The Bucs wanted create a roster spot for cornerback Jamel Dean, who returned to the lively roster after a four-game stint on injured reserve. So late final week the staff waived inside linebacker Antonio Grier Jr. to activate Dean.
Tampa Bay initially signed Grier from the apply squad to the lively roster in Week 5 after inside linebacker SirVocea Dennis was positioned on season-ending injured reserve, however he didn’t see any time on protection and has lately been inactive. For depth at inside linebacker, head coach and defensive play-caller Todd Bowles has as an alternative turned to veteran reserve J.J. Russell, in addition to elevating apply squad linebacker Vi Jones for the previous three video games.
The truth that the Bucs re-signed Grier to the apply squad reveals that the staff nonetheless believes in him. Tampa Bay signed inside linebacker Kalen DeLoach, who was additionally within the undrafted free agent class with Grier, to the apply squad earlier this season, however has since moved on from the previous Florida State star.
Bucs Now Have Two Inside Linebackers On The Observe Squad
Bucs ILB Antonio Grier Jr. – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
Antonio Grier Jr. (6-1, 230) initially entered the league as a university free agent with the Bucs on Could 10, 2024, and spent the vast majority of this season on Tampa Bay’s apply squad earlier than being signed to the lively roster. He appeared in Weeks 5-8 for Tampa Bay, enjoying particular groups and recording one particular groups sort out.
The Atlanta native performed collegiately on the College of South Florida (2018-22) and the College of Arkansas (2023), showing in a complete of 58 profession video games and amassing 274 tackles (25.0 for loss), 10.0 sacks, 5 pressured fumbles, three fumble recoveries and three interceptions (two returned for landing). Grier wears No. 48 for Tampa Bay.
If the Bucs need to play Vi Jones any extra this season the staff might want to signal him to the lively roster as he has already been elevated to the lively roster the utmost of thrice this 12 months. Ought to Tampa Bay place security Jordan Whitehead, who suffered a pectoral damage on Sunday, on injured reserve that might open up a roster spot to signal Jones – or a apply squad security – to the lively roster. Safeties Rashad Knowledge and Eric Banks are presently on the apply squad.
