Bucs C Ryan Jensen To Practice This Week
Given murky timetables since his unspecified training camp knee injury, Ryan Jensen is expected to resurface at Buccaneers practice this week. The team will designate the the veteran center for return, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports. The Bucs have since announced the return designation.
Jensen went down during a July 28 practice and was feared to be out for the season. That may still end up being the case, but the Bucs will see how the recently re-signed snapper looks in practice. It would certainly boost Tampa Bay’s scuffling offense to have its top interior O-lineman back, as not much has gone right for the team on that side of the ball this year.
While Jensen suffered the knee injury exactly five months ago, Stroud adds he did not undergo surgery. The ninth-year center’s timetable has been up for debate since. The Bucs carried Jensen through to their active roster after cutdown day and placed him on IR soon after. That would allow for a Jensen return from IR; he has been eligible to be activated since October. No activation will take place this week, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com tweets. Considering how long Jensen has been out, a ramp-up period — even if the Bucs are not yet a lock to make the playoffs — is logical.
Jensen, 31, was snapping the ball to Tom Brady before the Bucs’ Week 15 game against the Bengals, Stroud adds. Shortly after Brady’s decision to end his brief retirement, the Bucs began reassembling their team by signing Jensen to a three-year, $39MM deal. The other two starters on Tampa Bay’s interior O-line — Ali Marpet and Alex Cappa — were not part of the equation, with Marpet retiring and Cappa signing with Cincinnati. The team has experienced steady losses up front as well, leading to a wildly disappointing season on offense.
The Bucs lost first-string guard option Aaron Stinnie for the season in August and just placed swing tackle Josh Wells on IR. The Jensen injury moved guard Robert Hainsey to center, and second-round pick Luke Goedeke moved into the starting lineup. But the Bucs benched the rookie for veteran Nick Leverett. Tampa Bay is also uncertain either of its tackles — Donovan Smith and Tristan Wirfs — will be in uniform for Sunday’s pivotal Panthers matchup.
Removing the Jensen-Marpet-Cappa trio from the mix has undoubtedly affected Brady’s performance, and it has made a major impact on Tampa Bay’s run game. The Bucs rank last in rushing in terms of total yards and yards per carry (3.4). The Bucs rank 28th in scoring, and Brady’s numbers have nosedived since he led the league in touchdown passes and passing yards in 2021. This has opened the door to the Bucs sitting at 7-8, still needing to do more to claim victory in perhaps the worst division in NFL history. The Bucs can clinch the NFC South title with a win in Week 17, but the team would not exactly generate much confidence going into the playoffs.
Jensen, who made his first Pro Bowl last season, would help supply some. Coming into this season, the former Ravens draftee had not missed a game since 2016. The former Division II product would have three weeks from Wednesday to be activated, giving the Bucs some time to gauge his readiness.
Gregory, Aboushi Successfully Appeal Suspensions; Discipline Reduced To Fines
DECEMBER 27, 9:04pm: Appeals officers Derrick Brooks and James Thrash, both of whom were appointed jointly by the NFL and NFLPA, have reportedly assessed the appeal and reduced the discipline to both Gregory and Aboushi, according to NFL senior vice president of football & international communications Michael Signora. Both one-game suspensions have been reduced to fines of $50,000 for Gregory and $12,000 for Aboushi.
DECEMBER 27, 8:57am: Gregory is appealing the suspension, as noted (on Twitter) by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The 30-year-old issued a statement which reads in part, “I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely apologize for my actions yesterday. The game was full of emotion and disappointment, and was not a reflection of my character. My goal is to finish out the season strong, play with pride and be part of the solution and not the problem going forward.”
DECEMBER 26: Sunday marked a new rock bottom for the Broncos in terms of on-field performance, but their loss to the Rams also saw an altercation take place after the game between Denver edge rusher Randy Gregory and Los Angeles offensive lineman Oday Aboushi (video link). It has resulted in discipline from the league. 
The NFL announced on Monday that both players have been issued a one-game suspension for their actions, which included each one punching the other. Gregory openly admitted as much during his brief postgame remarks made after Denver’s blowout loss – a result which has led to head coach Nathaniel Hackett being fired with two games remaining in his first season in the role.
In a letter sent to both players, NFL VP of football operations Jon Runyan wrote, “As you were walking toward a group of teammates, coaches, and media, you both stopped and swung at each other’s head and/or neck. Your aggressive conduct could have caused serious injury and clearly does not reflect the high standards of sportsmanship expected of a professional.”
Gregory played just 11 defensive snaps in the game, but drew a pair of flags for unsportsmanlike conduct, including one for a roughing the passer penalty. That could leave him in danger of further fines, in addition to the $57K in salary which he will lose assuming the ban is upheld.
