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NFL Roster Moves Roundup (Dec. 1): Diggs Nears Return, Lions Shake Up, and More Across the League
The calendar’s flipped to December, and with the playoff picture starting to take shape, teams across the league are making strategic roster moves - some looking to fill gaps, others trying to get key players back just in time for the stretch run. Here's a breakdown of the latest transactions from around the NFL and what they could mean moving forward.
Chicago Bears
The Bears made a pair of moves on their practice squad.
Defensive back Dominique Hampton was released, while running back Brittain Brown was signed. Brown brings some depth to a backfield that’s seen its share of injuries this season.
He’s a physical runner with upside, and Chicago’s clearly looking to keep their options open behind their main rotation.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals placed linebacker Brian Asamoah on injured reserve, a tough blow for a defense already dealing with attrition in the front seven.
To help shore up the secondary, they promoted defensive back Jalen Davis from the practice squad to the active roster. Davis has been in the system and knows the scheme - expect him to play a depth role, possibly in sub-packages or special teams.
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona released running back Jermar Jefferson from the practice squad. With James Conner healthy and the emergence of younger backs, the Cardinals are clearly tightening up their depth chart heading into the final month of the season.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers added veteran running back Royce Freeman to their practice squad.
Freeman’s a known commodity - a downhill runner who can step in and contribute if called upon. With injuries piling up in the backfield, this is a smart insurance move.
Dallas Cowboys
Big news out of Dallas: cornerback Trevon Diggs has been designated to return from injured reserve.
That’s a massive development for a defense that’s already one of the league’s best. Diggs brings elite ball skills and changes the way opposing offenses game-plan.
The Cowboys also signed running back Israel Abanikanda to the practice squad, adding a young, explosive runner who could be a developmental piece or emergency option.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles added wide receiver Terrace Marshall to their practice squad.
Marshall, a former second-round pick, brings size and athleticism to the receiver room. Philly’s clearly looking to bolster its depth as they gear up for another deep postseason run.
New York Giants
The Giants elevated linebacker Swayze Bozeman and wide receiver Dalen Cambre from the practice squad - moves that suggest they’re dealing with some depth concerns heading into the weekend.
They also signed linebacker Tomon Fox to the active roster. Fox has flashed in limited snaps before, and with the Giants’ defense continuing to battle injuries, he could see the field sooner rather than later.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville released wide receiver Austin Trammell from the practice squad. With the WR room relatively healthy, this move likely reflects a shift in positional needs as the Jags look to stay atop the AFC South.
Detroit Lions
Busy day in Detroit.
The Lions claimed tight end Hayden Rucci off waivers from the Dolphins, designated tight end Shane Zylstra to return from injured reserve, and placed center Frank Ragnow on the retired list - a significant roster move considering Ragnow’s importance to the offensive line. They also placed defensive back Terrion Arnold on injured reserve, a blow to a secondary that’s been tested often.
In addition, Detroit released defensive back Tre Flowers and offensive lineman Netane Muti from the practice squad, while signing wide receiver Andrew Armstrong, fullback/tight end Giovanni Ricci, and running back Jabari Small. That’s a lot of movement, but it reflects a team fine-tuning its depth ahead of a critical December stretch.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers designated three players to return: linebackers Brenton Cox and Collin Oliver, and running back MarShawn Lloyd.
All three bring youth and energy, and their return could provide a late-season spark. To make room, the team released wide receiver Will Sheppard from the practice squad.
New England Patriots
The Patriots elevated offensive lineman Brenden Jaimes and defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms from the practice squad. With injuries continuing to test the depth of New England’s roster, both players could see action in rotational roles as the Patriots navigate a rebuilding season.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings were quiet on the transaction wire for the day - but in a season that’s been anything but predictable, that could change quickly.
Final Word As we hit the final month of the regular season, every roster move matters just a little more. Whether it’s a star like Trevon Diggs nearing a return or teams like the Lions and Packers reshuffling their depth charts, these transactions could end up playing a key role in how the playoff picture - and the future of a few franchises - takes shape.