Transactions: Saints activate Rankins; Pack get Linsley

The Packers will begin the second half of the season with their starting center in tow.

After spending eight weeks on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, center Corey Linsley was moved to the active roster on Saturday. Linsley tore his hamstring twice in the offseason.

The third-year offensive lineman is slated to start Sunday against Colts, replacing third-year center JC Tretter, who coincidentally is doubtful to play with a knee injury.

Linsley was drafted in the fifth round in 2014 out of Ohio State and started 27 straight regular season games out of the gate.

Here are other transactions that took place on Saturday:

1. The Saints officially activated first-round pick Sheldon Rankins on Saturday. The rookie defensive tackle was on injured reserve for eight weeks while recovering from a fractured fibula. In a corresponding move, New Orleans placed linebacker James Laurinaitis (quad) on injured reserve, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.

2. The Steelers placed guard Cody Wallace on injured reserve. He had yet to play a game this season while dealing with a knee injury. Pittsburgh signed cornerback Al-Hajj Shabazz to the team's active roster in a corresponding move.

3. The Chiefs placed guard Parker Ehinger (knee) on injured reserve. The starting rookie guard suffered the injury last week against the Colts.

4. The Dolphins placed tight end Jordan Cameron on injured reserve. He suffered his fourth concussion in four years in Week 3.

5. The Cowboys signed cornerback Leon McFadden to the active roster. They had an open spot since waiving fullback Rod Smith.

6. The Ravens activated safety Matt Elam from injured reserve. He missed the first eight weeks with a knee injury. Elam is slated to play Sunday against the Steelers. 

7. The Chargers placed running back Dexter McCluster on the reserve-non football injury list with a fractured forearm, ending his season. Rapoport reports that he broke his forearm in an accident at home. The team signed linebacker Deon King and wideout Isaiah Burse off the practice squad and waived tackle Tyreek Burwell.

8. The Broncos promoted cornerback Taurean Nixon from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. Tight end John Phillips was released to make room for Nixon.