Both players have the option to appeal their suspension, but each of their respective teams have long been out of playoff contention. With two weeks left in what has been a lost campaign for the Broncos and Rams, their absence or return will ultimately have little impact on the final contests of the 2022 season. Gregory is under contract through 2026 after he signed a $70MM deal this offseason, while Aboushi is a pending free agent who is playing on the veteran salary benefit this year.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/27/22
Here are today’s minor transactions from around the league:
Arizona Cardinals
- Waived: G Wyatt Davis
Baltimore Ravens
- Waived: DT Isaiah Mack (claimed by Seahawks)
New York Jets
- Designated to return from IR: OT Cedric Ogbuehi
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed off Giants practice squad: LB Tae Crowder
- Placed on IR: LB Marcus Allen
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed to active roster: LB J.J. Russell
- Placed on IR: T Josh Wells
Allen suffered a biceps injury in the Steelers win over Las Vegas, requiring surgery, according to Mark Kaboly of The Athletic. With two games remaining and Pittsburgh in danger of elimination from postseason contention, Allen’s 2022 season has likely come to an end.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/27/22
Today’s practice squad transactions:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: FB Clint Ratkovich
- Released: TE Tucker Fisk, WR Ra’Shaun Henry
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: LB Josh Bynes
Denver Broncos
- Signed: CB Delonte Hood, TE Dalton Keene
- Released: RB Devine Ozigbo
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: LS Garrison Sanborn
Kansas City Chiefs
- Released: RB Jerrion Ealy
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: LB Austin Calitro
- Released: G Willie Wright
New England Patriots
- Signed: CB Tae Hayes
- Placed on practice squad/IR: TE Scotty Washington
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: WR Kawaan Baker
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: S Scott Nelson
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: LB Curtis Robinson
- Released: CB Tre Swilling
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: OL Dylan Cook, DE Ifeadi Odenigbo
Dolphins Activate OL Liam Eichenberg, Place RB Myles Gaskin On IR
The Dolphins made a pair of injured reserve transactions today, according to the team’s official Twitter account, activating former starting left guard Liam Eichenberg while placing running back Myles Gaskin on IR. A year ago, both of these transactions would have appeared to be major, but at this point in the season, the moves may only affect Miami’s depth heading into a possible postseason run. 
Despite being selected early in the second round of the 2021 draft, Eichenberg has not seen the success of his early-round teammates drafted before him, starters wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips, and safety Jevon Holland. Eichenberg became an immediate starter as a second-round rookie last season, starting 16 of 17 games at left tackle for Miami. The adjustment from Notre Dame to the NFL proved difficult for Eichenberg, who would grade out as the fourth-worst tackle in the league that year, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
Miami tried to help Eichenberg out during his sophomore season, signing veteran Saints tackle Terron Armstead to a five-year deal and moving Eichenberg inside to left guard. While Eichenberg is no longer ranked at the very bottom of his position group (currently graded out as the 73rd-best guard out of 83), his PFF offensive grade has gotten worse since moving inside to guard. Eichenberg’s struggles came to a point when a knee injury in a Week 8 win over the Lions would land him on IR. Eichenberg’s knee injury was initially feared to be a season-ending MCL sprain, but further testing showed the potential for his return and, after proving fully healed, Eichenberg was designated for return on December 7, making tomorrow the last possible day for Miami to activate him before forcing him to sit out for the remainder of the season on IR.
In Eichenberg’s absence, the Dolphins started a second-year undrafted guard out of Middle Tennessee State, Robert Jones. Eichenberg’s return does not necessarily indicate a return to his starting role. The Dolphins may choose to go that route, but Jones has performed well in his seven starts in place of Eichenberg, even outperforming Eichenberg in the eyes of PFF. Jones currently grades out as the 39th-best guard in the NFL this season with grades far above Eichenberg’s. Head coach Mike McDaniel may choose to give Eichenberg a chance to earn his job back, or he may stick with what’s been working and count on Eichenberg as a depth piece as they push for a wild card spot in the playoffs.
Gaskin has taken quite a fall from grace after performing as Miami’s top running back for the past two seasons before 2022. It was assumed that Gaskin’s role would diminish when the team acquired running back Raheem Mostert in free agency back in March. What wasn’t expected was that college and professional teammate Salvon Ahmed would move ahead of Gaskin on the depth chart, playing in six more games than Gaskin. When Jeff Wilson was traded to Miami back in November, Gaskin became a depth piece in the running backs room.
It’s unclear exactly the reason that Gaskin is being placed on IR. Some reports claimed he missed last weekend’s game because of a knee injury, despite not appearing on the injury report, while other sources reported it was due to illness. Regardless, Gaskin will miss the remainder of the regular season, and since his team has five activations remaining, if his team can make it to the AFC championship, he will be eligible to return. Otherwise, Gaskin’s 2022 season has come to an end.
