The Washington Football Team returns two key starters from the reserve/COVID-19 list.
The team announced guard Brandon Scherff and defensive tackle Daron Payne were activated Thursday morning.
Scherff was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list last Saturday. Payne went on the list on Sunday -- the DT tweeted at the time that he didn't test positive, indicating he was deemed a close contact.
Washington had seven players on the COVID-19 list earlier this week. With Scherff and Payne returning, receiver Curtis Samuel and offensive tackle David Sharpe now sit as the two remaining out.
Elsewhere around the NFL Thursday:
- Following the Pittsburgh Steelers' 16-3 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game, Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin said running back Kalen Ballage has a lower-body injury that is being evaluated. Tomlin also said wide receiver Chase Claypool was fine after he landed on the ball following a reception. Claypool was seen to by trainers and left the game.
- As expected, the Minnesota Vikings activated quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Nate Stanley from the reserve/COVID-19 list. Kicker Riley Patterson passed his physical and has been removed from the physically unable to perform list. Reserve quarterback Case Cookus was waived Thursday in a corresponding move.
- Free-agent linebacker K.J. Wright left his visit with the Las Vegas Raiders without signing, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reports, per a source. Wright has interest from a few teams but will remain in touch with the Raiders, Rapoport adds. One of the top free agents left available, the 32-year-old has 941 career tackles over his 10 years with the Seahawks.
- The Tennessee Titans have signed quarterback Matt Barkley and released QB DeShone Kizer, the team announced. The Titans also signed tight end Donnie Ernsberger and veteran offensive linemen Brent Qvale and Ross Reynolds. Center Spencer Pulley and cornerback Greg Mabin were placed on injured reserve.
- After further testing, New York Giants receiver Kenny Golladay will miss a few weeks due to a hamstring injury. Rapoport reported that Golladay will be out two to three weeks with the injury.
- Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who's been sidelined with a knee injury, was in full pads Thursday and practicing.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David returned to practice after having missed time this week.
- Panthers coach Matt Rhule said cornerback A.J. Bouye might be out a couple weeks with a soft-tissue injury. Carolina also signed fullback Rod Smith and waived punter Oscar Draguicevich and wideout Ventell Bryant.
- Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift is dealing with a groin issue and the team is managing his workload. Tackle Tyrell Crosby is also dealing a Grade 1 hamstring strain.
- Chicago Bears rookie offensive lineman Teven Jenkins remains out with a back issue.
- The Atlanta Falcons signed receiver Trevor Davis and place tight end Jaeden Graham on injured reserve.
- The Philadelphia Eagles waived cornerback Shakial Taylor.
- The Green Bay Packers released long snapper Joe Fortunato and claimed defensive end Chauncey Rivers.
- The Arizona Cardinals activated cornerback Lorenzo Burns from the reserve/COVID-19 list and released cornerback Tae Hayes.
- The Buffalo Bills activated guard Ike Boettger from the reserve/COVID list.
- New York Jets defensive end John Franklin-Myers (shoulder), tight end Daniel Brown (hamstring) and guard Alex Lewis (head) left practice early Thursday.
- The Miami Dolphins have activated wide receiver Preston Williams and tight ends Cethan Carter and Adam Shaheen from the reserve/COVID list. The team also announced the release of TE Gabe Holmes while TEs Sal Cannella and Kalif Jackson have been waived.
- The Los Angeles Rams waived injured cornerback Dayan Lake and activated wideout Tutu Atwell from the reserve/COVID list.
- The New Orleans Saints waived linebacker Kendall Donnerson.
- The Seattle Seahawks waived wide receiver Darvin Kidsy.
