logged just 40 catches in 19 games, including the team’s low-scoring playoff loss to the Jaguars.
Because this year’s trade deadline is in the rear view mirror, both Benjamin and Holmes will be subject to waivers, even though they are both vested veterans. Benjamin is likely to find a new home whether he’s claimed or not, and that will mark his third team in 13 months.
Any team claiming Benjamin off waivers would be responsible for the remaining prorated portion of his base salary, which comes out to a little under $2MM. It’s a high price to pay, but Benjamin could make for an interesting rental since he is due for unrestricted free agency in March. Of course, if he is not claimed, the Bills will be on the hook for that cash.
There was no weird behind the scenes incident to prompt the release of either player, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter) hears. Rather, the Bills simply wanted to get younger and audition players who factor into their plans for 2019 and beyond.
Benjamin, 27, has just 23 catches for 354 yards and one touchdown in 12 games this season, numbers that are a far cry from his best seasons with the Panthers. His conditioning has been questioned by many, his route running errors been glaring, and he no longer appears to be on the path to superstardom. A change of scenery may help Benjamin, but he’ll have to really explode down the stretch in order to position himself for a lucrative free agent deal.
Holmes, 30, was barely involved in the offense for Buffalo. In his 12 games, Holmes had just 12 grabs for 157 yards and zero scores.
In related moves, the Bills also promoted defensive end Mike Love and cornerback Denzel Rice to the 53-man roster from the practice squad.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/4/18
We’ll keep track of today’s minor moves here:
Atlanta Falcons
- Promoted from practice squad: DT Justin Zimmer
- Waived: S Keith Tandy
- Placed on IR: LS Josh Harris
Arizona Cardinals
- Promoted from practice squad: WR Jalen Tolliver, DE Vontarrius Dora
- Placed on IR: DT Olsen Pierre
Buffalo Bills
- Promoted from practice squad: DE Mike Love, CB Denzel Rice
- Placed on IR: C Russell Bodine
Denver Broncos
- Waived: OT Cyrus Kouandjio
Green Bay Packers
- Promoted from practice squad: OLB Kendall Donnerson
- Placed on IR: S Ibraheim Campbell
Miami Dolphins
- Claimed off waivers from Jaguars: CB Dee Delaney
- Placed on IR: TE A.J. Derby
Oakland Raiders
- Signed: DE Damontre Moore
- Waived: DL Fadol Brown
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: RB Trey Edwards
- Placed on IR: WR Justin Hunter
Washington Redskins
- Signed: OG Zac Kerin, LB/DE Marcus Smith
- Placed on IR: OG Jonathan Cooper
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/4/18
We’ll keep track of today’s practice squad moves here:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: WR Daniel Braverman
- Released: WR Montay Crockett
- Placed on PS-IR: OL Rick Leonard
Carolina Panthers
- Released: CB Josh Thornton
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: S Tray Matthews, S Jason Thompson
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: DE Anthony Winbush
- Released: QB Phillip Walker
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: LB James Burgess
New York Jets
- Signed: DB Tyvis Powell
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: ILB Matthew Thomas, RB Ralph Webb
- Released: LB Farrington Huguenin
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: DT Vincent Valentine
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: RB Dare Ogunbowale, WR K.J. Brent
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: RB Dalyn Dawkins