Seahawks Place TE Will Dissly On IR
After staying healthy for most of the past two seasons, Will Dissly will see another injury likely end his season. The Seahawks placed the veteran tight end on IR due to a knee injury.
Dissly, who suffered major injuries during his first two NFL seasons, went down against the Chiefs on Saturday with what Pete Carroll is calling a contusion. More tests appear on tap, however. Unless the Seahawks make an unlikely voyage to the NFC championship game, Dissly will be ineligible to return this season.
Although his season is likely wrapped after 15 games, Dissly both displayed durability (15 games played) and provided considerable aid to Geno Smith‘s unexpected Pro Bowl campaign. Dissly established new career-high marks in receptions (34) and receiving yards (349), adding three touchdowns. Valued for his run-blocking ability, Dissly (60% snap rate) also played a prominent role in Ken Walker‘s rookie-year emergence.
The Seahawks re-signed Dissly on a somewhat surprising three-year, $24MM pact in March. Dissly was uncertain as to what his market would bring, but Denver and Tampa Bay also showed interest in adding him. Instead, Dissly teamed with ex-Broncos tight end Noah Fant to help Seattle’s cause post-Russell Wilson.
Dissly’s deal includes $10.3MM fully guaranteed but nearly $6MM more in injury guarantees, so it will be interesting to see if his latest setback is a significant one. The University of Washington product went down with a torn patella tendon in 2018 and was lost for much of the 2019 season after an Achilles tear. Dissly rebounded to make his way toward that nice contract in the ensuing two seasons, playing in 31 of a possible 33 games.
In addition to the Dissly transaction, the Seahawks claimed defensive lineman Isaiah Mack off waivers from the Ravens. A fourth-year former UDFA, Mack spent the past two seasons with Baltimore. Seattle also signed cornerback Xavier Crawford off its practice squad, waived D-tackle Daviyon Nixon and added corner Steven Parker to its taxi squad.
Packers Place DL Dean Lowry On IR
Dean Lowry‘s streak of 101 straight regular-season games will come to an end. The Packers placed the veteran defensive lineman on IR on Tuesday.
The seventh-year defender suffered a calf injury against the Dolphins. To replace him on the roster, the Packers signed wide receiver Bo Melton from the Seahawks’ practice squad; Seattle drafted Melton in this year’s seventh round out of Rutgers. He has not seen any game action yet. The Packers also released linebacker Tipa Galeai from IR, weeks after opting against using one of its IR activations on him.
In order for Lowry to be activated, the Packers would need to reach the NFC championship game. While Green Bay has accomplished this twice under Matt LaFleur, the team is 7-8 and still has an uphill battle to make the playoffs. FiveThirtyEight gives the Pack a 27% chance to secure a wild-card spot. Tuesday’s transaction is likely to end Lowry’s season.
Lowry, 28, has been with the Packers since they drafted him in the 2016 fourth round. He has started 80 career games, becoming a primary starter during LaFleur’s time in Green Bay. The Northwestern product recorded five sacks last season but has only a half-sack this year. Still, Lowry has maintained a regular role on a defensive line housing Kenny Clark, Jarran Reed and first-round pick Devonte Wyatt. Lowry has played 53% of the Packers’ defensive snaps this season.
Pro Football Focus ranks Lowry just outside the top 60 interior D-linemen (out of 125 qualified players), after slotting him 33rd overall last season. Lowry’s three-year, $20.3MM extension expires after this season, though three void years are tacked on for cap purposes. Wyatt saw his highest snap share against the Dolphins, being on the field for 24 defensive plays. While the Packers have eased the Georgia product into action, he stands to see more time in the team’s final two regular-season games.
Broncos Fire ST Coordinator Dwayne Stukes, O-Line Coach Butch Barry
The Broncos are not stopping at Nathaniel Hackett. Two of the one-and-done coach’s assistant hires — special teams coordinator Dwayne Stukes and offensive line coach Butch Barry — are also out, Mike Klis of 9News reports (on Twitter).
Brought over after a year as the Rams’ assistant special teams coach, Stukes was in his second year on the coordinator level. His first, however, came back in 2011 — a one-year stint as the Buccaneers’ ST coordinator. Hackett opted not to bring back respected O-line coach Mike Munchak this offseason, hiring Barry instead.
[RELATED: Broncos Fire Hackett, Name Jerry Rosburg Interim HC]
Despite going into his first season as a head coach, Hackett surrounded himself with inexperienced coordinator options. Hackett hired two ex-Rams staffers — Stukes, DC Ejiro Evero — and brought in former Packers tight ends coach Justin Outten to be his top lieutenant on offense. As of Monday night, Outten remains with the team.
