The preseason has come to an end. Now comes the part that coaches hate the most. Every NFL team has until 4 p.m. ET on Saturday to whittle down their roster to the maximum of 53 and break the unfortunate news to the players.
Prior to Thursday’s preseason finale against the Miami Dolphins, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ roster stood at 75, meaning the organization needed to let go of, at least, 22 players. While last night’s contest gave the Bucs coaching staff a better idea as to which players weren’t going to be a good fit on the final roster, there will definitely be some tough decisions towards the end of the process.
Here’s a running list of the cuts made by the Bucs:
- Khaseem Greene, LB: After an impressive 98-yard interception return for a touchdown, the Buccaneers have decided to part ways with Greene, according to Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times.
- Larry Dean, LB: The Houston Chronicle’s Aaron Wilson is reporting that the Bucs have cut the 27-year-old out of Valdosta State.
- Da’Quan Bowers, DE/DT: Following a report from Mike Garafolo that Bowers was going to be waived, Da’Quan confirmed the news, sending out the following tweet:
Thanks to the fans who have supported me for the past few years.. Good luck to my brothers and buc nation go get em....#BUC4LIFE
— Coach Da'Quan Bowers (@DaQuanBowers91) September 4, 2015
- Connor Barth, K: Following an impressive debut from rookie kicker Kyle Brindza, who made a 55 and 57-yard field, the Bucs have decided to cut Barth, per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. After a long, exhausting kicking competition, Brindza wins the job after one preseason game.
- Brandon Dixon, CB: Dixon sent out the following tweet, confirming that the Bucs have parted ways with the 25-year-old cornerback.
Thanks to the Whole Tampa Bay Organization for giving me an opportunity ... Time to move on and continue the Dream
— #1 BrandonDixon (@BDixs1) September 4, 2015
- Seth Lobato, QB: The Bucs will go with two quarterbacks for Week 1, meaning they have waived Seth Lobato, according to the Tampa Bay Times’ Greg Auman. However, Auman adds, “Likely match for Bucs’ practice squad as Kafka was last year.”
- Kenny Bell, WR: Click here to read the full story on Bell’s situation.
- Patrick Murray, K: With Brindza securing the starting kicker job, it was only a matter of time before Murray was cut from the team. The Times’ Greg Auman with the scoop.
- Patrick Omameh, OG/T: This report also comes from the Times’ Greg Auman.
- Chris Hackett, S: After going undrafted, the TCU product could’ve been a sneaky good acquisition by the Buccaneers in the “eighth round.” But, after the Bucs picked up D.J. Swearinger off waivers, the safety position became a congested spot on the roster. In Thursday’s preseason finale, Keith Tandy played a phenomenal game with five tackles and two interceptions, potentially sealing his spot on the final roster. This report also comes from the Times’ Greg Auman.
- Tavarres King, WR: Donteea Dye and Adam Humphries have kept their names in the 53-player roster conversation with a solid preseason. King failed to impress, which explains why the Bucs cut him. And yes, you guessed it, this is coming from the Times’ Greg Auman.
- Caushaud Lyons, DT: According to the Times’ Greg Auman, the Bucs have waived the Tusculum product, but leave the door open for him to return to the team and join the practice squad.
- Isaiah Frey, CB: According to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, the Bucs have cut Frey. The signing of Tim Jennings put Frey’s future with the team in jeopardy.
- Donteea Dye, WR: The Heidelberg product was solid in the preseason, hauling in seven passes for 82 yards, but Adam Humphries and Rannell Hall were slightly more impressive. The Times’ Greg Auman first reported.
- Garrett Gilkey, OG: The Tampa Tribune’s Roy Cummings is reporting that Gilkey will be placed on injured reserve following a potential season-ending knee injury. Gilkey penned a piece in Desiring God discussing the injury and how his faith has factored into where he goes from here.
- Larry English, DE: According to the Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud, the Bucs have placed English on the IR with a knee injury.
- Josh Keyes, LB: The Tampa Bay Times’ Greg Auman is back again to report that the Bucs have waived Keyes, leaving Kwon Alexander, Bruce Carter, Lavonte David, Danny Lansanah and Jason Williams as the only LBs on the roster.
- Edawn Coughman, OT: Even though Coughman got the start at left tackle in the Bucs’ preseason finale, he didn’t do enough to convince the team keep him around.
- Kaelin Clay, KR/WR: This news comes from the Times’ Rick Stroud. With Humphries possibly securing the starting kick returner spot, Clay became the odd man out.
- Jude Adjei-Barimah, CB: The Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud with the report.
- Ryan Delaire, DE: Per the Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud, Delaire could a vital part of the Bucs’ practice squad and make a strong run at a roster spot next season.
- Lawrence Sidbury Jr., DE: ESPN’s Adam Caplan reports the last roster move for the Bucs. By cutting Sidbury Jr, the team is left with limited true pass rushers on the roster.
Next: Buccaneers place wide receiver Kenny Bell on injured reserve
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