Eagles To Sign P Brett Kern; P Arryn Siposs Expected To Miss Time
Brett Kern will have an opportunity to begin his 15th NFL season soon. After a Monday workout, the Eagles are signing the veteran punter, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.
The Eagles had a need at punter, with Arryn Siposs out indefinitely (via Tom Pelissero of NFL.com, on Twitter) due to a lower-leg injury sustained when the Giants blocked a first-half punt. Week 15 stands to be Siposs’ first missed NFL game.
Kern, 36, has punted in 219 NFL contests; though, none have come since last season. The former Titans and Broncos specialist has not been with a team since the Titans released him on roster cutdown day. Tennessee had kept Kern in place as its punter since 2009, but the team shifted to a younger player (Ryan Stonehouse) out of training camp this year.
Three Pro Bowl nods — form 2017-19 — appear on Kern’s resume. He will follow thirtysomethings Ndamukong Suh and Linval Joseph in joining the 12-1 Eagles in-season. Kern finished with his lowest per-punt average since 2016 last season, at 44.8. Siposs is averaging 45.6 per boot in his second Eagles season. Should this Kern move be an active-roster addition, it should be expected Siposs will land on IR.
The Eagles added Siposs as a UDFA last year. Despite Siposs being only in his second season, he recently turned 30. The Australian ventured to Auburn in 2017, transitioning from a career in Australian Rules Football. The Eagles gave him a reserve/futures deal in January 2021. It remains to be seen if Siposs will miss the rest of this season, as it is not known exactly what injury he sustained. But Siposs being carted off did not represent a good visual for the Eagles, who will pick up the pieces with Kern.
Cowboys Sign WR T.Y Hilton
The Cowboys have long been connected to one free agent wideout, but they have reached agreement with a different one. Dallas is set to sign T.Y. Hilton, reports NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter). The club has confirmed the move. 
The 33-year-old had a workout earlier today, and it has produced a one-year deal, per a team announcement. The move will provide the Cowboys with an experienced pass-catcher on, presumably, a low-cost pact which will leave them with financial flexibility for any further signings.
Hilton had spent his entire 10-year career with the Colts, where he established himself as one of the top receivers in franchise history. His tenure there included four consecutive Pro Bowls between 2014 and 2017. The former third-rounder led the NFL in receiving yards in 2016, remaining a consistent deep threat for most of the years following that campaign. Injuries began to take a toll in recent years, however.
As a result, it became increasingly unlikely over the course of this past offseason that a new deal would come to fruition keeping him in Indianapolis. Hilton nearly signed with the Ravens as a free agent in 2021, but returned to the Colts on a one-year deal. Now, he will head to a playoff-bound Cowboys team which has faced plenty of questions at the WR position.
The trade sending Amari Cooper to the Browns left CeeDee Lamb as the team’s undisputed No. 1 receiver. Michael Gallup missed time at the start of the season due to his recovery from an ACL tear, though, and free agent signing James Washington was just activated from IR. Hilton will likely be able to occupy a complimentary role as Dallas looks to find greater consistency in the passing game down the stretch.
Of course, this deal comes within the context of the Cowboys’ long and public pursuit of Odell Beckham Jr. The free agent was considered a near-lock to be joining Dallas not long ago, but concerns over his health have led to a markedly different expectation for what he would be able to contribute for any team he joins in 2022. At this point, no deal is considered imminent on the Beckham front – something which no doubt influenced this pivot to Hilton.
Hilton’s first action as a Cowboy could come as soon as this Sunday when Dallas visits Jacksonville. A strong showing with his new team could spark a postseason run, and help build his free agent value heading into the offseason.
Commanders Activate Carson Wentz From IR
Nearing the end of his activation window, Carson Wentz has officially been brought back into the fold. The Commanders announced on Monday that the veteran quarterback has been activated from IR. 
Washington had until Wednesday to do so, or else Wentz would have been ineligible to return this season. The news comes as little surprise given the timing of the Commanders’ decision to designate him for return, but will do little with respect to the team’s pecking order under center. Wentz will dress as the backup to Taylor Heinicke on Sunday against the Giants.
