Quarterback injuries are drawing most of the headlines around the NFL, but special teams moves dominated the league’s transaction list on Tuesday. Here are the latest updates:
Chicago Bears
Signed off Saints’ practice squad: LS Scott Daly
Waived: LS Beau Gardner
Detroit Lions
Signed from Steelers’ practice squad: S Bishop Fitzgerald
Released: LB Joe Bachie
Placed on injured reserve: S Avonte Maddox (story)
Indianapolis Colts
Placed on IR: DL Micheal Clemons
Minnesota Vikings
Waived from IR: DT Taki Taimani
New England Patriots
New Orleans Saints
Waived from IR with injury settlement: RB Audric Estime
Signed off Dolphins’ practice squad: LS Cal Adomitis
The Bears are parting ways with Gardner, an undrafted rookie, after some bad snaps to the Vikings, including one that led to a blocked field goal, according to CHGO Sports’ Adam Hoge. Daly, a six-year veteran who played for the Saints in Week 2, will return to Chicago after appearing in every game for the Bears in 2024 and 2025.
The Lions have lost yet another safety due to injury, forcing them to sign Fitzgerald off the Steelers’ practice squad. The undrafted rookie out of USC had a solid preseason in Tennessee with zero missed tackles or receptions allowed, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). Bachie played just over half of Detroit’s special teams snaps in their first two games and could quickly be re-signed to the practice squad.
Clemons, who signed a two-year, $17MM contract in Indianapolis this offseason, will be sidelined for at least four games due to a toe injury. The 29-year-old played 25.7% of the Colts’ defensive snaps in their first two games but did not log any stats. Clemons’ absence will likely give 2025 sixth-round pick Tim Smith more playing time; undrafted rookie Cam Ball could also be elevated or promoted from the practice squad.
Wishnowsky was elevated from the practice squad to punt in the Patriots’ first two games this season. He averaged 45.3 yards per punt and 41.5 gross yards per punt – very similar numbers to last year in Buffalo and commensurate to his overall career. The eight-year veteran will continue his work from New England’s active roster after starting right guard Michael Onwenu was placed on injured reserve.
After losing Daly off their practice squad, the Saints needed long snapper depth with starter Zach Wood dealing with a calf injury. Adomitis, who has appeared in 58 games over the last four years, brings a solid amount of experience and will have to quickly get up to speed in New Orleans’ kicking and punting operations.