News
9/2/22
8 min read
Notable NFL Waiver Wire Claims, Plus Other Team Moves and Injuries
Thursday, Sept. 1
Saints Place Trevor Penning on IR
The New Orleans Saints placed first-round pick Trevor Penning on Injured Reserve, meaning he'll miss at least the first four games of the season, according to PFF's Ari Meirov. The offensive tackle from Northern Iowa has a toe injury, which coach Dennis Allen described as "significant." This type of language could mean Penning will miss more than the guaranteed four games.
Giants Release Blake Martinez
The New York Giants have released linebacker Blake Martinez, according to ESPN's Field Yates. Martinez led the Giants in tackles in 2020 and was named a team captain in 2021. However, a non-contact knee injury ended his 2021 season, and subsequently, his time in the Big Apple. Martinez was also a productive player for the Packers from 2016 to 2019.
Eagles Claim Trey Sermon
The Philadelphia Eagles claimed running back Trey Sermon from the San Francisco 49ers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The teams reportedly discussed a trade for Sermon last week, but the Eagles ended up getting him for free in the end. Sermon was the 88th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, but he never found his footing with the 49ers. Now, he'll join a backfield that already includes Miles Sanders, Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott.
Giants Claim Tyre Phillips
The New York Giants claimed offensive linemen Tyre Phillips from the Baltimore Ravens, according to NFL Media. Phillips was a third-round pick in 2020 and has started 13 games during the last two seasons.
Bears Claim Ihmir Smith-Marsette
The Chicago Bears claimed wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette from the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL Media. Smith-Marsette was released after the Vikings acquired Reagor from the Eagles on Wednesday. The Bears needed receiver help, as they placed N'Keal Harry on Injured Reserve this week.
Falcons Place LB Deion Jones on Injured Reserve
The Falcons placed five players on injured reserve, including former Pro Bowl linebacker Deion Jones, according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic. He will miss at least the first four games of the 2022 season with a shoulder injury.
Panthers Place QB Sam Darnold on Injured Reserve
After suffering a high ankle sprain in the Panthers' final preseason game, it was clear Darold was going to miss some time. The Panthers placed him on injured reserve to make room for the recently signed kicker Eddy Pineiro, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. He will miss at least the first four games.
Titans Give RB Derrick Henry a $2 Million Raise
The Titans have given Henry an extra $2 million for the 2022 season, bringing his salary to $14 million. The final year of his contract is still 2023, according to NFL Media. It isn't often players get a raise without signing a new contract. Julio Jones received multiple raises from the Falcons, but it doesn't happen on a regular basis.
Titans Add WR Josh Gordon to Practice Squad
After contemplating re-signing with the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad, veteran wide receiver Josh Gordon decided to head to Nashville and join the Titans, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. With uncertainty at the position, Gordon could get a chance to play early on with the Titans.
QB Josh Rosen Joins Browns' Practice Squad
Two days after the Cleveland Browns released Josh Rosen, the fifth-year veteran re-joined the team and was added to the practice squad, becoming the second quarterback—and second Josh—added in consecutive days. The team added quarterback Josh Johnson on Wednesday.