That falls in line with what head coach Ron Rivera indicated while Wentz was on IR due to a fractured finger. Heinicke has started each game for the Commanders since Week 7, a stretch in which the team has gone 5-1-1. The former UDFA has played at a similar level to last season, when he started 15 contests and drove Washington’s pursuit of an upgrade at the position during the offseason.
That resulted in Wentz being traded for the second consecutive year, and renewed optimism from some that another change of scenery could allow him to resurrect his career. Instead, the 29-year-old put up largely underwhelming numbers in his six starts before suffering the injury. The former No. 2 overall pick has two years remaining on his contract, which the Commanders acquired in full as a result of their swap with the Colts. That deal will, in all likelihood, see Indianapolis receive a third-round pick in 2023 – rather than a second-rounder – given the time Wentz has missed with respect to the snap condition attached to the selection.
In a corresponding move, the Commanders have placed center Tyler Larsen on IR. During the team’s first game against the Giants, he was carted off the field with a dislocated kneecap. That led to an expectation of a prolonged, if not season-ending, absence, so an IR stint is not surprising. Larsen will miss at least the next four weeks now, as the Commanders will search for another Chase Roullier replacement in the middle of their offensive line.
Seahawks RBs Kenneth Walker, DeeJay Dallas Game-Time Decisions
DECEMBER 11: Walker is not expected to play against the Panthers, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com (via Twitter). The Seahawks hope to have him back in action for their upcoming Thursday night matchup with the 49ers.
DECEMBER 10, 3:05pm: Walker and Dallas have both been upgraded to questionable for tomorrow’s game, increasing the likelihood that they make an appearance against the Panthers, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The two still have not practiced all week, so it will be intriguing to see if they are still game-time decisions tomorrow and how much they will play, if at all.
The team also announced that it will be elevating practice squad running back Godwin Igwebuike, who converted to running back last year for the Lions after a couple years as an NFL safety. In 17 games with the Lions last season, Igwebuike ran the ball 18 times for 118 yards and a touchdown, adding seven catches for 60 yards. He also returned kickoffs for the Lions, which may indicate that he is taking an injured Dallas’s spot on the kickoff return team.
Seattle will use its second standard gameday elevation on practice squad receiver Laquon Treadwell.
DECEMBER 10, 2:04pm: Initially listed as questionable after injuries in last weekend’s win over the Rams, Seahawks running backs Kenneth Walker and DeeJay Dallas have both been downgraded to doubtful leading into the team’s matchup against the Panthers this Sunday, according to ESPN’s Brady Henderson. Both Walker and Dallas will be game-time decisions to play this weekend. 
Seattle was closing in on panic mode as Walker, Dallas, and fourth-stringer Tony Jones all left the game with injuries. With primary backup running back Travis Homer already declared out for last week’s game, the Seahawks were in trouble when Walker and Dallas exited the game. When Jones sustained a hard hit and made his way to the injury tent, Dallas was asked to return to play despite being listed as doubtful to return.
Walker and Dallas are both technically possible actives for tomorrow, but neither has participated in practice at all this week. This may present Homer with his fist starting opportunity since his rookie season. A former sixth-round draft pick out of Miami, Homer has mostly served as a reserve back in a deep position room. Behind the team’s usual top running backs duo, Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny, Homer was granted few opportunities to run the ball or show his prowess catching passes out of the backfield during his first three seasons.
Homer has held onto a roster spot much the same way as his former Hurricanes teammate, Dallas: stellar special teams play. While Dallas’s special teams impact has come as a returner. Homer tends to play on all of the kickoff, punt, and return units. He’s racked up a good amount of special teams tackles with aggressive play and even forced some turnovers. In fact, his lone rushing touchdown in the NFL could be attributed to his special teams play as he scored on a 73-yard rush during a fake punt. He has another special teams touchdown from an onside kick recovery that saw him recover the attempt and speed past would be tacklers as they looked for a ball that was on its way to the endzone.
