Bucs Make Roster Moves Prior To Giants Game

The Bucs announced two roster moves today ahead of their Week 12 game against the New York Giants. Cornerback Jamel Dean has been activated off injured reserve and the team released linebacker Antonio Grier Jr. Tampa Bay also elevated linebacker Vi Jones from the practice squad for the third straight week.

The more impactful of the two moves is the activation of Dean from injured reserve. He has missed Tampa Bay’s last four games after leaving early in their Week 6 matchup against the Saints.

In his stead the Bucs have used a combination of rookie Tyrek Funderburk and second-year cornerback Josh Hayes. The two have struggled mightily in that time, combining to allow 25 catches on 32 targets for 320 yards and four touchdowns across 211 coverage snaps. That’s a 78% completion rate allowed and 1.52 yards per route run.

The team also elevated linebacker Vi Jones from the practice squad. This is Jones’ third and final elevation. If the team wants him to play on Sunday after tomorrow, they will have to promote him to the active roster.

Head coach Todd Bowles has previously spoken about Jones being the best-suited linebacker on the team to take over the role SirVocea Dennis played earlier in the year as a late and long coverage backer. To date the athletic practice squad linebacker has only played three snaps, in Week 9 against Kansas City, on defense.

Bucs Update Injury Report

Bucs LT Tristan Wirfs – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

The team also updated their injury report, officially ruling out defensive back Tykee Smith due to a knee injury and downgrading All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs to doubtful as he works his way back from a sprained knee. Swing tackle Justin Skule is set to play in Wirfs’ place.

Skule has played in parts of six games this year and after a poor initial showing Week 2 against Aidan Hutchinson and the Detroit Lions he settled in filling in for right tackle Luke Goedeke while he was dealing with a concussion. Skule will have his hands full against the Giants as they have three good edge rushers in Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibideaux, who is coming off injured reserve, and Azeez Ojulari.

The Bucs have several options to fill in for Smith as the Bucs’ slot corner. Christian Izien has acted as a jack-of-all-trades fill-in this year. He took over when Smith missed week eight and week 10 and for safety Antoine Winfield Jr. Weeks 2-5.

The team could also look to cornerback Troy Hill, who they signed after he was released by the Panthers earlier this year. Tavierre Thomas also has experience in the slot.