Panthers To Place Sam Darnold On IR
Not long after losing a quarterback competition to Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold suffered a high ankle sprain. He is expected to be out up to six weeks. He will be off the Panthers’ active roster for much of that stretch.
Carolina is placing Darnold on IR, Joe Person of The Athletic tweets. Darnold will be sidelined for the team’s first four games. Following that, he is expected to re-emerge as Mayfield’s primary backup. This move opens up a roster spot for kicker Eddy Pineiro, who agreed to terms with the Panthers on Wednesday.
For now, P.J. Walker will play that role. The Panthers are not planning to pursue an upgrade on their backup of the past two seasons, according to Person (subscription required). While Walker was staring at the prospect of being cut earlier in camp, when the Panthers had Darnold and Matt Corral healthy, injuries have worked in the former XFL 2.0 standout’s favor. Corral underwent surgery to repair his Lisfranc injury this week, per GM Scott Fitterer. The rookie third-rounder is on season-ending IR.
This represents another bad break for Darnold, who suffered a significant shoulder injury last season. That malady prompted the Panthers to reunite with Cam Newton. This year, the team traded a conditional fifth-round pick for Mayfield, who had beaten out Darnold before his latest injury. Darnold, however, remains attached to a higher salary than Carolina’s new starter, who took a pay cut off his fifth-year option salary to facilitate a trade from Cleveland.
Darnold, 25, will go through a fifth straight season missing at least three games. He will be down at least four this year — in terms of suiting up; he may not participate in other games — but the ex-Jets starter also battled shoulder trouble in 2020, contracted mononucleosis in 2019 and suffered a foot sprain as a rookie. The former USC star entered this season having missed 10 career games.
Broncos To Sign CB Darius Phillips
Although the Broncos’ top three cornerbacks are healthy, the player expected to be their primary backup (Michael Ojemudia) is on IR after an elbow dislocation. The team brought in a reinforcement Thursday.
Denver is adding veteran Darius Phillips, Mike Klis of 9News tweets. This is an active-roster addition, and Klis adds the team is making room on its 53-man unit by waiving cornerback Essang Bassey.
A former Bengals fifth-round pick, Phillips spent training camp with the Raiders after a March signing. Las Vegas, which removed a corner from its equation by trading Trayvon Mullen on Tuesday, did not see enough from Phillips to retain him. But the fifth-year defender did work as a part-time starter for the Bengals two years ago and saw extensive action as the team’s punt returner last season.
Phillips, 27, logged 593 defensive snaps in 2020 and graded as a top-20 cornerback (per Pro Football Focus). That lofty spot does not match the 5-foot-10 cover man’s profile, and rather than giving Phillips more run as a starter last season, the Bengals signed Chidobe Awuzie, Mike Hilton and Eli Apple. Phillips also intercepted four passes in 2019, despite playing just 109 defensive snaps (mostly working as a backup).
The Broncos are set to use Patrick Surtain II, Ronald Darby and slot K’Waun Williams as their top three corners, but Ojemudia is out for at least four games. This will be the second straight year Ojemudia — a 2020 third-round pick — has started a season on IR. He missed most of last season due to a hamstring injury. Ojemudia’s injury left Denver vulnerable on the outside, and Klis adds the expectation will be Phillips fills that void (Twitter link).
The team used a fourth-round pick on a corner Damarri Mathis this year. He and Phillips are currently the only backups at the position on the Broncos’ 53-man roster.
Titans To Sign WR Josh Gordon To Practice Squad
Josh Gordon‘s Titans visit will move him out of free agency. The veteran wide receiver will land on Tennessee’s practice squad, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.
This will be Gordon’s fifth team. After being with the Chiefs last season and throughout this offseason, Gordon did not make Kansas City’s 53-man roster Tuesday. Despite being well off the pace he set early in his Browns days, the 31-year-old wideout did not fade from the NFL radar.
The Titans have more questions at wide receiver this year compared to during A.J. Brown‘s tenure, having made a post-ACL tear Robert Woods and raw first-rounder Treylon Burks their top pieces at the position this year. The team has a few lesser-known options ready to contribute, and Gordon will attempt to join that group at some point.
