Buccaneers Sign Linebacker, Elevate Two For Sunday's Game Against The Raiders

The Bucs have signed a linebacker to the active roster and promoted two others from the practice squad ahead of their matchup against the Raiders.
Aug 23, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA;  Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Antonio Grier Jr. (48) intercepted   the ball against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Aug 23, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Antonio Grier Jr. (48) intercepted the ball against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images / Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
In this story:

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have quite a few injuries heading into their matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Injuries have ravaged this team all season and again take their toll this week.

On Friday, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles ruled out several players in linebacker K.J. Britt, safety Mike Edwards outside linebacker Markees Watts, and cornerback Troy Hill. Hill was subsequently placed on injured reserve with foot and knee injuries and Watts still has not been activated off of the list.

To make matters worse, the Bucs ruled out several more players on Saturday. Backup linebacker J.J. Russell was ruled out after being tagged with a questionable designation after popping up on the Friday injury report with a hamstring injury. With Britt already out, the Bucs were left extremely thin at linebacker, so they promoted Antonio Grier Jr. from the practice squad. Grier Jr. has split his time between the practice squad and active roster, appearing in games from Week 5 through Week 8 and recording a special teams tackle.

In addition, the Bucs elevated cornerback Dallis Flowers after corner Josh Hayes also suffered a hamstring injury on Friday and was ruled out on Saturday. Flowers signed to the Buccaneers practice squad on October 16 after being released by the Colts. He has experience playing in 21 games, including five starts. He's likely to fill Hayes' role on special teams and provide depth should the Bucs suffer an injury with Tyrek Funderburk, the only healthy corner behind Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum.

In a move that was expected since Monday's release of Trenton Gill, the Bucs have also elevated punter Jack Browning. The rookie punter entered the league as an undrafted free agent this season spending time with the Bills and Ravens before signing to Tampa Bay's practice squad on October 23. He will handle punting, holding and kickoff duties for the Buccaneers.

READ MORE: Will Bucky Irving Play Sunday During Buccaneers-Raiders?

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2024 season.

Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook

More Tampa Bay Buccaneers News

• Todd Bowles Gives Injury Update on Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield

• Buccaneers HC Todd Bowles Gives Injury Update for 2 Injured Defensive Starters

• Former Oklahoma Sooners QB Baker Mayfield Speaks on College Football Flag Planting Trend

 Panthers Player Gets Into it With Buccaneers Player After Loss


Published
JC Allen
JC ALLEN

JC Allen has been covering the Bucs since 2020. He is credentialed reporter and writer for Sports Illustrated’s Bucs Gameday and is the VP of the PFWA Tampa Chapter. A transplant to the area, he offers unparalleled views and insights on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.