Buccaneers bring back defensive tackle Stevie Tu’ikolovatu

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, hurting for depth at defensive tackle after the injury to Vita Vea, have brought back Stevie Tu’ikolovatu.

As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers await any news regarding the severity of Vita Vea’s knee injury, they have brought back a familiar face at defensive tackle to fill in during his absence. After releasing him earlier this offseason with an injury designation, the Buccaneers have re-signed defensive tackle Stevie Tu’ikolovatu.

Tu’ikolovatu was a seventh round pick of the Buccaneers back in the 2017 NFL Draft out of the University of Southern California, but has not appeared in a single NFL game due to injuries over the past two seasons. However, familiarity with the organization can go a long way as he is now back in Tampa Bay and already practicing as the Buccaneers prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers tomorrow night.

Already 28 years old and just in his third year, Tu’ikolovatu will have a limited window to prove that he belongs in Tampa Bay for good, as he may be looking his last opportunity in the face. He joins a shallow group of defensive tackles also consisting of this year’s seventh round pick Terry Beckner Jr., Beau Allen, Ndamukong Suh, William Gholston, and Jeremiah Ledbetter among others.

With depth being such an issue at the defensive tackle position for the Buccaneers, Tu’ikolovatu has a real opportunity to win a job as a rotational piece along the defensive front in Todd Bowles’ 3-4 defensive scheme. Tu’ikolovatu will have a great opportunity tomorrow to be a gap stuffer for the Buccaneers front against the Steelers.

In order to make room to sign Stevie T, the Buccaneers waived the son of former quarterback Vinny Testaverde Jr. If the injury to Vea puts him out for a while, the Buccaneers could potentially add another piece to their defensive line.