20 George Iloka SS

Iloka (shoulder) was released by the Cowboys on Friday, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Iloka finds himself a free agent after training camp for a second straight year. He appeared in all 16 games for the Vikings last year, serving as a backup safety. He could see some interest from teams seeking a veteran safety presence or those facing injuries at the position.

Iloka signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys on Saturday, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

The 28-year-old has plenty of experience as a five-year starter with the Bengals, but Iloka started just three games with the Vikings in 2018. Archer added Iloka can play both safety positions, and the Cowboys plan to have him replace Jeff Heath as the starting strong safety while keeping Xavier Woods as the free safety.

Iloka moved to a reserve role and just one tackle in Sunday's win over Detroit. He played just one snap on defense.

Iloka had started the previous two games at strong safety with Andrew Sendejo out with a groin injury. Anthony Harris got the start with Sendejo still out as it looks like Iloka lost the starting role due to performance and not injury.

Iloka started at strong safety and had eight total tackles in Sunday's win over Arizona.

Iloka played 43 of the defense's 58 snaps while filling in for Andrew Sendejo (groin). It's not clear when Sendejo may return, so Iloka could retain some short-term IDP value.

Iloka is expected to start at strong safety Sunday against the Cardinals with Andrew Sendejo (groin) already ruled out for the contest, Andrew Kammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Iloka, who signed with the Vikings on Aug. 22, was limited exclusively to a special-teams role until Week 4. Despite his lack of in-game defensive reps this season, he boasts plenty of familiarity with coach Mike Zimmer's scheme from their time in Cincinnati together. The starting assignment could set Iloka up for a decent tackle count Sunday, as Sendejo had averaged 5.4 stops per game through the first five weeks of the season.

Iloka signed with the Vikings on Wednesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports.

Iloka's release from the Bengals on Sunday surprised many around the league, but financial restrictions ultimately forced Cincinnati's' hand. Projecting how Iloka will fit in with the Vikings is somewhat difficult, as the team seems comfortable with Harrison Smith and Andrew Sendejo (calf) at the safety spots. At the very least, Iloka provides added depth on the back end of the defense and figures to find a way onto the field in some capacity.

The Bengals are slated to release Iloka, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Per the report, the move to let go of the 28-year-old safety is a financial decision. Iloka had 80 tackles and a pick last season, and he should catch on with another team in short order. Rookier second-round pick Jessie Bates should have a shot at a Week 1 starting job in Cincinnati.

Iloka (shoulder) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Lions.

Iloka hurt his shoulder last week in Minnesota. However, he didn't miss a day of practice this week and should be ready to assume his usual heavy workload.

Iloka (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Lions.

Iloka injured his shoulder during the Bengals' Week 15 loss to the Vikings, but he returned to practice this week in a limited capacity. If he's unable to play Sunday, Josh Shaw would likely draw the start at free safety.

Iloka (shoulder) won't return to Sunday's game against the Vikings.

Without Iloka, the Bengals will turn to Clayton Fejedelem and Josh Shaw to man the leftover snaps at safety.

Iloka injured his shoulder during Sunday's game against the Vikings and is doubtful to return, Richard Skinner of WKRC-TV reports.

Iloka's absence will add to injury issues in the Bengals' secondary. He has 68 tackles (45 solo) and one interception through 13 games. Josh Shaw and Clayton Fejedelem likely will see increases in defensive snaps in Iloka's absence.

Iloka's one-game suspension was overturned Wednesday in an appeal, making the safety eligible to play Sunday against the Bears.

Iloka was handed the ban from the NFL after driving his head into the helmet of Steelers wideout Antonio Brown while attempting to break up a touchdown reception in the Bengals' 23-20 loss Monday. Though he'll be on the field in Week 14, Iloka was still levied a $36,464.50 fine for the illegal hit.

Iloka was suspended for one game following his hit on Antonio Brown in Monday night's loss to the Steelers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Iloka hit Brown with a helmet-to-helmet collision as the superstar wideout caught the game-tying touchdown pass in Monday night's contest. With fellow safety Shawn Williams still dealing with a hamstring injury, the Bengals could be fairly light on depth in the secondary for Sunday's matchup with the Bears. Iloka, however, does plan to appeal his suspension.

Iloka (hamstring) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Iloka exited in the second half of Sunday's game with a hamstring injury and was unable to return, but it looks as though the ailment won't be a lingering one. Expect Iloka to be a full go as the Bengals' starting free safety Sunday against the Browns.

Iloka left Sunday's against the Packers with a hamstring injury and did not return, Jim Owczarski of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Iloka left the field in the second half along with fellow safety Shawn Williams. Williams was able to return, however, while Iloka was not. He will look to recover before Week 4's matchup with the Browns as the Bengals try notch their first win of the season.

Iloka (knee) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

While it isn't clear if Iloka has officially gained clearance to participate in Week 1, his unrestricted practice Wednesday suggests he should soon -- if he hasn't been given the green light already. At this point, it would be a surprise if Iloka didn't play.

Iloka (knee) has been practicing for the last two weeks, but hasn't yet officially been cleared to play Sunday against the Ravens, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Judging by his comments, however, he expects to play. "Mentally I feel good, physically I feel good given the conditions ...," Iloka said. "If this was my first or second year maybe I'd be a little more worried, but it's an opponent we've faced before. I understand what I can do in terms of to get myself ready for the game. I'll let everything else fall where it lies."

Iloka (knee) suited up and participated in practice Tuesday, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Iloka was initially expected to miss three to four weeks after he injured his knee late in July, but he ended up missing just two weeks. He'll jump back in with the No. 1 defense alongside fellow starting safety Shawn Williams.

Iloka (knee) will sit out 3-to-4 weeks, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

The Boise State product has been a constant with the Bengals' defense, starting every game last season and posting 74 tackles, three interceptions, and seven pass breakups. Iloka's injury could hinder him right up until Week 1, so check back as the regular season approaches to see if he'll be ready to go.

Iloka suffered an apparent right knee injury during Sunday's practice, but Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said the safety is "probably fine" and isn't expected to miss significant time, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Iloka dropped to the field on a non-contact play during the first part of team drills Sunday and required a cart to assist him off the field, leading to initial fears that he may have suffered some structural damage. While it doesn't sound as though a severe injury has been officially ruled out, the setback wasn't deemed as serious as it looked, so for now, Iloka seems to have avoided a major issue. The 27-year-old is preparing for his fifth season as a starting defensive back for the Bengals and is coming off a campaign in which he racked up a career-high 74 tackles to go with three interceptions.