Saints Make Number Of IR Moves, Claim RB Eno Benjamin
As we enter the final stretch of the regular season, New Orleans is making preparations, designating center Erik McCoy and linebacker Chase Hansen for return off injured reserve, according to Field Yates of ESPN. Both players have sat out of the team’s last four games, the minimum amount required to return form IR. 
McCoy was placed on IR after leaving New Orleans’ Monday night loss to the Ravens in early-November. The team’s fourth-year starting center left the game with a calf injury and sat out the next five weeks, mirroring his absence from the year before due to similar calf issues. Usual starting right guard Cesar Ruiz, who has center experience from his time as a Wolverine, has been filling in for McCoy with backup lineman Calvin Throckmorton filling Ruiz’s spot at guard. Veteran interior lineman Josh Andrews has also helped to fill out the two positions, starting three of the four games McCoy has missed.
Hansen’s return will add a bit of depth at the linebacker position. The third-year player out of Utah had been a mainstay on the special teams units this season before finding his way to IR.
The team also has officially placed veteran running back Mark Ingram on IR following the slight MCL tear suffered in the team’s more recent Monday night loss to the Buccaneers. The injury to the team’s backup running back has forced New Orleans to make some moves, the first of which being the promotion of practice squad running back David Johnson to the 53-man roster.
The second move made to counter the absence of Ingram is today’s waiver claim of former Texans and Cardinals running back Eno Benjamin, confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Benjamin was released by Arizona a few weeks after a three-week starting run that included a 113-yard, touchdown-scoring performance. He quickly was picked up by the Texans who gave him two weeks to adjust to his new settings before playing him sparingly each of the past two weeks. He received his first carries as a Texan last weekend against the Cowboys before getting waived for the second time this season.
Benjamin was starting to show some production as a backup running back in his second year of NFL play, earning 299 yards off 70 carries before getting waived from the Cardinals. Combining Benjamin with Johnson should provide New Orleans with some solid, fresh legs behind starter Alvin Kamara.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/14/22
Here are today’s minor transactions from around the league:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed to active roster: CB Jace Whittaker, TE Maxx Williams
- Placed on IR: QB Kyler Murray (story)
Cleveland Browns
- Signed to active roster: LB Jermaine Carter
Dallas Cowboys
- Placed on IR: T Terence Steele (story)
Denver Broncos
- Designated for return: OLB Randy Gregory, T Billy Turner
- Placed on IR: OLB Jacob Martin
- Signed off Dolphins practice squad: WR Freddie Swain
Green Bay Packers
- Activated of non-football injury list: T Caleb Jones
Houston Texans
- Signed to active roster: QB Jeff Driskel
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed off Dolphins practice squad: CB Kalon Barnes
- Signed to active roster: LB William Kwenkeu
- Placed on IR: T Blake Brandel
New England Patriots
- Designated for return: DT Christian Barmore
New York Giants
- Signed to active roster: DL Ryder Anderson
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Placed on IR: DL Chris Wormley
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed to active roster: CB Anthony Chesley
Tennessee Titans
- Designated for return: LB Zach Cunningham
Cowboys Claim CB Trayvon Mullen
DECEMBER 14: The Cowboys have claimed Mullen off waivers, per Garafolo (Twitter link). Dallas has been dealing with multiple injuries at the position, including the Achilles tear recently suffered by Anthony Brown. That has let the team in search of depth options late in the campaign.
The most recent example of that was the practice squad deal signed by veteran Mackensie Alexander last week. Mullen will likewise get an opportunity play at least a rotational role during Dallas’ closing games of the regular season and, presumably, the playoffs, aiming to rebuild some of his value along the way.
DECEMBER 13: A full-time starter during much of his Raiders run, Trayvon Mullen could not secure a first-string spot with the Cardinals. The team will move on from the fourth-year cornerback, according to NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo (on Twitter).
Arizona sent a conditional draft choice to Las Vegas for Mullen on cutdown day in August. Had Mullen been active for 10 games, the pick would have become a 2023 sixth-rounder. Because the former second-rounder only suited up for eight, the pick will be a seventh.
Still, this represents a disappointing development for both the Cardinals and Mullen. The Clemson product had started 31 games during his three Raiders seasons. Although he played a season-high 42 defensive snaps Monday night, the Cards are still moving on. Mullen only surpassed 30 defensive snaps in one game — the loss to the Patriots.
In limited work, Mullen allowed a career-high 12.1 yards per target and a staggering 156.7 quarterback rating as the closest defender in coverage this season. A Cardinals team that spent much of the offseason in need at corner traded for Mullen just as it was finalizing its initial 53-man roster, but the Raiders’ new regime was planning to cut him. That led to the low-end compensation for a player who was a full-time starter during Jon Gruden‘s time with the Raiders.
The 40th overall pick in 2019, Mullen landed on IR twice last season. Foot trouble led to both stints, and Mullen underwent foot surgery during the spring. He began the Raiders’ training camp on their active/PUP list and did not begin practicing until mid-August. Mullen did not make his Cardinals debut until Week 3 of this season. Arizona has used Marco Wilson and journeyman Antonio Hamilton ahead of Mullen alongside Byron Murphy this season.
Mullen joins Alex Leatherwood and Johnathan Abram as highly drafted players from the Raiders’ Gruden-Mike Mayock era to be waived this year. Both Leatherwood and Abram are still tied to their rookie deals, via waiver claims (two in Abram’s case). Mullen will hit free agency if he is not claimed by Wednesday afternoon.
