Orchard (undisclosed) was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Orchard landed on the COVID list last week but is now back on the active roster after clearing the health and safety protocols. He signed with Washington in mid-December and primary played special teams in his lone appearance of the season.

Orchard (undisclosed) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Orchard joined Washington mid-season and has only played one defensive snap in 2021. His absence shouldn't impact Washington's game plan Sunday against the Cowboys. However, the seven-year veteran will try to clear protocols quickly to prove he deserves a chance to do more for Washington's defense.

Orchard was released by the Vikings on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Orchard never saw the field for the Vikings this season, after spending the last two seasons with Washington. The 2015 second-round selection of the Browns will now look to catch on elsewhere.

Orchard was waived by the Texans on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

The 27-year-old was claimed off waivers by Houston about a month ago but is now parting ways with the team. Orchard didn't see game action during his month with the Texans.

Orchard was activated from the exempt/commissioner permission list Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Houston claimed Orchard off waivers two days after he was let go by Washington on Nov. 7, but the linebacker had to clear NFL COVID-19 protocols before being able to officially join his new team. The Utah product's best campaign came during his rookie season of 2015 when he recorded 36 tackles and three sacks for the Browns, but he has just three combined sacks over 31 games played since then.

The Texans claimed Orchard off waivers from Washington on Monday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Orchard played in eight games for Washington since the beginning of the 2019 season, recording 16 tackles, a sack and a pass breakup. He'll arrive in Houston and fill an immediate role with his new team, as the Texans just placed Brennan Scarlett (forearm) and Kyle Emanuel (concussion) on injured reserve. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, Orchard's availability is uncertain for this Sunday's matchup against the Browns, but he may compete for a starting outside linebacker role once he joins team activities.

Orchard was waived by Washington on Saturday, Sam Fortier of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

The return of Steven Sims (toe), who missed the last four games, spelt the end of Orchard's tenure with the team. Orchard piled together two tackles in two games this season, adding much-needed depth to Washington's defensive front.

Washington promoted Orchard to the active roster Tuesday, Kyle Stackpole of the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

A roster spot opened up with Matthew Ioannidis (torn biceps) on IR, so Orchard will add depth on the defensive line. Rookie first-rounder Chase Young (groin) could miss this Sunday's game against the Ravens, too. Orchard played five games in 2019 and posted 14 tackles, a sack and a pass breakup.

Washington signed Orchard to the practice squad after having cut him, Kyle Stackpole of the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Orchard appeared in five games with Washington in 2019, so if the team's linebacker corps needs added depth this season he'll be a strong candidate to be promoted.

The Redskins and Orchard agreed to terms on a one-year contract Wednesday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 28-year-old was a late-season add to the roster in 2019, playing five games and producing 14 tackles (eight solo), a sack and a pass breakup. Orchard will likely continue to provide depth in Washington's linebacking corps in 2020.