Stukes, 45, has been an NFL assistant since 2006. He rose to the ST coordinator tier for one season, but after the Bucs fired Raheem Morris following the 2011 season, he became an assistant ST coach for a few franchises. Stukes moved to the Bears, Giants and Rams in this role. Collecting a Super Bowl ring for being the special teams lieutenant in Los Angeles, Stukes was on Sean McVay‘s staff for one year. The team ranks seventh in punt-return yards, though primary return man Montrell Washington has fumbled five times, but last in kick-return yards. The Broncos ranked eighth in opposing kick-return yards but 30th in punt-return yards allowed.
Although Munchak wanted to stay in Denver for a fourth season, Hackett sought Barry for schematic reasons. Shifting back to a zone-blocking scheme, the Broncos hired Barry, who worked with Hackett with the 2020 Packers. Barry, who had been the Bucs’ assistant O-line coach from 2015-18, was in an analyst role during his one season in Green Bay. Munchak, who has family in the Denver area and left the Steelers to join Vic Fangio‘s staff in 2019, did not coach this season.
The team announced Mike Mallory will coach its special teams to close out the season, while Ben Steele will lead the offensive line. Mallory spent the past eight years with the Jaguars — as ST coordinator and assistant ST coach — and Steele was the Vikings’ assistant O-line coach last season. Both were Hackett hires this offseason.
The Broncos have dealt with injuries across their O-line. Garett Bolles was lost for the season in October, and the team’s preferred right tackle options — Billy Turner and Tom Compton — missed much of the season as well. Compton missed almost all of it, returning from an offseason back procedure but only playing in one game. Both Compton and center Lloyd Cushenberry are both out for the season, heading to IR. The team used its last injury activation last week. While Pro Football Focus has viewed second-year guard Quinn Meinerz as an ascending player, slotting him in the top five among guards, it ranks the Broncos’ O-line 16th. Denver ranks 23rd in rushing and has allowed by far the most sacks (57) in the league this season.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/26/22
Here are Monday’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Placed on IR: LS Aaron Brewer
- Claimed (from Steelers): CB Josh Jackson
Indianapolis Colts
- Promoted: LB Segun Olubi
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed from practice squad: S Raheem Layne
- Placed on IR: CB Kemon Hall
- Promoted: RB Larry Rountree
Seattle Seahawks
- Placed on IR: S Joey Blount
- Signed from practice squad: RB Godwin Igwebuike
Brewer, who has been the Cardinals’ long snapper for the past seven seasons, suffered a pectoral injury. Brewer’s contract expires after this season. The Cardinals initially signed Jackson this offseason but waived him weeks later. The Steelers carried Jackson on their practice squad for much of this season. The former second-round pick played in four games with the team.
Panthers Sign CB Josh Norman; Latest On CB Jaycee Horn
5:00pm: To little surprise, a deal has indeed been finalized. The Panthers announced that Norman is officially back in the fold, joining the team’s practice squad for now. An elevation to the 53-man roster in time for Week 17 is expected to take place.
2:42pm: With the Panthers dealing with a significant loss in their secondary, a familiar face could be back in the fold soon. Veteran Josh Norman is set to workout with the team today, and a deal bringing him back in the fold is a distinct possibility (Twitter links via Joe Person of The Athletic). 
The news comes not long after interim head coach Steve Wilks announced that fellow cornerback Jaycee Horn will undergo wrist surgery on Tuesday. A determination will be made after that procedure regarding whether or not the 2021 first-rounder will be able to return at any time this season. It is not expected at this point that he will be able to suit up before 2023.
Horn’s presumed season-ending absence has opened up a spot at the position, and Norman would represent an experienced addition should his visit result in a deal. The 35-year-old began his career as a fifth-rounder of the Panthers in 2012. He enjoyed his best seasons there, including the 2015 campaign which saw him earn Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors after notching four interceptions. He played an instrumental role in the team’s run to the Super Bowl that year.
The Coastal Carolina alum departed for Washington the following offseason, and spent four years there. He tallied seven interceptions and 43 pass deflections during that tenure, demonstrating his continued ability to make plays on the ball into the latter stages of his career. His Washington stint was followed by one-year deals with the Bills and 49ers.
Norman has not played since he made 15 appearances (including 14 starts) with San Francisco last year. While expectations would certainly need to be tempered relative to the last time in played for Carolina, he could step in and play at least a rotational role for the final two weeks of the season – a stretch which carries far more significance at this point than many would have expected given the team’s start to the campaign.
The Panthers sit at 6-9 on the season, putting them just one game behind the Buccaneers for top spot in the NFC South. The two teams will face off against each other on Sunday in a pivotal matchup, one which could include the beginning of Norman’s reunion with his original NFL team.