Buccaneers Announce Practice Squad

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were awarded no players on waivers, but they announced the ten players that will be joining their practice squad.

Despite not being able to make additions via the waiver wire, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were able to bring back some of their players that cleared waivers – as well as add one from another team.

Here is the list of practice squad players;

OL       Josh Allen
LB        Micah Awe
RB       Peyton Barber
WR      Jeremy Butler
CB       Javien Elliot
C         Ben Gottschalk
RB       Russell Hansbrough
S          Isaiah Johnson
LB        Josh Keyes
WR      Freddie Martino

Micah Awe has not officially signed, but has agreed to terms with the team. Same goes for newcomer Jeremy Butler, who chose the Buccaneers over the Ravens.

Butler was a star for the Ravens during preseason, leading the team with 16 receptions for 148 yards and two touchdowns. For the Ravens in 2015, Butler had 31 receptions for 363 yards. According to Pro Football Talk, he made the decision to go to Tampa Bay rather than remain with Baltimore based on “Baltimore’s depth at the position” and he has a “better chance to make the active roster” with the Buccaneers.

Now, it’s hard to say Baltimore has more depth at the position as Butler likely could make either active roster before too long, but one could make the argument that Butler’s decision was based more on which team appears to be on the more successful track.

One name you’ll notice is absent is that of fan favorite Danny Vitale. Vitale was waived in favor of undrafted free agent Alan Cross for the fifth tight end position. The Bucs had hopes of bringing him back to the practice squad, however Vitale was claimed by the Buffalo Bills. It’ll be interesting to see how the Bills plan on using the “super back”, but his versatility will be beneficial for a run heavy offense up in Buffalo.

The Buccaneers are certainly not done making moves. Many of us would still like to see the depth at defensive tackle addressed and a name like Terrance Knighton keeps coming up as a player that would fit well here. Although that seems unlikely, a player that does have ties to the current staff and would help fill a hole on the team is running back Dexter McCluster. McCluster played for special teams coordinator Nate Koczar in Tennessee, so there is a history and familiarity there. Another player with Bucs ties is wide receiver Cecil Shorts who played under Dirk Koetter one year in Jacksonville.

Keep an eye on twitter over the next few days. The initial 53-man roster is simply that: the initial 53. Teams are always looking to make improvements where they can and the roster is still very much a fluid situation.

Next: Previewing The Buccaneers' Corners

Who would you like to see the Buccaneers take a chance on? Let us know in the comments or tweet using the hashtag #53Bucs.