NFL Player News

Rodriguez (knee) was placed on the reserve/PUP list Tuesday.

Rodriguez played 10 games (six starts) and produced 43 tackles (27 solo) and 2.0 sacks last season before his season ended due to a torn ACL in late November. The 2022 second-round pick should be back in action by this November if he avoids any setbacks, and his earliest chance to play will be Week 5 versus the Bengals. He likely won't start once he returns, as Derrick Barnes and Alex Anzalone should have those outside linebacker roles locked up.

The Buccaneers placed McMillan (neck) on injured reserve with a designation to return Tuesday, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

McMillan left Tampa Bay's second exhibition contest with what was determined to be a strained neck. The wide receiver will sit out at least the first four games of the season, with McMillan's first chance to suit up occurring in Week 5 at Seattle. In the meantime, the Bucs will roll with Mike Evans, rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka and potentially Chris Godwin (ankle), who passed a physical and was activated from the active/PUP list Tuesday, as targets for Baker Mayfield.

Dean (knee) was moved to the reserve/PUP list Tuesday.

Dean will be forced to miss at least the first four games of the 2025 campaign as he continues his recovery from the torn left patellar tendon he sustained in the Eagles' wild-card win over the Packers in January. The 24-year-old took a massive step forward in his third NFL season, compiling 128 total tackles (80 solo), including 3.0 sacks, while also adding an interception, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries over 15 regular-season contests in 2024. Once healthy, Dean figures to start alongside Zack Baun at interior linebacker.

McNeill (knee) was placed on the reserve/PUP list Tuesday.

McNeill tore his ACL in Week 15 last season and is expected to be out at least the first two months of the season. His absence opens the door for rookie first-round pick Tyleik Williams to immediately start at defensive tackle next to DJ Reader, while Roy Lopez and Mekhi Wingo will also get extra tread. McNeill signed a four-year, $97 million contract in October of 2024, and he posted 25 tackles and 3.5 sacks through 14 games prior to his injury.

The Dolphins waived Rucci on Tuesday.

Rucci entered Dolphins' training camp gunning for a depth spot on the 53-man roster, but the Wisconsin tight end failed to record a catch across three preseason games. Rucci spent most of 2024 on the Dolphins' practice squad, and assuming he clears waivers he could reprise that role for the 2025 campaign.

Shorter was waived by the Raiders on Tuesday.

Shorter was active for all three of the team's preseason contests, reeling in three catches for 22 yards. The wide receiver played in 10 regular-season games with Las Vegas in 2024, but he failed to record any offensive stats in those contests. Shorter will now be placed on waivers, and his experience last season could make him an intriguing target for the rest of the league.

The Lions waived Saylors on Tuesday.

Saylors has bounced around on practice squads since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2023. The 24-year-old running back handled a team-high 11 touches in the second preseason game, turning them into 49 yards. Saylors was always a longshot for the 53-man roster, but he has a decent chance to stick around on the practice squad.

Runyon was waived by the Raiders on Tuesday.

Runyon signed with Las Vegas as an undrafted free agent in May, recording six catches for 74 yards over the team's three preseason contests. The tight end will now be placed on waivers, but if he goes unclaimed, he could stick around as a member of the Raiders' practice squad.

Denver released Prentice on Tuesday, Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette reports.

Prentice spent his first four NFL campaigns with New Orleans, playing in 48 regular-season games and serving primarily as a blocker. He was signed by the Broncos on Aug. 17 but wasn't able to make the team's initial 53-man roster. According to Tomasson, it's unclear if Denver intends to sign Prentice to the practice squad if he clears waivers.

The Lions waived Jackson on Tuesday.

Jackson hasn't played since suiting up in four games across the Browns, Colts and Giants in 2023. The Duke product posted the third-most rushing yards (417) in the UFL this spring. The 26-year-old will be a practice-squad candidate.