JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed OL Eli Cox, S Kaevon Merriweather and TE Hayden Rucci to the practice squad, the team announced today. Additionally, the team has released OL Jimto Obidegwu from the practice squad.

Cox, 25, originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with Houston in 2025. He spent last season on the Texans practice squad. A native of Nicholasville, Ky., Cox attended Kentucky (2019-24) where Head Coach Liam Coen served as offensive coordinator for two of his seasons with the team (2021, 2023). Cox started 47-of-56 games played at UK (35 starts at center, 12 at right guard), including 38 consecutive starts to end his career. He was a two-time captain and All-SEC honoree.

Merriweather, 26, signed with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and has played in 43 games (seven starts) for the Buccaneers (2023-25) and Texans (2025). His career totals include 31 tackles (20 solo), two passes defensed, one fumble recovery, one tackle for loss, one quarterback hit and 1.0 sack. The Belleville, Mich., native played collegiately at Iowa, amassing 118 tackles (79 solo), eight passes defensed, four interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble return for a touchdown. Merriweather was named Second-Team AP All-American and All-Big Ten Honorable Mention as a senior in 2022.

Rucci, 25, originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with Miami in 2024. He appeared in four games and had a special teams tackle with the Dolphins last season after spending his rookie year on the team's practice squad. Rucci, a native of Lititz, Pa., attended Wisconsin (2019-23) where he played in 35 games (18 starts) and totaled 17 receptions for 200 yards and a touchdown. He was teammates with OL Cole Van Lanen for two seasons with the Badgers (2019-20). His father, Todd, played offensive line in the NFL for eight seasons.