Homer’s first start three seasons ago came in a Week 17 game that saw injuries force his way up the depth chart. The team signed then-retired running back Marshawn Lynch to back him up, welcoming Lynch back after four years away from the team. In his lone regular-season start, Homer rushed for 62 yards on 10 carries and caught all five of his targets for 30 more yards. He also started the Seahawks’ first-round playoff game before Lynch got the start in the second round.
If Walker and Dallas are unable to go, Jones will likely serve as Homer’s backup. Recent practice squad addition, Wayne Gallman, is also reportedly ready to play if Seattle needs him. Whoever is taking handoffs, Seattle may need a big game from them against a Panthers defense that has been more vulnerable to the run than the pass this year. A big game from Homer and company may be needed to keep the Seahawks from going 0-4 against the NFC South this season.
Steelers Activate K Chris Boswell From IR
The Steelers once again have all three of their specialists available as their push for a playoff spot continues. Per a team announcement, kicker Chris Boswell has been activated from IR. 
The 31-year-old last played in Week 7, and has been on IR for one month due to a groin injury. That move guaranteed that he would miss at least four weeks, but Pittsburgh designated him for return on Thursday. That opened his 21-day window to be activated, and signaled that he would be ready to suit up in Week 14 during Sunday’s divisional showdown with the Ravens.
Boswell had been available for every game last season, one in which he reached the 90% plateau in his field goal percentage for the fifth time in his career. In the offseason, that made it little surprise when he signed a four-year extension. The $5MM AAV of that pact (briefly) tied him with Baltimore’s Justin Tucker as the league’s highest-paid kicker. Overall, Boswell’s career FG percentage sits at 87.4%, though his 2022 performance has not yet reached that standard.
The one-time Pro Bowler has converted 12 of 16 field goals so far, a 75% success rate which would rank as the second-lowest in his career if it were to continue. On the other hand, Boswell has been perfect on extra points this year, and made five of his six attempts beyond 50 yards. Recent improvements on offense under rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett could lead to an increase in opportunities in the kicking game.
In a corresponding transaction, the Steelers released Matthew Wright, who had filled in for Boswell over the course of the past four games. During that span, he converted 12 of 14 field goal attempts, also going a perfect seven-for-seven on extra points. That helped the team win three of their past four games, but their No. 1 option at the position will now take over for the stretch run.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/10/22
Here are the minor moves around the league in advance of the Week 14 slate of games:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed off Titans’ practice squad: QB Logan Woodside
Baltimore Ravens
- Elevated: QB Anthony Brown, S Ar’Darius Washington
Buffalo Bills
- Elevated: WR John Brown
Carolina Panthers
- Activated from NFI list: DL Henry Anderson
- Waived: CB Tae Hayes
Cleveland Browns
- Elevated: S Mike Brown, LB Tae Davis
Dallas Cowboys
- Elevated: T Aviante Collins
- Placed on IR: CB Anthony Brown (story)
Denver Broncos
- Signed to active roster: T Quinn Bailey
- Elevated: G Netane Muti, LB Harvey Langi
Detroit Lions
- Signed to active roster: OL Ross Pierschbacher
- Elevated: LB Jarrad Davis, CB Jarren Williams
- Placed on IR: CB Chase Lucas
Houston Texans
- Elevated: WR Jalen Camp, QB Jeff Driskel
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Activated from IR: OLB K’Lavon Chaisson
- Elevated: LB Ty Summers
Kansas City Chiefs
- Elevated: WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed to active roster: C Hroniss Grasu
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed to active roster: CB Kemon Hall
- Elevated: DL Christopher Hinton, S Raheem Layne
- Placed on IR: TE Richard Rodgers
Miami Dolphins
- Elevated: WR Freddie Swain
Minnesota Vikings
- Elevated: S Myles Dorn, CB Tay Gowan
New York Giants
- Elevated: DT Ryder Anderson, CB Zyon Gilbert
New York Jets
- Elevated: LB Marcell Harris
Philadelphia Eagles
- Elevated: LB Christian Elliss
San Francisco 49ers
- Elevated: RB Tevin Coleman, S Dontae Johnson
Seattle Seahawks
- Activated from PUP list: LB Jon Rhattigan
- Elevated: RB Godwin Igwebuike, WR Laquon Treadwell
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Activated from IR: LB K.J. Britt
- Elevated: WR Deven Thompkins, S Nolan Turner
Tennessee Titans
- Signed to active roster: WR Chris Conley, LB Jack Gibbens, CB Greg Mabin
- Activated from IR: WR Racey McMath, CB Josh Thompson
- Elevated: RB Julius Chestnut, CB Davontae Harris
- Placed on IR: LB David Long
- Released: DL Larrell Murchison, OL Jordan Roos
Vikings Activate CB Cameron Dantzler, Place DL Jonathan Bullard On IR
DECEMBER 10: To no surprise, Dantzler has indeed been activated, per a team announcement. That comes as welcomed news for the Vikings, given the injuries suffered at the position by rookies Akayleb Evans and Andrew Booth during his absence. Dantzler should immediately return to a starting role.
