Here are this Friday’s minor NFL transactions:
Chicago Bears
- Placed on IR: CB Josh Blackwell
Cincinnati Bengals
- Claimed off waivers (from Cowboys): LB Devin Harper
Houston Texans
- Released: DE Derek Rivers
Miami Dolphins
- Placed on IR: WR River Cracraft, WR Erik Ezukanma
The Bears will now need a backup plan for their backup plan. Blackwell became the primary nickel cornerback in Chicago after the team placed Kyler Gordon on injured reserve. The loss of Blackwell will likely mean more responsibility for veteran defensive back Greg Stroman.
Harper was recently waived by Dallas in hopes that he would be able to sign with the Cowboys’ practice squad after clearing waivers, according to Todd Archer of ESPN. Unfortunately, they’ll lose control of his contract completely as Cincinnati exercised its waiver claim.
Rivers is being released with much the same intention as Harper, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2. Houston shouldn’t encounter as many hurdles as the Cowboys, though, since Rivers is a vested veteran and doesn’t need to hit the waiver wire before signing a new contract.