Cardinals Sign QB David Blough, Place WR Rondale Moore On IR
In need of a new quarterback to fill out the depth chart, the Cardinals have quickly made a move. Arizona has signed David Blough off the Vikings’ practice squad, per a team announcement. 
The 27-year-old has spent most of his career in Detroit, making seven total appearances with the Lions. That time includes five starts in 2019. He was among the team’s final cuts this season, though, with Nate Sudfeld being their preferred option as Jared Goff‘s backup. They hoped to keep Blough on their taxi squad, but he made an intra-divisional move to Minnesota instead.
Now, another NFC deal is on tap, and it will allow him to see time on Arizona’s active roster; the spot opened up with Kyler Murray being placed on IR following his ACL tear suffered on Monday night. Blough will serve as Colt McCoy‘s backup for the remainder of the season, and audition for a 53-man spot with Arizona or another team in the process.
The Cardinals also announced on Wednesday that wideout Rondale Moore has been placed on IR. The move means that his season is over, and marks a disappointing end to his second NFL campaign. The former second-rounder was injured early in Arizona’s Week 11 loss to San Francisco, and finishes with 41 receptions, 414 yards and one touchdown for the year. The Cardinals’ already shorthanded offense will move forward with the likes of A.J. Green, Robbie Anderson and Greg Dortch serving in rotational receiver roles.
In a more positive development, Arizona has designated Will Hernandez for return from IR. The veteran guard started each of the first nine games of the season, his first with the Cardinals. He has been sidelined ever since due to a pectoral injury, and his return to action will be a welcomed sight given the injuries suffered up front by D.J. Humphries, Rodney Hudson and Justin Pugh this year.
If Hernandez is activated within the next three weeks, the Cardinals will be left with two IR activations. The offense he will be returning to, though, will look much different than the one he last saw.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/14/22
Today’s practice squad moves:
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: WR Marquez Stevenson, LB Storey Jackson
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: DT Anthony Rush
- Released: OLB Malik Jefferson
Denver Broncos
- Signed: RB Tyreik McAllister, OLB Wyatt Ray
Houston Texans
- Restored from practice squad injured list: T Jordan Steckler
- Placed on practice squad injured list: WR Jalen Camp
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed: DT Khalil Davis, S Richard LeCounte
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: WR DaeSean Hamilton, CB Ka’dar Hollman
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: DT Sheldon Day
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: OL Josh Andrews
New York Giants
- Signed: WR Jaydon Mickens
- Released: T Roy Mbaeteka
New York Jets
- Signed: OL Eric Smith
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: OLB Hamilcar Rashed
Raiders’ Darren Waller, Hunter Renfrow Return To Practice
Reinforcements are on the way for the Raiders on offense. Vegas has designated both tight end Darren Waller and wide receiver Hunter Renfrow to return from IR (Twitter link via ESPN’s Adam Schefter). 
Waller has been out since mid-October, but it was not until one month after his most recent game played that the Raiders placed him on IR. A lingering hamstring injury has limited the Pro Bowler to just five contests in 2022, putting a significant dent in the team’s potential in the passing game. It also marked an unwanted beginning to his time after signing a three-year, $51MM extension in September.
Negotiations over a new deal dominated the summer, one in which the Raiders finalized a number of big-money contracts. Waller established himself as a preeminent tight end during the 2019 and 2020 campaigns, eclipsing 1,100 yards each year. Injuries limited him to 11 contests in 2021, however, and this season has obviously not gone according to plan. A return to the field, if not to his dominant form, could do wonders for the 30-year-old individually, and the Raiders’ offense as a whole.
Given the fact that Renfrow was placed on IR on the same day as Waller, it comes as little surprise that the pair are returning to practice simultaneously. The slot receiver was shut down while dealing with a myriad of injuries, and has suited up for six total games over the course of the season. His summer also included contract talks, and ended in a $32MM deal which came off the back of his Pro Bowl campaign in 2021. That, coupled with the addition of Davante Adams, led to significant expectations for the Raiders’ pass-catchers.
The team ranks just 12th in the league with an average of 246 passing yards per game, however, a sign of the inconsistency which has helped lead to a disappointing 5-8 record. Part of their middling performance can be attributed, of course, to the absence of Waller and Renfrow. Their return in the near future will help Vegas in their attempt to generate momentum at the end of the season, and leave the team with two IR activations available to be used.
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.
Browns Place LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah On IR
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah‘s season has effectively come to an end. The Browns announced that they have placed the linebacker on injured reserve.
Owusu-Koramoah suffered a foot injury during Cleveland’s loss to Cincinnati on Sunday. With only four games remaining and JOK eyeing at least a four-game absence, his 2022 campaign has come to end.
The former second-round pick started 10 of his 11 appearances this season, collecting 70 tackles and a pair of forced fumbles. This came after a rookie campaign that saw him compile 76 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles en route to PFWA All-Rookie Team honors. Pro Football Focus ranked Owusu-Koramoah 39th among 82 qualifying linebackers this season, but he ranked top-10 at the position in 2021.
As Anthony Poisal of the team’s website points out, Owusu-Koramoah is the Browns fourth linebacker to land on injured reserve after Anthony Walker Jr. (quad), Jacob Phillips (pectoral), and Sione Takitaki (knee). That leaves Tony Fields II, Jordan Kunaszyk, and Reggie Ragland as the team’s lone LBs on the active roster, meaning at least one of practice squad linebackers Jermaine Carter, Tae Davis, Sam Kamara, and/or Storey Jackson will likely earn a promotion.
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