Buccaneers Fill out Their 17-Man Practice Squad
After making cuts down to the active 53-man roster, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rounded out all 17 practice squad spots on Wednesday. The team brought back 14 players who were in the building through the preseason, with three new additions.
The Buccaneers had to get down from 91 players to 53 on Tuesday, and brought back as many of the 28 cuts as they were able to fit on the practice squad. Tampa Bay had just one player claimed off waivers, with Trey Palmer heading to the division rival New Orleans Saints.
Practice squads give teams the ability to have players ready to go of any injuries occur. Teams can continue to work with veterans and develop young players without having to commit a 53-man roster spot.
“I mean, [the practice squad] helped us out a lot last year,” head coach Todd Bowles said. “I think it’s not dedicated to the young guys anymore. Sometimes you need some veterans in there for a rainy day that can learn the system, and when something goes wrong, they can step up and play.”
“Not asking them to play an extended period of time, but you’re asking them to play and step in and be a pro. And I think those guys have value.”
The Three New Additions
After being cut by the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday, 6-foot-6, 355-pound defensive tackle Jayson Jones heads to Tampa Bay. The undrafted rookie out of Auburn appeared in three preseason games, totaling two pressures and six tackles.
The Buccaneers picked up undrafted rookie safety Jack Henderson from the Carolina Panthers. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound safety played his college ball at Minnesota, and tallied a tackle in each preseason game.
Outside linebacker Mohamed Kamara joins the practice squad after being released by the Miami Dolphins. The 2024 fifth-round draft pick appeared in five games last season and is the only outside linebacker on Tampa Bay’s practice squad.
Many Familiar Faces Make Their Returns
On the offensive side of the ball, the offensive line was the main focus for filling out the open spots. The Buccaneers brought back five protectors up front: Michael Jordan, Luke Haggard, Lorenz Metz, Tyler McLellan and undrafted rookie Ben Scott.
Undrafted rookie quarterback Connor Bazelak is the only signal caller the team brought back, and could be a depth piece behind Baker Mayfield and Teddy Bridgewater if needed.
Wide receivers Dennis Houston and undrafted rookie Garrett Greene both return after impressive preseasons. Tight end Tanner Taula rounds out the offensive side of the practice squad as the only one at his position.
Undrafted rookie linebacker Nick Jackson had big flashes in the preseason, and passed through waivers to return to Tampa Bay. He will be the lone inside linebacker on the practice squad.
Veteran cornerback Bryce Hall surprised some fans when he was released by the Buccaneers, but he will also be staying put as the team’s only defensive back on the squad.
Three defensive linemen round out the rest of the signings, with Adam Gotsis, C.J. Brewer and undrafted rookie Nash Hutmacher each re-signing to remain with the Buccaneers practice squad.
