From the wire Defensive player notes

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Going through the cuts each team made today getting down to the league requirements of 53, and there weren’t any major one’s made on the defensive side.

Probably the only one of note was St. Louis cutting S Kim Herring Herring (75 combined tackles, 3 INTs) started 16 games for the Rams last season. With a lot of teams needing help in the secondary don’t see him without a job for too long.

Most of the news on defense has been injuries. These are from the past week. Of course the biggest news is Steelers LB Joey Porter getting shot up in Colorado. Will have to wait for more info and see how long he’ll be out.

News out of Seattle is that CB Shawn Springs has a shoulder injury and may miss the next two months. While it will be a blow for the Seahawks depth at CB, it should push rookie Marcus Trufant into the starting lineup. Chances are Trufant was drafted in your league, but if he’s available grab him. If he does start he’ll get tested early and often.

Rookie DE Jerome McDougle, Eagles is expected to miss at least two games with a laundry list of ailments, high-ankle sprain, a mild knee sprain and a bruised hip bone in his left leg. As he is third on the Eagles depth chart at DE he didn’t have much value at this point unless you’re in a dynasty league.

New Orleans Saints lost starting S Mel Mitchell for the season to a knee injury. This will move last year’s starter Jay Bellamy (86 tackles, 3 INTs) back into the starting lineup.

Good news out of Dallas is that CB Derek Ross has elected to have damaged cartilage in his left knee removed instead of repaired. Ross' decision to avoid major surgery means that he may be able to return to active duty by Week Three. We’ll watch how this progresses and he may be a good waiver pick-up when he returns.

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From The Associated Press
9/3/2003, 8:04 p.m. ET
The Bucs officially named second-year pro Ryan Nece as the starting strongside linebacker for Monday night's season opener at Philadelphia. The son of Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott beat out Dwayne Rudd, whose offseason acquisition was viewed as an upgrade for the NFL's top-rated defense.

Nece made the team as an undrafted free agent last season. He appeared in eight games as a reserve linebacker and standout on special teams before tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on Oct. 27 and missing the rest of his rookie year.

He led the Bucs with 32 tackles, one sack and an interception during the preseason. In limited playing time, Rudd had 12 tackles in five exhibitions.

"All things considered, Ryan Nece, based on performance, won the opportunity to start," Gruden said. "Nothing is permanent in life. Dwayne Rudd is still competing and will be a factor before this season is over. At the same time, Ryan Nece deserves to start."

Rudd, who signed with the Bucs as a free agent after spending the first six years of his career with the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns, said he will try to contribute on special teams.

"Anything to help the team win," said Rudd, who didn't criticize the decision by defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin.

"Coach Kiffin is a great coordinator. Obviously, he knows talent. He knows how to assess talent, and he especially knows what's best for his schemes. I'm still trying to be part of this team. My teammates still want me to be a part of this team. They want me to go out there and help them win games."