Three former Wisconsin Badgers are beginning the 2025 NFL season on a team’s practice squad. Those are offensive lineman Michael Deiter (Washington Commanders), linebacker Maema Njongmeta (Cincinnati Bengals) and tight end Hayden Rucci (Miami Dolphins).
While the three narrowly missed the 53-man active roster cut, they remain with their respective franchises in some capacity, with a chance to rise onto the roster later in the season.
Deiter, first, joined the Commanders in 2024 after beginning his career with the Miami Dolphins (2019-22) and Houston Texans (2023). The former third-round pick has 90 total appearances and 35 starts in that time. He started two games for the Commanders in 2024, primarily operating as a depth option along the interior of their offensive line.
Njongmeta’s placement on the practice squad is somewhat unexpected. The linebacker made the Bengals’ 2024 active roster after joining the team as an undrafted free agent. He registered one start in 17 appearances as a rookie, totaling 13 tackles and two fumble recoveries. Draft picks Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter each earned spots on the team’s two-deep at linebacker, pushing Njongmeta to the roster bubble.
Rucci, finally, is entering his second NFL season, each with the Dolphins’ practice squad. He has yet to crack the team’s 53-man roster.
All three teams will kick off their 2025 schedule this weekend. While those three former Badgers likely won’t be in action, their respective statuses are worth monitoring as the season continues.
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