NFL Player News

The Lions elevated Ricci from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday ahead of Sunday's game against the Rams.

This will be Ricci's first elevation since joining the Lions' practice squad Nov. 30. The sixth-year tight end will provide Detroit with some much-needed insurance at tight end, as both TE1 Sam LaPorta (back) and TE2 Brock Wright (neck) are on IR. Ricci's playing time in Week 15 will almost certainly depend on whether Shane Zylstra (knee) plays after being activated from injured reserve Saturday.

Detroit activated Zylstra (knee) from injured reserve Saturday.

Zylstra has been dealing with a knee injury since Week 2, and he was designated to return to practice Dec. 1. The 29-year-old remained sidelined during last week's win over the Cowboys, but he's trending toward playing ahead of this Sunday's matchup versus the Rams. Zylstra has been a reliable blocking tight end over the past four seasons with Detroit, but with TE1 Sam LaPorta (back) and Brock Wright (neck) both on IR, he could be more involved as a pass catcher alongside Anthony Firkser moving forward. It's still unclear if Zylstra will be active versus the Rams.

The Broncos elevated Bandy from their practice squad to the active roster Saturday ahead of Sunday's game versus the Packers, Aric DiLalla of the team's official site reports.

Bandy could make his third appearance of the season and would provide additional depth at receiver due to Pat Bryant (hamstring) being sidelined. Bandy has caught just one pass for 16 yards, and this marks the final time the team can elevate him.

The Lions placed Branch (Achilles) on injured reserve Saturday.

Branch underwent successful surgery Wednesday to address a torn Achilles suffered during the Week 14 win over Dallas. With a recovery timeline of eight to 12 months, he'll now shift his focus to recovering in time for the start of the 2026 regular season. Branch finishes the 2025 season with 75 tackles, including 2.5 sacks, and nine passes defended over 12 games.

New Orleans elevated Smyth from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Smyth will serve as the Saints' kicker for the third week in a row. The 24-year-old went 2-for-3 on field-goal tries while knocking through all three of his PATs across the last two games. Since this is Smyth's third practice-squad elevation with the Saints, he'll now have to be signed to the active roster if he's going to play for the team beyond Sunday's contest against the Panthers.

Watson (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup versus the Cardinals.

Watson wasn't activated off injured reserve and will now be forced to miss another game. The Texans opened his 21-day practice window Wednesday, but the 29-year-old will have to wait at least another week to make his return.

The Saints elevated Austin from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday ahead of Sunday's game against the Panthers, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Austin has bounced back and forth between the Saints' practice squad and active roster this season, and this will be his second straight practice-squad elevation. The 25-year-old tallied two offensive snaps and five special-teams snaps during last week's win over Tampa Bay, and it's unlikely he'll see much action while once again operating as the fifth wideout behind Chris Olave, Devaughn Vele, Mason Tipton and Dante Pettis. Austin has logged just one target across four appearances this season. He is eligible to be elevated from New Orleans' practice squad to the active roster one more time for the remainder of this season.

The Seahawks activated Sundell (knee) off injured reserve Saturday, John Boyle of the team's official site reports.

Sundell has been sidelined since Week 10 but should have a chance to make his return Sunday versus the Colts. While the 26-year-old's still listed as questionable, he should serve as the team's starting center if he manages to suit up.

New England signed Johnson to the active roster Saturday.

Johnson was initially elevated from the practice squad to the active roster Friday, but he'll get a spot on the 53-man roster after running back Terrell Jennings (concussion) was placed on injured reserve Saturday. Jennings will now be sidelined for at least the next four games, thus keeping him out for at least the remainder of the regular season. In his absence, Johnson will serve as the Patriots' No. 3 running back behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson.

Chicago elevated Brown from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday.

Brown has bounced back and forth between the Bears' active roster and practice squad this season, appearing in two games Week 9 and Week 12. This is the 28-year-old's second practice-squad elevation this season, as the Bears need extra depth behind D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai after Travis Homer (ankle) was ruled out for Sunday's game. Brown will likely contribute primarily on special teams versus Cleveland.