In a corresponding move, Minnesota has placed Jonathan Bullard on IR. The veteran d-lineman suffered a biceps injury last Sunday against the Jets, a game which marked the first in five weeks which he did not start. There was initial optimism that his injury would not be serious, but further testing has led to what will be at least a four-week absence.
DECEMBER 7: Kevin O’Connell expressed hope Cameron Dantzler would be ready to return from IR when first eligible. The Vikings took a step toward that happening Wednesday, designating the starting cornerback for return.
Minnesota designated both Dantzler and running back Ty Chandler for return. Each player has 21 days to be activated or miss the rest of the season. While IR math might come into play regarding Chandler, the Vikings are expecting Dantzler to be activated immediately.
A 2020 third-round pick, Dantzler has been the team’s regular boundary starter opposite Patrick Peterson this season. The Mike Zimmer-era draftee has started all eight games he has played during his third NFL slate. A part-time starter last year, Dantzler was a reliable cog for DC Ed Donatell before going down with a high ankle sprain.
Pro Football Focus rates Dantzler just outside the top 40 at corner this season. The Mississippi State alum held off second-round rookie Andrew Booth for the starting role opposite Peterson; Booth did not see much time before undergoing knee surgery last week. The Clemson product being out for the season as a result of the operation places more importance on Dantzler’s status, but the Vikings appear close to redeploying their Peterson-Dantzler duo. Dantzler has 25 starts on his resume.
Minnesota’s Ben Ellefson activation last week leaves five such moves remaining. Dantzler will undoubtedly cut into this total, though it would not surprise to see the Vikings slow-play it with Chandler to determine how their injury situation unfolds. The Vikes placed the rookie fifth-rounder on IR back in October due to a broken thumb. Playing behind Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison, Chandler saw action in only two games before hitting IR and has not played an offensive snap as a pro yet.
Eagles Activate CB Avonte Maddox From IR
The Eagles’ secondary will be back to full strength tomorrow in time for a divisional clash with the Giants. Philadelphia announced on Saturday that slot corner Avonte Maddox has been activated from IR. 
The 26-year-old was expected to be back soon, given the team’s decision to designate him for return earlier this week. He exited the Eagles’ Week 9 victory with an ankle injury, and has been out since then. That marked a significant blow to Philadelphia’s personnel, if not their performance, on the backend of their defense. 2020 fourth-rounder Josiah Scott had been filling in as a starter in the nickel.
Maddox made 27 tackles in his first six contests in 2022, adding one interception and three pass deflections. That represented an encouraging start to his first season after inking a three-year deal to remain in Philadelphia, but the injury interrupted his campaign. Despite the injury, the NFC-leading Eagles have been able to maintain one of the league’s elite defenses. Philadelphia leads the NFL with 15 interceptions, and ranks second with an average of 179 yards allowed per game though the air.
