NFL Player News

Dennis will start at inside linebacker against the Vikings on Sunday due to the absence of Jeremiah Trotter (shoulder), Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Dennis has mostly worked on special teams this season and has only two tackles (one solo) through two games. However, with Trotter sidelined by a shoulder issue, Dennis will start next to Alex Anzalone for Sunday's game, with Christian Rozeboom providing depth at the position. Dennis was a regular starter for the Buccaneers last year, when he logged 101 tackles (66 solo), including 3.0 sacks, and five pass defenses (including one interception) across 16 regular-season games.

Cook (ankle) has returned to Sunday's game against the Jaguars, Jay Morrison of SI.com reports.

Cook left in the first half of Sunday's game due to an ankle injury, but he was back on the field for the second half after being cleared by medical staff.

Edwards (knee) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Colts.

Edwards couldn't put any weight on his leg and needed assistance off the field, and with the game nearing its end, his day is likely over. If that's indeed the case, Tommy Togiai and Jaden Crumedy are candidates to see more snaps the rest of the way.

Echols is being evaluated for a possible concussion and is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Bengals, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

Echols took a hit to the head while on special teams but was able to walk off the field under his own power. He hasn't seen much playing time on defense this season, but if he can't return, then Daylen Everette and Doneiko Slaughter would be the primary depth options at cornerback.

Mayer is projected to return to a No. 2 role in Sunday's game against the Saints due to Brock Bowers (knee) being ruled active for the contest.

Mayer filled in for his star teammate over the first two games of the season, serving as a solid complementary option for Kirk Cousins while generating a 9-55-0 line on 11 targets. However, Bowers' availability Sunday naturally relegates Mayer back to his customary backup role, one in which he may find targets hard to come by against New Orleans.

Benford (toe) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Chargers.

Benford left the game in the third quarter due to a toe injury, which is severe enough for him to be sidelined for the rest of Sunday's contest. Te'Cory Couch and Davison Igbinosun will continue to operate in elevated roles in Benford's absence.

Spears (ankle) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Giants, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

Heading into Sunday, Spears was listed as questionable with the same injury but was ultimately cleared to suit up. However, he appears to be dealing with an aggravation of the injury that now muddles his availability for the remainder of the contest. Spears carried twice for five yards and didn't draw a target prior to his departure.

Burns (knee) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Titans, Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post reports.

Burns was cleared to play Sunday despite not practicing all week due to a low-ankle sprain. He sustained a knee injury in the second half and was carted off the field, so Kayvon Thibodeaux and Abdul Carter will both see more defensive snaps in Burns' absence.

Hall was ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Lions after sustaining a thigh injury with 11:30 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Hall was in discomfort following a hard tackle near the sideline and made a visit to the Jets' medical tent before being ruled out for the contest. He finished the game with 13 carries for 32 yards and three catches for 23 yards on three targets prior to his departure. The Jets will be left with Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis as their backfield options for the remainder of the game.

Goodson is active for Sunday's game against the Ravens.

Todd Archer of ESPN.com initially reported that Goodson would be a healthy scratch. Instead, it will be Emari Demercado (coach's decision) that will be inactive, with Goodson and Javonte Williams the active running backs for the Cowboys in Brazil.