Bucs Elevate 2 Players From Practice Squad For Week 18

There has been a lot going on for the Bucs on Saturday just one day before a huge Week 18 matchup. In a matter of very unfortunate news, strong safety Jordan Whitehead was in a car accident on Saturday heading to Tampa Bay’s facility, which has caused injuries that will keep him out for Sunday’s game and the rest of the season. Safety Ryan Neal was signed to the roster in his place. Hours later, the Bucs have elevated two other players from their practice squad for the game.

Tampa Bay announced on Saturday afternoon that they are elevating cornerback Dallis Flowers and veteran linebacker Deion Jones for the Week 18 game against the Saints. Flowers signed to the Bucs’ practice squad in October and was elevated for the win over the Raiders in Week 14. This is also the second practice squad elevation for Jones, who signed with Tampa Bay in December and was called up last week in a win over the Panthers.

Bucs Are Thin Across The Board At DB

Bucs CB Jamel Dean and S Christian Izien and Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb – Photo by: USA Today

Whether it’s cornerback or safety, the Bucs do not have a lot of personnel remaining at either position. With Jamel Dean out, Josh Hayes is starting on the opposite side of Zyon McCollum at corner. Tyrek Funderburk is the primary backup and he struggled when given the chance for more playing time earlier in the season. Flowers might be called into action just based on how injured Tampa Bay has been this season. He played mostly special teams in his lone appearance this season and will do so again.

It gets even worse for the Bucs at safety. While Antoine Winfield Jr. is close to a return, he is out for yet another game. He will have missed eight games on the season after Sunday, including four in a row. Christian Izien is still on injured reserve and Whitehead, who just came off of it for last game, immediately goes back on after the shocking news. Mike Edwards has only been with the team for a little over a month has also missed some time. Edwards and Merriweather will be starting for the defense in the regular season finale.

Tampa Bay must feel confident enough in the remaining safety group of Edwards, Neal, Kaevon Merriweather, Tavierre Thomas and Tykee Smith in the slot since they did not call up another safety. This is a big game for the Bucs. If they get a win over New Orleans they will become NFC South division champions for the fourth season in a row and host a home playoff game. All season long they’ve had to overcome injuries throughout different positions on the roster. They will have to do it again.