Jonathan

Fanene

He can return in Week 7.

However, both players look set to hit the open market. Rucker appeared in all 16 games last season, making 11 starts. He notched 44 tackles and four sacks. Fanene made just two starts in 16 games, but managed to notch 6.5 sacks despite grading out as one of the league’s worst linemen by Pro Football Focus.

The Bengals have as much cap space as any team, but they have a habit of losing out to other teams on veteran players. In a weak safety class, Nelson will be No. 2 on the boards of many teams, behind only LaRon Landry. Free agent DEs Frostee Rucker and Jonathan Fanene are also expected to hit the open market.

The Pats have been targeting a left end, and Fanene appears to be the “Plan B” to Red Bryant, who re-signed in Seattle. Playing just under half the snaps for one of the league’s best defensive fronts last season, Fanene proved to be an effective run-stopper. Bengals beat writer Joe Reedy suggests the Packers could also have interest.

The deal includes a $3.85 million signing bonus. Signing Fanene was reportedly the Patriots “first priority” after missing out on Red Bryant, and he’ll likely be the team’s starting left end in 2012. Fanene started just two games for the Bengals last season, but was effective against the run and tallied 6.5 sacks in only 379 snaps. He was limited to two games by a hamstring injury in 2010, but also managed six sacks in 2009.

Fanene has the requisite size to move inside, and could spell space eaters Vince Wilfork and Kyle Love in passing situations. Adding Fanene to the defensive tackle rotation would allow the Patriots to become more athletic and versatile upfront while transitioning to more 4-3 base concepts.

Fanene’s release is a major surprise after the Patriots handed him a $3.85 million signing bonus in March. Although Fanene spent the offseason working as the starting left end, he had been battling injuries throughout training camp, leaving more snaps for Ron Brace and Brandon Deaderick. ESPN’s John Clayton reports Fanene might need to undergo a knee scope later in the week. The 30-year-old will be free to sign with another team once he proves healthy.

The Patriots’ decision to cut Fanene Tuesday despite giving him a $3.85 million signing bonus in March is starting to make more sense. Per Sirius XM Radio’s Ross Tucker, Fanene was released under a “failure to disclose physical condition” designation. That will set up the Pats to go after at least some of his signing bonus. Fanene missed 13 straight practices before getting dumped.

Fanene spent the first seven years of his career with the Bengals. Marvin Lewis and Mike Zimmer love him, but he’ll have to prove his knee is healthy first. Fanene could be out 2-6 weeks if he goes under the knife this week.

He’s due back in action in 4-8 weeks. Fanene almost certainly won’t be back with the Patriots, but it’s believed the Bengals would be interested in re-signing him. A versatile 30-year-old end/tackle, Fanene registered a career-best 6.5 sacks across 16 games last season. He is a good player when healthy.