The Auburn Tigers have confirmed a breakdown in negotiations between a sensational star player who has declined a contract extension and expressed his desire to leave.

Former Auburn tight end John Samuel Shenker is set to make his NFL debut on Sunday after being signed to the Las Vegas Raiders’ active roster on Saturday, according to the team. Shenker initially joined the Raiders in May 2023 as an undrafted rookie but has yet to play in a regular-season NFL game, despite spending most of his time with the organization. The Raiders will face the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas at 3:25 p.m. CDT on Sunday.

Last season, Shenker was placed on the Raiders’ practice squad after being released during the preseason roster cuts. Although he was cut twice, he spent most of the season on the practice squad and even had a brief stint with the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad. After being released again at the end of this preseason, Shenker rejoined the Raiders’ practice squad.

 

In addition to Shenker, two other former Auburn players were promoted from NFL practice squads to active rosters on Saturday. Among them is defensive tackle Angelo Blackson, who will play for the Arizona Cardinals in his tenth NFL season as they take on the Washington Commanders at 3:05 p.m. CDT at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

The Chicago Bears have activated defensive tackle Byron Cowart from their practice squad to the active roster for the third time in his last four games. He participated in both Sunday’s 21-16 loss to the Indianapolis Colts and September 8’s season-opening 24-17 triumph against the Tennessee Titans by the Chicago Bears.

The Chicago Bears take on the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field on Sunday at 12:00 CDT.

If Cowart is going to play for the Bears this season after Sunday, he needs to be on the active roster. For every NFL game, two practice squad players may be promoted to the active roster by their respective teams; however, a player may not be promoted more than three times.