Mike Rucker

49-Year-Old Defensive EndDE
 Free Agent  
2023 Fantasy Outlook
There was no outlook written for Mike Rucker in 2023. Check out the latest news below for more on his current fantasy value.
$Announced retirement in April of 2008.
DEFree Agent
April 22, 2008
The Panthers have scheduled an early afternoon press conference where it's believed that Rucker will announce his retirement, the Charlotte Observer reports.
ANALYSIS
He'll go down as one of the franchise's most popular players, ranking second in sacks (52.5) and tackles (496) after playing 10 seasons with the Panthers. Rucker is currently a free agent, but torn knee ligaments suffered in December of 2006 are the primary culprit if he decides to hang up his spikes on Tuesday.
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2023 Mike Rucker Split Stats
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Past Fantasy Outlooks
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
Rucker's progressing towards a return from a torn ACL and MCL, but the Panthers aren't sure what they're going to get out of him this season. Rookie Charles Johnson is next in line to start opposite Julius Peppers if Rucker isn't ready to go, but check back on his status as the season approaches before rolling the IDP dice on him.
Rucker doesn't get the attention that Julius Peppers does, but he's a productive defensive end. With teams focusing on Peppers, it allows Rucker to fly under the radar. He registered 7.5 sacks last season and could return to double figuers this season. Could be a sleeper.
Rucker will start opposite Julius Peppers at defensive end for the Panthers. Sandwiched between these two will be Brentson Buckner and Kris Jenkins. The Panthers will rely heavily on these four to stop the run and apply pressure on the quarterback, as the new-look secondary tries to familiarize itself with each other.
Who picked Rucker to outsack and otherwise outperform his linemate Julius Peppers last year? Rucker missed two and a half games last season to a sprained MCL (it's fine) yet still finished with 52 solo tackles and 12 sacks. He's come into his own as a star and while he isn't the fumble forcer that a Rice or Taylor is, he can produce just a many pass-defend points. His sacks tend to come in bunches, leaving more no-sack games than you'd expect for 10-plus QB captures. That's where the high tackle stats kick in.
Overshadowed on his own team by Julius Peppers, Rucker had his second straight productive season in 2002, notching 10 sacks and leading all defensive ends with 58 solo tackles. Thanks to Peppers' massive presence, you can be sure that Rucker will be single-teamed on almost every down this season.
More Fantasy News
DECarolina Panthers
February 4, 2008
Rucker plans to return to the Panthers next season, the Associated Press reports.
ANALYSIS
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DECarolina Panthers
January 24, 2008
Rucker is still unsure as to whether he will retire or not, the Associated Press reports.
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DECarolina Panthers
Illness
December 2, 2007
Rucker (illness) is active for Sunday's game against the 49ers.
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DECarolina Panthers
Toe
September 30, 2007
Rucker (turf toe) is active for Sunday’s game against the Bucs.
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DECarolina Panthers
Toe
September 28, 2007
Rucker is listed as probable for Sunday's game on the official injury report against the Bucs because of turf toe.
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