NFL transactions roundup Rams add Maximus Pulley and league moves
NFL transactions across the league this week reshaped depth charts and practice-squad options that will matter to beat reporters and fantasy managers alike.
The Los Angeles Rams signed DB Maximus Pulley from the Eagles’ practice squad and placed RB Ronnie Rivers on injured reserve, moves that alter secondary depth and the backfield rotation; the full transaction list is available in the linked report NFL Trade Rumors – Rams.
Key Takeaways
- The Rams bolstered their defensive back room by claiming Maximus Pulley from another team’s practice squad and moved Ronnie Rivers to injured reserve, which opens a short-term roster spot at running back.
- Several teams used practice-squad shuffles to add veteran depth, including the 49ers signing Brandin Cooks and Viliami Fehoko to their practice squad while placing C.J. West on injured reserve.
- The Chargers and Jets made impactful IR moves that change immediate game-day availability and create openings for elevations from practice squads.
- These roster transactions underline the continued importance of practice-squad fluidity for emergency depth and short-term roster construction.
NFL transactions by team and roster impact
The 49ers made multiple adjustments on the defensive front and receiver depth by signing DT Naquan Jones off the Vikings’ practice squad and placing DT C.J. West on injured reserve.
San Francisco also added WR Brandin Cooks and DE Viliami Fehoko to its practice squad while releasing DB Jakob Robinson, moves that change their immediate rotation options and special-teams personnel.
The Chargers shuffled their receiving group and tight end depth by waiving WR Gary Jennings, signing Marquez Valdes-Scantling from their practice squad, and placing TE David Njoku on injured reserve, which will affect short-term pass-catching targets.
The Jets, meanwhile, signed DT Jack Heflin and WR Malik McClain from the practice squad while placing multiple veterans on injured reserve, creating immediate needs for interior defensive linemen and receivers on game day.
For the Rams, the arrival of Maximus Pulley provides a new option in the defensive back rotation sourced from another club’s practice unit, while Ronnie Rivers’ move to injured reserve removes a candidate from the immediate RB competition and forces the team to use practice-squad elevations or free-agent depth in the near term.
Notable practice squad pickups and releases across the league
Practice-squad activity this window emphasized veteran and specialist pickups; notable additions included the Cardinals signing DB Starling Thomas and Jay Toia joining their practice squad as a defensive tackle option.
The Vikings re-stocked their practice unit by signing P Johnny Hekker and RB Jaret Patterson, while the Eagles added DB Kenny Moore to their practice squad for secondary depth purposes.
Other teams used practice squads to shore up positions of immediate need: the Patriots added DE Benton Whitley and the Lions promoted interior line and linebacker help by signing Seth McLaughlin and Joe Bachie to their practice squads.
These moves illustrate how teams are balancing game-day roster risk with the flexibility of short-term elevations and veteran practice-squad signings.
IR and practice squad moves comparison
| Move type | Player | Immediate roster effect |
|---|---|---|
| Practice-squad signing | Maximus Pulley (Rams from Eagles PS) | Provides an extra defensive-back option for depth and potential elevation for game-day packages. |
| Injured reserve | Ronnie Rivers (Rams) | Removes a running-back option from the active roster and creates opportunity for a replacement via elevation or free-agent signing. |
| Practice-squad signing | Brandin Cooks & Viliami Fehoko (49ers) | Boosts receiving and edge depth available for short-term elevations and game-plan adjustments. |
| Injured reserve | David Njoku (Chargers) | Creates a vacuum at tight end that will force the Chargers to rely on backups or practice-squad promotions. |
SEC recruiting pipeline and NFL transactions impact
These kinds of NFL transactions matter to SEC programs because practice-squad signings and IR placements directly influence the professional opportunities available to recent college prospects from the conference.
When teams add young players to practice squads or place veterans on injured reserve, it can accelerate the path for a recently drafted or undrafted SEC player to receive a practice-squad role or an elevation later in the season.
That dynamic also informs recruiting conversations and pro-development pitches, as programs increasingly point to visible NFL pathways including practice-squad access and midseason elevations when talking to prospects and their evaluators.
See the linked report for the full transaction list; roster statuses remain subject to change and teams often adjust assignments after initial filings.