Tennessee will be Gordon’s fifth NFL employer. He has moved from the Browns to the Patriots to the Seahawks to his Chiefs deal over the past four years, with an early-season trade out of Cleveland beginning this journey.
Gordon’s historic stretch of suspensions sidetracked a promising career, with the Browns finally ending their lengthy partnership with the mercurial talent in September 2018. But Gordon could not finish seasons with the Patriots or Seahawks in 2018 or ’19, seeing off-field issues intervening. No such trouble followed him to Kansas City, but his production with the Chiefs left much to be desired. He caught five passes for the Chiefs in 2021 and did not suit up for any of K.C.’s playoff games.
Best known for the brigade of bans that came his way for substance-abuse issues, Gordon has shown elite talent at points during his career. The most notable instance came in 2013, when the supplemental draftee — despite a Cleveland QB situation that had Brandon Weeden starting many games that season — earned first-team All-Pro acclaim for a 1,646-yard performance. Gordon began that season on a two-game suspension, limiting him to 14 contests. His 117.6 receiving yards per game from that year remain the third-best mark in a season over the past 60 years — behind only Wes Chandler‘s 1982 strike-season mark (129.0, in nine games) and Calvin Johnson‘s record-setting 2012 slate (122.8).
Gordon, however, was suspended 10 games in 2014, effectively killing that momentum. By the time he resurfaced late in the 2017 season, that form was gone. Gordon did, however, contribute to the 2018 Patriots’ Super Bowl-winning team (40 catches, 720 yards, three TDs). Though, he was not with the Pats as they finished that season, with more off-field issues intervening. Gordon showed flashes as a Seahawk in 2019 but did not play in 2020, with yet another suspension keeping him away. The version the Chiefs received last year could not carve out a role. The veteran pass catcher will try and bounce back in Nashville.
Browns Add Josh Rosen To Practice Squad
The Browns made multiple roster moves at quarterback this week, the most notable being the waiver claim of 2021 third-round pick Kellen Mond. Temporarily off Cleveland’s roster, Josh Rosen is still in the team’s plans.
After not being on the Browns’ 53-man roster Tuesday, the former top-10 pick is back with the team on a practice squad deal. Rosen, who signed with the Browns just before training camp, will be in position as the franchise’s de facto QB4 — behind Jacoby Brissett, Joshua Dobbs and Mond. Deshaun Watson‘s 11-game suspension began Tuesday.
For the time being, the carousel that has sent Rosen to six teams since the 2019 draft is stopping. But the UCLA product’s career has obviously not unfolded as most expected. Rosen spent one season with the Cardinals, was traded to the Dolphins a day after Arizona’s Kyler Murray pick and has since been with the Buccaneers, 49ers and Falcons.
Rosen, 25, has only thrown 11 regular-season passes since the Dolphins cut bait after the 2019 season, all coming for last season’s Falcons squad. The Browns also added defensive lineman Isaac Rochell to their taxi squad Thursday.
Despite Kevin Stefanski returning for his third season, the Browns’ four quarterbacks are all new. The team dealt the farm for Watson in March and made the Case Keenum-for-Brissett switch soon after. Dobbs signed with the team in April. The former Steelers backup beat out Rosen for the third-string job during the preseason. The Vikings bailed on Mond after just one season, and although they were planning to keep developing him via a spot on their 16-man practice squad, the Browns’ claim nixed those plans.
Commanders Place RB Brian Robinson On Reserve/NFI List
The Commanders’ 53-man roster included Brian Robinson on Tuesday, but the rookie running back is now off the squad. The team moved the third-round pick to its reserve/NFI list Thursday, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.
Robinson had put together a strong preseason, but he suffered two gunshot wounds in a robbery attempt Sunday. The injuries were non-life-threatening, and Robinson has already undergone surgery. Ron Rivera opened the door to the Alabama product playing this season, and this roster move will give Robinson time to recover as he attempts to do so.
This roster designation will keep Robinson out until at least Week 5. While it would be surprising if a player who was shot twice in late August was ready to return to football in early October, Rapoport adds the scenario is not completely off the table. That said, no timeline is in place for Robinson just yet.
Washington drafted Robinson 98th overall, and despite rostering Antonio Gibson, the team was coming around to the prospect of the rookie as its starter. Sunday’s scary scene changes those plans. The Commanders have Gibson, veteran J.D. McKissic and journeyman Jonathan Williams on their 53-man roster at running back.
