Broncos Activate Justin Simmons, Greg Dulcich, Michael Ojemudia From IR
OCTOBER 17: Denver has now taken the lead in injury activations this season. The Broncos moved their number of available injured-list activations from eight to five Monday, moving Simmons, Dulcich and Ojemudia onto their 53-man roster. Simmons, in particular, stands to provide the biggest boost. The Broncos have used him as a safety starter for six seasons now and have him signed to a top-five contract at the position. Denver will also be without second-year safety Caden Sterns in Los Angeles.
Dulcich’s return will make Week 1 starter Albert Okwuegbunam a healthy scratch. The third-year tight end has not developed as a blocker in the way the Broncos have hoped, Troy Renck of Denver7 tweets, and has seen lower-level investments cut into his playing time. He has seven catches for 50 yards this season and has played just 16 snaps over the past two games.
OCTOBER 11: The Broncos have not used one of their injured reserve activations yet; that will likely change soon. The injury-plagued team will have three performers return to practice this week.
Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons, third-round rookie tight end Greg Dulcich and third-year cornerback Michael Ojemudia will be designated for return ahead of Week 6, Nathaniel Hackett said Tuesday. Being back at practice Tuesday, as all three players were, starts each’s 21-day activation clock. For a Broncos team that lost two more starters to season-ending injuries recently (left tackle Garett Bolles and cornerback Ronald Darby), these additions should help its cause.
Simmons went down with a thigh injury during the Broncos’ season opener. Because four weeks have passed, he is eligible to return. Denver having its longest-tenured starter back when first eligible should be a boon for a defense that has continued to operate like one of the league’s best in the seven-year veteran’s absence.
[RELATED: How Damaging Has Broncos’ Start Been?]
This season marked Simmons’ first extended absence. Denver’s Seattle tilt represented his 66th straight start. The former third-round pick, who signed a $15.25MM-per-year extension after receiving his second franchise tag in 2o21, is in the second year of his once-safety-record contract. Simmons, 28, has intercepted 14 passes since 2019. His replacement, Caden Sterns, intercepted two against the Colts in Week 5; those picks were not enough to prevent a wildly panned Broncos overtime loss to the Colts.
Denver has used all four of its active-roster tight ends this season, incorporating each into offensive sets as the team transitions to Hackett’s attack. But Dulcich has been viewed as a possible starter. The Broncos used their second 2022 draft choice on the UCLA product, selecting him in Round 3. But a hamstring injury led to an IR trip to start the season.
Ojemudia, a 2020 third-round pick, was vying to be the Broncos’ top backup cornerback in training camp. After he missed most of 2021 with a hamstring malady, the John Elway-era draft choice suffered a dislocated elbow during a preseason game. The Iowa alum has not proven much as a pro yet, but Darby’s absence could lead to an opportunity. The Broncos have fourth-round rookie Damarri Mathis set to replace Darby, but Ojemudia — should the team end up activating him — could have a say in how Denver constructs its secondary going forward.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/17/22
Today’s minor moves around the league:
Buffalo Bills
- Released: LB Andre Smith
Carolina Panthers
- Signed (off Cardinals’ practice squad): LB Chandler Wooten
Denver Broncos
- Elevated: LS Mitchell Fraboni, S Anthony Harris
Green Bay Packers
- Claimed off waivers (from Colts): OL Luke Tenuta
Houston Texans
- Designated for return: TE Teagan Quitoriano
Kansas City Chiefs
- Waived: DB Dicaprio Bootle
Los Angeles Chargers
- Elevated: WR Michael Bandy, T Foster Sarell
Miami Dolphins
- Placed on IR: CB Nik Needham (story)
Minnesota Vikings
- Activated from reserve/PUP list: WR Blake Proehl
- Waived: S Myles Dorn
New Orleans Saints
- Waived: WR Kawaan Baker
New York Jets
- Promoted: T Mike Remmers
- Released: T Conor McDermott
Tennessee Titans
- Signed (off Jaguars’ practice squad): S Josh Thompson
- Placed on IR: LB Ola Adeniyi
Cardinals To Acquire WR Robbie Anderson From Panthers
One day after his noteworthy mid-game exit, many expected Panthers wideout Robbie Anderson to be suiting up for a new team in the very near future. To little surprise, Carolina has indeed moved on, trading him to the Cardinals (Twitter link via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport). ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweets that the Panthers will receive a 2024 sixth-round pick, along with a seventh-rounder in 2025. 
