The Bucs introduced two roster strikes right this moment forward of their Week 12 sport in opposition to the New York Giants. Cornerback Jamel Dean has been activated off injured reserve and the staff launched linebacker Antonio Grier Jr. Tampa Bay additionally elevated linebacker Vi Jones from the observe squad for the third straight week.
The extra impactful of the 2 strikes is the activation of Dean from injured reserve. He has missed Tampa Bay’s final 4 video games after leaving early of their Week 6 matchup in opposition to the Saints.
In his stead the Bucs have used a mixture of rookie Tyrek Funderburk and second-year cornerback Josh Hayes. The 2 have struggled mightily in that point, combining to permit 25 catches on 32 targets for 320 yards and 4 touchdowns throughout 211 protection snaps. That’s a 78% completion fee allowed and 1.52 yards per route run.
The staff additionally elevated linebacker Vi Jones from the observe squad. That is Jones’ third and closing elevation. If the staff desires him to play on Sunday after tomorrow, they must promote him to the lively roster.
Head coach Todd Bowles has beforehand spoken about Jones being the best-suited linebacker on the staff to take over the position SirVocea Dennis performed earlier within the yr as a late and lengthy protection backer. Up to now the athletic observe squad linebacker has solely performed three snaps, in Week 9 in opposition to Kansas Metropolis, on protection.
Bucs Replace Harm Report
Bucs LT Tristan Wirfs – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
The staff additionally up to date their harm report, formally ruling out defensive again Tykee Smith resulting from a knee harm and downgrading All-Professional left sort out Tristan Wirfs to uncertain as he works his method again from a sprained knee. Swing sort out Justin Skule is about to play in Wirfs’ place.
Skule has performed in elements of six video games this yr and after a poor preliminary exhibiting Week 2 in opposition to Aidan Hutchinson and the Detroit Lions he settled in filling in for proper sort out Luke Goedeke whereas he was coping with a concussion. Skule can have his palms full in opposition to the Giants as they’ve three good edge rushers in Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibideaux, who’s coming off injured reserve, and Azeez Ojulari.
The Bucs have a number of choices to fill in for Smith because the Bucs’ slot nook. Christian Izien has acted as a jack-of-all-trades fill-in this yr. He took over when Smith missed week eight and week 10 and for security Antoine Winfield Jr. Weeks 2-5.
The staff may additionally look to cornerback Troy Hill, who they signed after he was launched by the Panthers earlier this yr. Tavierre Thomas additionally has expertise within the slot.
