Here’s a comprehensive look around the NFL as teams continue to shuffle rosters heading into the final stretch of the season. Injuries, returns, and practice squad moves are shaping depth charts-and potentially playoff races-across the league.
Chicago Bears
The Bears made a pair of tight end moves on the practice squad.
Qadir Ismail has been placed on the injured list, while Thomas Gordon joins the unit as a fresh addition. With depth at the position always critical in the late season, especially for special teams and blocking packages, Chicago is keeping its options open.
Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati got a boost on the offensive line, designating rookie center Matt Lee to return from injured reserve.
His potential return adds depth to a group that’s been tested all year. Lee’s development has been closely watched, and getting him back on the field could be a key piece as the Bengals look to stabilize the interior line.
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo signed offensive tackle Richard Gouraige to the practice squad, continuing to reinforce their offensive line depth. As the weather gets colder and the games get more physical, having fresh legs and insurance up front is never a bad idea.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns made a pair of noteworthy moves.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson remains sidelined, as the team declined to activate him from the PUP list. Meanwhile, Cleveland added center Kendrick Green to the active roster, pulling him from Buffalo’s practice squad.
Green’s versatility on the interior line could prove valuable down the stretch.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay is getting a major piece back on the defensive front, designating rookie pass rusher Calijah Kancey to return from injured reserve. His explosiveness off the edge has been missed, and his return could give the Bucs’ defense a much-needed jolt.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals activated defensive end L.J.
Collier from injured reserve, bringing back a veteran presence to their defensive line rotation. In a corresponding move, defensive back Patrick McMorris was released from the practice squad.
Arizona also added quarterback Logan Woodside to the practice squad, giving them another arm in the quarterback room.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers made a pair of moves on the practice squad, releasing tight end Tanner McLachlan and signing center Josh Kaltenberger. With injuries taking their toll on both sides of the ball, these moves reflect a continued effort to maintain depth and flexibility.
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City made a flurry of roster adjustments.
Defensive back Nazeeh Johnson has been activated from injured reserve, but the team also placed several key contributors on IR: cornerback Trent McDuffie, wide receivers Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton, and defensive back Jaylen Watson. That’s a significant hit to both sides of the ball.
In response, the Chiefs promoted defensive end Ethan Downs, defensive back Melvin Smith, and linebacker Tyreke Smith from the practice squad to the active roster. It’s a next-man-up moment in Kansas City as they look to stay sharp heading into the postseason.
Indianapolis Colts
No transactions reported.
Washington Commanders
Washington elevated defensive tackle Ricky Barber and wide receiver River Cracraft from the practice squad, while also signing quarterback Sam Hartman to the active roster.
Wide receiver Jamal Agnew was waived with a failed physical designation. The Hartman move is especially interesting as Washington continues to evaluate depth and potential future contributors under center.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys elevated linebacker Justin Barron from the practice squad and placed offensive tackle Tyler Guyton on injured reserve.
They also promoted defensive back Corey Ballentine to the active roster. With Guyton out, Dallas will need to dig deep into its offensive line reserves, and Ballentine’s elevation suggests more shuffling in the secondary as well.
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta designated defensive back Clark Phillips to return from injured reserve. The young corner brings energy and upside, and his return could bolster a Falcons secondary that’s been inconsistent at times this season.
New York Jets
The Jets claimed defensive back Christopher Smith off waivers from the Rams and placed quarterback Justin Fields on injured reserve.
Fields' injury is another tough blow in a season that’s seen New York shuffle through quarterbacks. Smith adds depth to a secondary that’s been one of the team’s strengths.
Detroit Lions
Detroit elevated center Kingsley Eguakun and tight end Giovanni Ricci from the practice squad. These moves reflect the Lions’ continued focus on trench play and versatility, especially as they prepare for a physical finish to the season.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers designated guard Robert Hunt to return from injured reserve. If he’s ready to go, Hunt’s return would be a welcome development for a Panthers offensive line that’s been searching for consistency all year.
Las Vegas Raiders
Tough news for the Raiders as they placed tight end Brock Bowers and defensive back Jeremy Chinn on injured reserve.
Both are impact players who bring versatility on their respective sides of the ball. To help fill the gaps, Las Vegas signed defensive back Terrell Edmunds and wide receiver Shedrick Jackson to the active roster from the practice squad.
They also added long snapper Luke Elkin and tackle Joshua Miles to the practice squad.
Los Angeles Rams
No transactions reported.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers released defensive tackle Kyler Baugh from the practice squad and signed wide receiver Brandon Johnson. With Pittsburgh’s offense still looking for consistent playmakers, Johnson could get a look if injuries or matchups call for it.
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota elevated linebacker Sione Takitaki from the practice squad and placed center Ryan Kelly on injured reserve.
They also signed guard Henry Byrd to the active roster. With Kelly out, the Vikings are adjusting on the fly up front, and Byrd’s promotion adds another body to the mix in the trenches.
As the playoff picture sharpens and injuries continue to mount, these roster moves-some subtle, some significant-could end up playing a big role in how the final weeks of the season unfold. Stay tuned.