Bills To Sign P Sam Martin
Sam Martin didn’t spend much time on the open market. The veteran punter is signing with the Bills, reports NFL Network’s Peter Schrager (on Twitter). His college Tom Pelissero adds that it is a one-year deal. 
The move comes just hours after ESPN’s Field Yates reported that Martin visited Buffalo (Twitter link). That comes as little surprise, given the team’s need at the position. Indeed, Mike Klis of 9News indicated (via Twitter) that, assuming his physical went well, a contract would be inevitable.
Martin, 32, was released by the Broncos on Monday. That ended his two-year tenure in the Mile High City, where his punting average (46.4) slightly outperformed that of his time with the Lions. While he was only mid-pack statically speaking last season, it was reported that the decision to move on from him was financially driven. Denver will replace Martin with Corliss Waitman.
The Bills have been in need of a punter since they waived Matt Araiza. The sixth-round rookie was named in a lawsuit alleging he was involved in a gang rape at San Diego State; the team parted ways with him shortly thereafter. That left Buffalo without a punter, and they worked out a number of options to potentially serve as replacements.
Martin was one of a pair of notable veterans to be let go recently in favor of younger, less expensive options. The Titans released Brett Kern on Monday, leaving him as arguably the top option on the market. His personal ties to the Buffalo area made Kern a favorite to land with the Bills, but their special teams should nevertheless be much less of a concern now with Martin in the fold.
S Tony Jefferson To Join Giants’ Practice Squad
Tony Jefferson was a notable name amongst the Ravens’ final roster cuts, but the belief was that he would return to the team’s practice squad. The veteran safety is indeed joining a taxi squad, but not in Baltimore. 
Jefferson is signing with the Giants, per The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec and Fox Sports’ Ralph Vacchiano (Twitter links). That represents a surprise given where things stood two days ago, though New York is a logical landing spot. With the Giants, Jefferson will be reunited with defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, who held the same post during their shared time in Baltimore.
Jefferson has significant starting experience dating back to his time with the Cardinals to start his career. That led him to the Ravens in free agency, where he partnered with Eric Weddle until his midseason 2019 knee injury. That opened up a starting spot for Chuck Clark, who has remained a first-teamer ever since. He, along with free agent addition Marcus Williams and first-round rookie Kyle Hamilton will serve as the Ravens’ top safeties.
Jefferson will likely face less of a logjam in the Big Apple. New York has Xavier McKinney and Julian Love at the top of the depth chart, but a lack of experience behind them. 2021 fifth-rounder Jason Pinnock and fourth-round rookie Dane Belton are currently projected as backups, so Jefferson could take on at least a rotational role on the team’s backend.
If he has fully recovered from the four surgeries required by his knee injury, Jefferson could find a spot under Martindale, as the Giants look to take a step forward in 2022.
Wednesday NFL Transactions: AFC East
Following the 53-man roster cutdown deadline Tuesday, many teams will make slight tweaks to their rosters. In addition to waiver claims, teams can begin constructing their 16-man practice squads today. These Bills, Dolphins, Jets and Patriots moves are noted below.
Here are Wednesday’s AFC East transactions, which will continue to be updated throughout the day.
Buffalo Bills
Placed on IR:
Signed to practice squad:
- OL Alec Anderson, WR Tavon Austin, QB Matt Barkley, RB Raheem Blackshear, DT C.J. Brewer, DT Brandin Bryant, WR Tanner Gentry, LB Joe Giles-Harris, WR Isaiah Hodgins, DB Ja’Marcus Ingram, RB Duke Johnson, DE Mike Love, OL Greg Mancz, OT Ryan Van Denmark
Miami Dolphins
Signed to practice squad:
New England Patriots
Signed to practice squad:
- C/G James Ferentz, S Brad Hawkins, RB Kevin Harris, WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey, LB Harvey Langi, LB Cameron McGrone, CB Terrance Mitchell, G Bill Murray, WR Tre Nixon, DT Jeremiah Pharms, DT LaBryan Ray, C Kody Russey, TE Matt Sokol, DT Ben Stille, RB J.J. Taylor, TE Jalen Wydermyer
New York Jets
Signed to practice squad:
- DL Bradlee Anae, WR Tarik Black, WR Irvin Charles, T Chris Glaser, T Grant Hermanns, WR Calvin Jackson Jr., CB Craig James, DT Jonathan Marshall, LB Hamsah Nasirildeen, S Will Parks, DT Tanzel Smart, QB Chris Streveler, LB Chazz Surratt, LB DQ Thomas, TE Kenny Yeboah
Wednesday NFL Transactions: NFC South
Following the 53-man roster cutdown deadline Tuesday, many teams will make slight tweaks to their rosters. In addition to waiver claims, teams can begin constructing their 16-man practice squads today. These Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers and Saints moves are noted below.