Maddox will once again line up with Darius Slay and James Bradberry operating on the perimeter. That, coupled with safeties C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Marcus Epps, will give the Eagles one of the most formidable secondaries in the NFL during the closing weeks of the regular season and into the playoffs. That could become especially important given the loss of edge rusher Robert Quinn for an extended stretch after the trade acquisition was placed on IR.
This move will leave the Eagles with three activations on the campaign, one of which will likely be reserved for Quinn. A healthy defense will no doubt go a long way to determining whether or not Philadelphia will be able to translate one of the league’s most talented roster into another Super Bowl title.
Ravens Activate RB J.K. Dobbins, S Marcus Williams
Keeping in line with their stated intention, the Ravens have returned two key players to the active roster in advance of tomorrow’s game against the Steelers. Running back J.K. Dobbins and safety Marcus Williams have been activated from IR, per a team announcement. 
Baltimore had pegged Week 14 as the goal for both players to return, so the news comes as little surprise. Dobbins’ activation was foreshadowed yesterday when veteran Mike Davis was waived. The former missed all of 2021 due to a knee injury, and his recovery lasted into the fall of this season. He made his 2022 debut in Week 3, but things did not go according to plan,
Dobbins played in three consecutive games following his return, but logged a snap share of 50% just once in that time. That led to another knee procedure in October, one which invited speculation that the Ohio State alum had suffered a new injury. Instead, the latest operation was aimed at accelerating Dobbins’ return to full health, something which would be a welcomed sight for the Ravens.
Baltimore ranks third in the league with an average of 158 rushing yards per game, but much of that production has come from quarterback Lamar Jackson. With the 2019 MVP expected to miss at least Sunday’s contest, the Ravens will no doubt look to lean heavily on their tailbacks. Dobbins’ return will allow he and backup Gus Edwards to play in the same game for the first time since the 2020 postseason.
Williams should immediately re-take his starting role upon returning on Sunday. The big-ticket free agent signing had a productive start to his Ravens career, notching three interceptions in his first five games. The former Saint will have a chance to eclipse his career-high in that regard (four) if he can stay healthy for the remainder of the campaign. Geno Stone will likely cede first-team duties with Williams back in the fold.
The Ravens have been strong in certain defensive aspects this season, but their pass defense has been lacking during parts of the campaign. Overall, they sit 25th in the league with an average of 248 yards per game allowed, a figure which could be improved upon with Williams available once again. To make room for his return, the Ravens have placed veteran cornerback and special teamer Daryl Worley on IR, as noted (on Twitter) by ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.
Baltimore will have two IR activations remaining as they head into the stretch run of the regular season. Dobbins and Williams should each have a significant role for the team as they attempt to maintain their lead in the AFC North.
Ravens Waive RB Mike Davis
Mike Davis‘ short stint with the Ravens has come to an end. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports (via Twitter) that Baltimore is waiving the veteran RB. Earlier today, Davis seemed to hint on Twitter that this move was coming.
The journeyman RB joined the Ravens this past offseason. Despite a number of injuries in Baltimore’s backfield, Davis didn’t see a significant role during his time with the organization. He ultimately got into eight games, collecting 22 yards from scrimmage on 10 carries. The 29-year-old garnered only four offensive snaps since the start of November.
While Davis didn’t do much in Baltimore, there’s still a chance another squad gives him an opportunity. The RB is only two years removed from a 2020 campaign where he topped 1,000 yards from scrimmage and scored eight touchdowns for the Panthers. Davis has also developed into a capable pass-catcher in recent years; after hauling in 66 receptions through his first five seasons in the NFL, Davis had 103 receptions in 32 games with Carolina and Atlanta between 2020 and 2021.
Today’s move is expected to pave the way for the activation of running back J.K. Dobbins from injured reserve. After missing the entire 2021 season with a torn ACL, Dobbins has been limited to only four games this year while dealing with knee issues. The Ravens have had to lean on Kenyan Drake as a starter this year, but the RB room will be a bit more crowded with Dobbins and Gus Edwards healthy. The Ravens are also rostering RB Justice Hill.