Anderson was sent to the locker room by interim head coach Steve Wilks after multiple heated exchanges on the sidelines. The incident was precipitated by Anderson being taken off the field prior to a third-down play, something which led to him saying after the game that he was “confused” by the move. While he publicly stated that he would be willing to remain in Carolina, it was widely expected that Sunday’s loss to the Rams would mark his final game with the Panthers.
The former UDFA spent four years with the Jets to begin his career. His prowess as a deep threat (averaging 14.8 yards per catch), along with his chemistry with Sam Darnold, led to heightened expectations upon his arrival in Carolina. Reunited with Matt Rhule, his coach at Temple, Anderson posted career-highs in receptions (95) and yards (1,046) in 2020.
The 29-year-old has not been able to match those totals since, however. Last season, Anderson’s receiving totals fell to 519 yards; in 2022, he has posted 206 on 13 catches. Especially after Rhule was fired last week, then, Anderson began to be shopped by the Panthers and was considered a likely trade candidate. As Rapoport’s colleague Tom Pelisero tweets, the Cardinals will be responsible for the remaining $690K in Anderson’s 2022 salary, though he is also under contract for next year at a cap hit of $21.7MM.
From Arizona’s perspective, this move provides depth to a WR room which is in flux. All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins is set to return from his PED suspension, which is expected to provide a significant boost to the team’s offense. However, top deep threat Marquise Brown was seen in a walking boot after yesterday’s loss to the Seahawks, leaving his availability in the short-term future in question. Schefter notes that further testing will be required later today to determine the extent of the offseason trade acquisition’s absence (Twitter link).
With a notable role seemingly available for him right away, Anderson can begin his Arizona tenure as early as this Thursday against the Saints. Given the Cardinals’ struggles finding consistency on offense, he could play a part in stabilizing the team’s passing game while looking to rebuild his value.
Texans Part Ways With EVP Jack Easterby
Immediately following their bye week, the Texans have made a noteworthy front office move. The team has parted ways with executive vice president of football operations Jack Easterby effective immediately, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter (Twitter link).
The 39-year-old began his NFL career as a character coach with the Chiefs and Patriots. He was hired by the Texans in 2019, and held a significant role that season, as the team operated without a general manager. That marked the beginning of his unexpected rise to power in the organization.
One month into the 2020 season, head coach Bill O’Brien – who had since taken on the GM title as well – was fired. Easterby was named as his front office replacement, though the Texans made it clear that he was doing so only on an interim basis. The pair were often linked together with respect to high-profile decisions, including the Laremy Tunsil and DeAndre Hopkins deals made that season.
The following offseason, Houston made the expected move of hiring Nick Caserio as GM, a fellow Patriots alum whom Easterby was central in recruiting to the Texans. That move apparently laid the foundation for the changes in the organization which have resulted in Easterby’s departure – something which Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson tweets is not viewed as surprising.
“It was just time,” one source on the matter told Wilson. “No knock on Jack at all. He did a lot of really good things in implementing a lot of the programs they have in place, but the organization has reached a point where it has a lot of great people to work on these programs behind the scenes to help the players and help the coaches. This isn’t like a huge controversy. These things happen in the NFL. Jack will have a lot of great opportunities going forward.”
Cardinals Activate QB Colt McCoy From IR
OCTOBER 16: Arizona has not, in fact, cut McSorley, per Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network (via Twitter). Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network adds that the team made the announcement in error and subsequently deleted it (Twitter link). So at least for the time being, the Cards have three QBs on their active roster in Murray, McCoy, and McSorley.
OCTOBER 15: The Cardinals’ preferred backup quarterback will be available for the first time this season. The team activated Colt McCoy from IR and released quarterback Trace McSorley.
McCoy battled multiple issues in the weeks leading up to the season, dealing with arm soreness during training camp before suffering a strained calf. The Cardinals brought McCoy over from the Giants last year, and that move went a long way toward snapping Arizona’s playoff drought.
Initially signed to a one-year deal in 2021, McCoy reupped with the Cards on a two-year, $7.5MM accord this offseason. The Cardinals gave the 13th-year veteran $6MM fully guaranteed, doing well to entrench McCoy as Kyler Murray‘s top backup. McSorley impressed during the preseason and has held that gig through five games, but he is not part of Arizona’s roster for the time being. It should expected, however, that the Cardinals will circle back to McSorley via a practice squad spot next week.
McCoy, 36, started three games with the Cards last season, which included McCoy-led wins over the 49ers and Seahawks. The former Browns draftee spent much of his career in Washington and was with the Giants in 2020. He completed 74.7% of his passes in those Murray fill-in starts last season. Both of McCoy’s victories as a 2021 starter came without DeAndre Hopkins, who was out due to injury for much of last season.
