Here’s a breakdown of the latest roster moves across the NFL as teams continue to shuffle personnel heading into the final stretch of the season. Whether it's injury replacements, depth reinforcements, or strategic signings, these transactions could have ripple effects on game-day matchups and postseason aspirations.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos made several roster adjustments that speak to both immediate needs and longer-term depth planning. Linebacker Levelle Bailey and wide receiver Michael Bandy have been elevated to the active roster, likely to address injuries or bolster special teams. Bandy, in particular, brings a quickness that could provide a spark in limited offensive snaps or return duties.
Meanwhile, center Luke Wattenberg has been placed on injured reserve, a hit to the Broncos’ interior line depth. Wattenberg had been a part of Denver’s rotation, and his absence could test the team's flexibility up front.
To counter that, the Broncos signed veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis and guard Calvin Throckmorton to the active roster. Lewis, still going strong deep into his career, offers leadership and blocking prowess, while Throckmorton adds experience to a line that’s been in flux throughout the year.
Running back Cody Schrader was waived, a move that likely reflects the team’s confidence in its current backfield rotation or a need to make room for other positional priorities.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs continue to fine-tune their roster, elevating wide receiver Jason Brownlee and offensive tackle Matt Waletzko to the active roster. Brownlee could see opportunities in a receiving corps that’s been searching for consistent production, especially with Nikko Remigio now placed on injured reserve. Waletzko adds depth at tackle, a position where Kansas City has been cautious with workload management and injury risk.
Linebacker Cole Christiansen was signed to the active roster, giving the Chiefs another body in the second level of the defense-likely a move aimed at shoring up special teams and adding insurance behind the starters.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars placed defensive back Jourdan Lewis on injured reserve, a setback for a secondary that’s been tested often this season. Lewis had been contributing in coverage packages, and his absence could open the door for more reps from recent addition Keith Taylor, who was signed to the active roster. Taylor brings length and experience, and Jacksonville will be counting on him to step in quickly as they push for playoff positioning.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams added defensive back Alex Johnson to the practice squad. While not a headline-grabbing move, it’s a classic depth play-especially important as teams prepare for the physical toll of the final weeks. Johnson could be a candidate for elevation if injuries strike or if the Rams want to rotate fresh legs into the secondary.
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore designated defensive tackle Taven Bryan to return from injured reserve, a potentially significant move for a defensive front that thrives on rotation and interior disruption. Bryan’s return adds more juice to a line that already plays with a relentless edge. If he’s healthy, he could be a valuable contributor down the stretch.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers signed defensive back Tre Flowers to the active roster, reinforcing a secondary that’s been reshuffled more than once this season. Flowers brings size and versatility, capable of playing outside or in sub-packages. His experience could be crucial as Pittsburgh eyes a playoff berth and looks to tighten up its pass defense.
Houston Texans
The Texans placed linebacker Jake Hansen on injured reserve, a blow to their linebacker depth and special teams coverage units. In response, they signed defensive back Alijah Huzzie to the active roster. Huzzie will likely be asked to contribute on special teams right away, with the potential to earn defensive reps if the Texans need to dip into their depth chart.
As the playoff picture starts to take shape, these roster tweaks-some minor, some more impactful-are all part of the chess match that defines December football. Whether it’s a veteran like Marcedes Lewis bringing leadership to the locker room or a young player like Jason Brownlee getting a shot to prove himself, every move has a purpose. And come January, the teams that manage their rosters best now could be the ones still playing when it matters most.