Marshawn Kneeland, 24, Dies: NFL News & Injury Updates

Asante Samuel Jr., a cornerback without a team, is scheduled to visit with a number of NFL franchises with the hope of securing a contract for the latter part of the season. This development follows his medical clearance to resume play after undergoing spinal fusion surgery. Samuel was hosted by the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, and is expected to meet with the Minnesota Vikings on Friday. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Samuel is also set to hold meetings with San Francisco (Monday), Chicago (Tuesday), and Pittsburgh (Wednesday) next week.

Samuel was initially selected by the Chargers in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, where he spent his initial four professional seasons in Los Angeles. His last appearance for the Chargers was in 2024, where he participated in four games prior to sustaining his injury.

DeForest Buckner, a defensive tackle for the Indianapolis Colts, has been officially ruled out and will not accompany the team on their trip to Germany for the Week 10 game against the Atlanta Falcons. Buckner is currently managing a neck injury.

The Philadelphia Eagles have initiated the 21-day practice window for guard/center Willie Lampkin, signaling his potential return from injury. Lampkin was added to the Eagles’ roster via waivers in August but was subsequently placed on injured reserve shortly thereafter.

Additionally, Philly has welcomed edge rusher Patrick Johnson back to their practice squad after releasing him in advance of Tuesday’s trade deadline.

Two prominent figures have rejoined the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice sessions on Thursday. Saquon Barkley, the team’s running back, participated after recovering from a groin injury sustained during Week 8’s game against the New York Giants. Additionally, wide receiver A.J. Brown, who had been sidelined due to a hamstring injury, also returned to practice following the team’s bye week.

Nick Chubb, the running back for the Houston Texans, participated in Thursday’s practice after being held out on Wednesday due to a foot injury. During his first season with Houston, Chubb has appeared in all eight games, accumulating 355 rushing yards, scoring two touchdowns, and averaging just under four yards per attempt.

Wilson’s absence stretches back to Week 6, stemming from a hyperextended knee he suffered during the team’s defeat to the Broncos in London.

To date, the wide receiver has recorded the most receptions for the Jets, totaling 36 catches for 395 yards and four touchdowns.

Sanoussi Kane, a defensive back, has been signed to the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad. Kane was selected by the Ravens in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft and has participated in 21 career games.

Gano was sidelined for a month due to a groin injury following his participation in the season’s opening three games. He made his return in Week 8 against the Eagles, but it appears he might be facing another period of absence.

Jude McAtamney served as the kicker in four games, successfully converting two out of two field goal attempts but only managing to make nine out of twelve extra point attempts, which ultimately led to his release.

Younghoe Koo, who was previously released by the Falcons earlier in the season, joined the Giants’ practice squad in September.

Sauce Gardner, the newly acquired cornerback for the Indianapolis Colts, has been cleared from concussion protocol, according to reports from ESPN’s Stephen Holder. Gardner’s absence from last week’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals occurred while he was still a member of the New York Jets. Gardner was traded to the Colts on Tuesday in exchange for a 2026 and 2027 first-round pick, as well as second-year receiver Adonai Mitchell. He originally sustained a concussion during Week 7’s game against the Carolina Panthers. Gardner is scheduled to address the media at 11:30 a.m. ET and is anticipated to make his debut with the Colts in Berlin this Sunday against the Falcons.

The Dallas Cowboys communicated the passing of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland on Thursday. He was 24 years of age.

The announcement from the team stated:

“It is with deep sadness that the Dallas Cowboys confirm the tragic death of Marshawn Kneeland earlier today. Marshawn was a valued player and individual within our organization. Our thoughts are with his girlfriend, Catalina, and his family during this difficult time.”

A parallel announcement was released by the NFL on Thursday, confirming the passing of Kneeland and specifying that they have “provided support and counseling resources” to the Cowboys organization.

Jon Perzley, Kneeland’s agent, also issued a statement conveying his profound distress at the news. Perzley’s complete statement read:

“I am extremely saddened to confirm the passing of my client and close friend, Marshawn Kneeland, last night. I had the privilege of witnessing his journey from a promising young athlete at Western Michigan to a respected professional with the Dallas Cowboys. Marshawn dedicated himself fully to every play, practice, and moment on the field. The loss of someone with his talent, spirit, and character is incredibly painful. My heart goes out to his family, teammates, and all those who cherished him, and I hope they feel the support from the entire football community during this incredibly difficult time. I kindly request that everyone respect the privacy and provide compassion to his loved ones as they mourn this profound loss.”

The cause of Kneeland’s death has not been disclosed at this time.

Darnell Washington, a tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was absent from Wednesday’s practice due to a foot injury. This season, over the span of eight games, Washington has recorded 13 receptions for 127 yards and one touchdown.

In an unusual circumstance for the NFL, every player on the Baltimore Ravens roster fully participated in Wednesday’s practice session.

The New England Patriots reported that five players did not participate in Wednesday’s practice. These included wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (hamstring), center Garrett Bradbury (hip), linebacker Christian Elliss (hip), running back Joshua Farmer (ankle), and running back Rhamondre Stevenson (toe).

In contrast, cornerback Christian Gonzalez (gameday concussion protocol) and linebacker Marte Mapu (neck) were both active participants in Wednesday’s practice session.