The Cards also promoted running back Corey Clement to their 53-man roster. Signed to Arizona’s practice squad this week, Clement will be needed to help a decimated backfield. James Conner, Darrel Williams and Jonathan Ward. Williams suffered an MCL sprain, while Conner may be sidelined for multiple games due to a rib injury.
The Cardinals also released linebacker Devon Kennard, though they have made that move before this year. Kennard, a Phoenix native, returned to the team after being released ahead of the August 30 roster cutdown. Kennard, 31, did start last week’s game and could be brought back soon. As a vested veteran, the ninth-year linebacker will bypass waivers next week. Wide receiver Javon Wims is also now on Arizona’s active roster.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/15/22
Today’s taxi squad moves:
Denver Broncos
- Signed: TE Dalton Keene
- Released: LS Joe Fortunato
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: RB Jake Funk
Philadelphia Eagles
- Placed on practice squad IR: T Jarrid Williams
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/15/22
Today’s minor moves around the league:
Atlanta Falcons
- Activated from IR: CB Isaiah Oliver
- Promoted: TE MyCole Pruitt
Baltimore Ravens
- Promoted: LB Jeremiah Attaochu, S Ar’Darius Washington
Carolina Panthers
- Signed to active roster: LB Arron Mosby
- Promoted: QB Jacob Eason, CB Tae Hayes
- Placed on IR: CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed to active roster: LS Matt Overton
- Promoted: TE Sean McKeon, RB Malik Davis
- Placed on IR: WR Simi Fehoko, RB Rico Dowdle
Green Bay Packers
- Promoted: WR Juwann Winfree
- Placed on IR: LB Tipa Galeai
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed to active roster: WR Keke Coutee
- Promoted: RB Phillip Lindsay, RB D’Vonte Price
- Waived: T Luke Tenuta
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Promoted: LB Ty Summers
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed to active roster: CB Dicaprio Bootle
- Promoted: S Zayne Anderson, LB Cole Christiansen
- Placed on IR: DT Tershawn Wharton
Los Angeles Rams
- OL Chandler Brewer, RB Ronnie Rivers
Miami Dolphins
- Promoted: T Brandon Shell, T Kion Smith
Minnesota Vikings
- Promoted: TE Jacob Hollister
New England Patriots
- Promoted: QB Garrett Gilbert, WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey
New Orleans Saints
- Signed to active roster: WR Keith Kirkwood, WR Rashid Shaheen
- Promoted: CB Chris Harris, WR Kevin White
- Placed on IR: WR Deonte Harty
- Waived: QB Jake Luton
New York Giants
- Promoted: DT Ryder Anderson, WR Marcus Johnson
- Placed on IR: S Tony Jefferson
New York Jets
- Promoted: TE Kenny Yeboah
- Waived: WR Lawrence Cager
Philadelphia Eagles
- Promoted: S Andre Chachere
- Placed on IR: DE Janarius Robinson
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed to active roster: CB Josh Jackson
- Promoted: S Elijah Riley, CB Quincy Wilson
- Placed on IR: DL DeMarvin Leal
San Francisco 49ers
- Activated from IR: LB Curtis Robinson
- Promoted: CB Dontae Johnson, WR Willie Snead
Seattle Seahawks
- Promoted: LB Christian Jones
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Promoted: CB Anthony Chesley, S Nolan Turner
Eagles Activate T Andre Dillard From IR
OCTOBER 15: After two weeks of practice, Dillard is ready to go. The Eagles activated the former first-round pick from IR. Dillard is expected to serve as Philadelphia’s swing tackle against Dallas. The fourth-year blocker played that role last season. Mailata, who missed Week 5, is expected to return to his left tackle post Sunday.
OCTOBER 5: The Eagles remained unbeaten despite losing their starting left tackle — Jordan Mailata — to a shoulder injury in Week 4. Mailata is not a lock to play Sunday, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com notes (on Twitter), but the team could have its top backup available.
Philadelphia opened the practice window for Andre Dillard on Wednesday. Dillard, who is going into his fourth season with the team, now has 21 days to be activated. Should the Eagles not activate Dillard by that point, he will miss the 2022 season. Teams can activate up to eight players off their respective injured lists this season.
Dillard went down with a broken forearm just before the season; the former first-round pick underwent surgery in early September but has been deemed ready to practice. It will be interesting to see if the Eagles see enough from their one-time blindside heir apparent to activate him ahead of their Week 5 game against the Cardinals.
