96 Steve McLendon NT

Tampa Bay re-signed McLendon to a one-year contract Wednesday, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

McLendon first joined Tampa Bay in a mid-season trade with the Jets in 2020, and he provided the team with valuable depth along the defensive line throughout the path to Super Bowl LV. That said, the 35-year-old veteran is essentially off the fantasy radar in IDP formats at this point in his career.

McLendon was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday, Joey Knight of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

McLendon will return to the lineup for Sunday's NFC divisional-round matchup against the Saints. The 35-year-old defensive tackle averaged nearly 30 defensive snaps per game during the regular season, so he and Rakeem Nunez-Roches should form a tandem at nose tackle again this week.

McLendon was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

It's unclear if McLendon tested positive for the coronavirus or came into close contact with someone who did. If it's the latter, he'll be able to play in the first round of playoffs as long as he continues to test negative. Rakeem Nunez-Roches figures to absorb a big chunk of the snaps left behind by McLendon in Sunday's game against the Falcons.

McLendon posted five tackles (four solo), including one for loss, in the Buccaneers' 45-20 win over the Raiders on Sunday.

McLendon turned in a productive performance in his first game with the Buccaneers, with the veteran validating coordinator Todd Bowles' endorsement of the trade that brought him over from the Jets a week earlier. McLendon had experience with Bowles' defensive scheme when both were with the Jets, and that solid foundation is expected to continue helping him fill the void created by the absence of Vita Vea (IR-ankle).

McLendon was traded to the Buccaneers on Sunday, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

McLendon leaves an 0-6 Jets team to join a high-powered Buccaneers defense that just held the Packers to 10 points to improve to 4-2. The veteran nose tackle will compete with Rakeem Nunez-Roches for snaps with his new team, while Folorunso Fatukasi should pick up most of the snaps vacated by McLendon's departure in New York.

McLendon (knee) wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

McLendon missed a handful of snaps Week 4 against the Broncos, but his injury won't be a long-term issue. Expect the 34-year-old nose tackle to start Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

McLendon (knee) is probable to return to Thursday night's matchup against the Broncos, Connor Hughes of The Athletic reports.

The 34-year-old defensive tackle was injured on a special-teams snap at the 4:48 mark of the first quarter, though it is expected he will be able to return to action. In the unlikely event that McLendon can't make it back on the field, Folorunso Fatukasi would be in line for an increased defensive workload at nose tackle.

McLendon finished with 36 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2019.

McLendon's more impactful as a leader in the locker room than on the field, but the nose tackle was still able to contribute meaningful statistics in his 10th NFL season. Assuming the 34-year-old McLendon doesn't decide to hang up his cleats, he has one more year remaining on his contract with the Jets.

McLendon (knee/hip) is active for Sunday's game against the Steelers.

McLendon has been dealing with multiple injuries over the course of the past few weeks and has often been limited in practice, but the veteran has yet to miss a game this season. He should slot in as the Jets' starting nose tackle.

McLendon (knee/hip) is active for Thursday's contest against the Ravens.

McLendon has been dealing with multiple injuries, with head coach Adam Gase noting the nose tackle is "banged up all over the place" prior to Week 14. However, the veteran will tough it out Thursday and should start at nose tackle. Folorunso Fatukasi is primed to fill in for McLendon if he suffers any setbacks.

McLendon (knee/hip) is listed as questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Ravens, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

McLendon was able to play through these issues during Sunday's win over the Dolphins, and he's been a limited participant in practice all week. However, there's still cause for concern on a short week, so Folorunso Fatukasi is on standby to start at nose tackle if McLendon can't go.

McLendon (knee/hip) is active for Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

McLendon was listed as questionable after working as a limited practice participant Thursday and Friday, but he's good to go for Week 14. The 33-year-old should serve in his usual starting role versus Miami.

McLendon (knee/hip) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Miami.

McLendon sat out Wednesday's practice before closing out the week with two limited sessions. The 33-year-old has yet to miss a game this season, but even if he goes, Folorunso Fatukasi could see increased snaps Sunday.

Coach Adam Gase said Monday that McLendon (undisclosed) is "banged up all over the place," Connor Hughes of The Athletic reports.

McLendon battled through a neck issue in late November, and he now appear to be nursing numerous injuries. The veteran nose tackle has started all 12 games this season. Wednesday's first injury report of the week will shed some light on his chances of suiting up against the Dolphins on Monday.

McLendon (neck) is officially active for Sunday's game against Oakland.

Despite practicing on a limited basis all week, McLendon will be available for Sunday's game. The 34-year-old is expected to assume his normal starting role as the team's nose tackle against the Raiders.

McLendon (neck) is questionable to play Sunday versus the Raiders, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

Limited at practice all week, McLendon's status for Sunday remains up in the air. Even if he plays, the 33-year-old defensive tackle's impact is unlikely to have an effect on fantasy fortunes.

McLendon (neck) is questionable for Sunday's game at Washington.

McLendon played through the neck issue last Sunday against the Giants but was unable to shed the injury at practice this week. The 33-year-old has started all nine games this season and figures to start again Sunday if able to suit up.

McLendon (neck) is active for Sunday's game against the Giants.

McLendon was a limited participant in practice all week, but he'll fire up for the New York rivalry. The 33-year-old hasn't fallen behind in snaps to rookie first-round pick Quinnen Williams over the last few weeks. His IDP value was already unreliable with just 16 tackles (nine solo) in eight games.

McLendon (neck) is questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Giants.

McLendon has been limited in practice all week, indicating that he may truly be questionable heading into Sunday's early slate of games. If the veteran cannot suit up, look for rookie Quinnen Williams to gain a greater share of snaps at nose tackle, with Folorunso Fatukasi also seeing an increased role along the interior defensive line.

McLendon is being evaluated for a neck injury Monday, Ethan B. Greenberg of the Jets' official site reports.

McLendon suffered what was initially disclosed as a shoulder injury during Monday's loss to the Dolphins, but it's now been revealed that the starting defensive lineman is managing a neck issue. If McLendon were forced to miss any time, rookie first-round pick Quinnen Williams would stand to take over at nose tackle.