Buccaneers make roster moves as injuries hit cornerbacks
By Ryan Doyle
In response to a few injuries at the cornerback position, the Buccaneers have made a few roster moves to address the situation.
After short-term injuries decimated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive line, the injury bug bit the Bucs cornerbacks
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced the acquisition of cornerback De’Vante Harris off of waivers from the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
On Friday, the Bucs also added cornerbacks Amari Coleman and Aaron Davis to the roster. Davis’ run with the team didn’t last long as he was released to make room for Harris.
Harris spent the past two seasons with the New Orleans Saints. He played in 21 games and totaled 21 tackles thus far in his career.
Coleman was an undrafted free agent, and a member of the Detroit Lions before the Bucs picked him up.
With Vernon Hargreaves and Javien Elliot suffering injuries during the first preseason game, Tampa Bay needed bodies in practice.
The injuries have been brutal at cornerback, forcing Justin Evans to play nickel corner during practice.
Hargreaves will be out for a few weeks, and his injury will open up the door for M.J. Stewart and Carlton Davis. However, the fifth cornerback spot just became more interesting.
Ryan Smith remains the favorite, but the new additions could make a run with strong play for the remainder of camp. They are indeed at a disadvantage with getting on board this late in the process.
Harris, in particular, does have a chance to make a real run at the final corner spot. He has two years of NFL experience and could provide some insight regarding the New Orleans Saints defense in week one.
With Smith struggling mightily in the first preseason games and plenty of reps to be had, Harris could be a sneaky late addition for Tampa Bay.