Philly used 2020 fourth-round pick Jack Driscoll to replace Mailata against Jacksonville, but Dillard has been the team’s top backup tackle for a bit now. The Eagles traded up to draft Dillard in 2019, viewing the Washington State prospect as the successor to Jason Peters. Dillard’s injury trouble led to Mailata commandeering that left tackle gig, and the team passed on Dillard’s fifth-year option in May. But the Eagles have resisted trade overtures toward the young blocker. He could be back on the Eagles’ 53-man roster soon.
The Eagles have Mailata locked up long-term; the rugby convert joins Lane Johnson and Landon Dickerson as O-line starters signed beyond 2022. Dillard, who started nine games at both left and right tackle during the 2019 and ’21 seasons, could move into position as an intriguing free agent next year. For this season, however, the injury-prone tackle represents higher-end insurance for a Super Bowl contender.
49ers Place DT Javon Kinlaw On IR
The 49ers have determined Javon Kinlaw will need another IR stay. After spending much of last season on IR, the third-year defensive tackle is back on the team’s injured list as of Saturday.
Kinlaw is still dealing with problems related to his surgically repaired knee. The former first-round pick said recently he expected to be playing through some knee pain this season, but the 49ers have been without him for the past two games. That run will extend to at least six, with Kinlaw being forced to miss four additional games due to being placed on IR today.
Drafted 14th overall shortly after the 49ers traded Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to obtain that draft position, Kinlaw has not panned out. He missed 13 games last season and has 1.5 career sacks, which came during his rookie campaign. The South Carolina alum has battled intermittent knee trouble since his college days. A 2020 first-round choice, Kinlaw appeared in 14 games (12 starts) in his rookie year, but needed season-ending knee surgery (which was later reported to be an ACL reconstruction) early during the 2021 season.
Kinlaw and Arik Armstead entered the season as San Francisco’s defensive tackle starters. Both are out of the picture for the time being. Armstead remains on the 49ers’ 53-man roster but has missed two of the past three games due to injury. A foot problem is currently plaguing the eighth-year D-lineman. It is among the many injury issues affecting what has been a dominant 49ers defense.
Nick Bosa is uncertain to play in Week 6, while linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair is on IR due to an MCL sprain. The team will be without cornerback Emmanuel Moseley for the rest of the season — Moseley is now on IR — and will see Jimmie Ward likely sidelined for multiple games due to a broken hand. Ward, who missed the season’s first four games due to a hamstring injury, broke his hand on the first play of his debut last week.
Jets To Activate DL Vinny Curry From IR, Promote T Mike Remmers
Vinny Curry looks set to make his Jets debut — more than 18 months after he initially signed with the team. The Jets are activating the veteran defensive lineman off IR, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports (on Twitter).
The Jets designated Curry for return when he was first eligible last week, but after they activated Duane Brown off IR in Week 5, they waited another week on Curry. But the longtime Eagles complementary pass rusher is moving up to the Jets’ 53-man roster. It has been quite the journey for Curry post-Philly.
Complications from a spleen removal included blood clots, shutting Curry down for all of last season. The Jets, who signed Curry in March 2021, placed him on their reserve/NFI list in July of last year. Robert Saleh‘s team circled back to Curry, who was with GM Joe Douglas in Philadelphia, this year. The Jets gave the 34-year-old D-lineman a one-year, $1.12MM deal that included $800K guaranteed.
A longtime Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox sidekick, Curry has 32.5 career sacks — including eight between the 2019 and 2020 seasons with the Eagles — and has played in 123 career games. The former second-round pick played a full-time starter role for the Eagles during their Super Bowl LII run, leading to a one-year Buccaneers stay. While the Marshall alum has only started 28 NFL games, he was a steady presence during Douglas’ time in Philly.
Curry will be set for a backup role behind the likes of Carl Lawson and John Franklin-Myers. The Jets will be without first-round rookie Jermaine Johnson against the Packers due to an ankle injury.
Additionally, the Jets are promoting veteran tackle Mike Remmers from their practice squad, according to Remmers’ agent (Twitter link). The well-traveled O-lineman signed with the Jets more than two weeks ago but spent time going through a ramp-up period. Remmers, 33, has made 90 career starts and served as a two-time Super Bowl starter. While neither of those games turned out well for the veteran blocker, Remmers has managed a nice career since coming into the league as a UDFA.
Gang Green has made some adjustments along its offensive line this season. Injuries to Mekhi Becton, Brown and George Fant have altered the team’s tackle plan, leading to guard Alijah Vera-Tucker moving outside. The 2021 first-round guard started at right tackle opposite Brown in Week 5. Remmers, who has spent most of his career at right tackle, would give the Jets an option — if they wanted to return Vera-Tucker to guard.