Here are Wednesday’s NFC South transactions, which will continue to be updated throughout the day.
Atlanta Falcons
Claimed:
- DT Matt Dickerson (from Chiefs), T Chuma Edoga (from Jets; story)
Released:
- CB Mike Ford, S Dean Marlowe
Signed to practice squad:
- WR Josh Ali, WR Cameron Batson, RB Caleb Huntley, TE MyCole Pruitt, S Teez Tabor, OL Tyler Vrabel
Carolina Panthers
Signed to practice squad:
- TE Josh Babicz, OL Deonte Brown, S Juston Burris, QB Jacob Eason, CB Madre Harper, CB Tae Hayes, WR Ra’Shaun Henry, DE Drew Jordan, RB John Lovett, LB Arron Mosby, S Kenny Robinson, C Sam Tecklenburg, TE Colin Thompson, WR Derek Wright
New Orleans Saints
Claimed:
- T Tanner Owen (from Bills)
Released:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Signed to practice squad:
- CB Don Gardner, WR Kaylon Geiger, QB Ryan Griffin, DL Willington Previlon
Wednesday NFL Transactions: AFC South
Following the 53-man roster cutdown deadline Tuesday, many teams will make slight tweaks to their rosters. In addition to waiver claims, teams can begin constructing their 16-man practice squads today. These Colts, Jaguars, Texans and Titans moves are noted below.
Here are Wednesday’s AFC South transactions, which will continue to be updated throughout the day.
Houston Texans
Claimed:
- WR Tyler Johnson (from Buccaneers; story)
Released:
Placed on IR:
- TE Teagan Quitoriano, CB Tavierre Thomas
Signed to practice squad:
- TE Jordan Akins, DB Grayland Arnold, WR Jalen Camp, QB Jeff Driskel, WR Drew Estrada, DB Jacobi Francis, DL Demone Harris, WR Johnny Johnson III, RB Marlon Mack (story), DB Tristin McCollum, OL Jimmy Morrissey, DL Adedayo Odeleye, OL Cedric Ogbuehi, LB Kevin Pierre-Louis, TE Mason Schreck, OL Jordan Steckler
Indianapolis Colts
Signed:
- OT Dennis Kelly
Claimed:
- OL Luke Tenuta
Waived:
- CB Tony Brown
Placed on IR:
Signed to practice squad:
- DT Curtis Brooks, CB Tony Brown, DE Kameron Cline, WR Keke Coutee, S Marcel Dabo, WR Ethan Fernea, TE Nikola Kalinic, T Jordan Murray, RB D’Vonte Price, CB Will Redmond, LB Forrest Rhyne, TE Jared Scott, CB Chris Wilcox, DT Chris Williams
Jacksonville Jaguars
Claimed:
- DB Tyree Gillespie (from Titans), RB JaMycal Hasty (from 49ers), K Riley Patterson (from Lions), WR Kendric Pryor (from Bengals), LB Ty Summers (from Packers) (story)
Released:
Signed to practice squad:
- QB E.J. Perry
Tennessee Titans
Signed:
Placed on IR:
- WR Racey McMath
Signed to practice squad:
- OLB David Anenih, RB Trenton Cannon, WR Dez Fitzpatrick, DB Chris Jackson, DB Theo Jackson, LB Joe Jones, WR Mason Kinsey, DL Larrell Murchison, OL Xavier Newman, TE Thomas Odukoya (international player), DL Sam Okuayinonu, DL Jayden Peevy, WR Reggie Roberson, OL Jordan Roos, OL Andrew Rupcich, TE David Wells, QB Logan Woodside