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Buccaneers vs. Cowboys: 5 players fighting for a roster spot

By Cory Kinnan

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 14: Gerrid Doaks #23 of the Cincinnati Bearcats collides with Mazzi Wilkins #23 of the South Florida Bulls wihile running the ball during the second quarter of their game at Raymond James Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joseph Garnett Jr. /Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 14: Gerrid Doaks #23 of the Cincinnati Bearcats collides with Mazzi Wilkins #23 of the South Florida Bulls wihile running the ball during the second quarter of their game at Raymond James Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joseph Garnett Jr. /Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 17: Free safety Darian Stewart #26 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field during player introductions before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 17: Free safety Darian Stewart #26 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field during player introductions before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

S Darian Stewart

As the Buccaneers were dealing with injury after injury at the safety position, they signed veteran Darian Stewart to fill a role. At the time, given his experience and his appearance in a Pro Bowl, it looked like Stewart may have a chance to actually start right away in Tampa Bay.

Not so fast. Not only has second year player Jordan Whitehead put together quite an impressive summer, safeties Mike Edwards and Justin Evans are also returning to health. This has made Stewart’s roster spot expendable, especially if the Buccaneers are looking to keep younger players like Kentrell Brice on the roster.

If it is any indication of Stewart’s standing with the team, he was playing with the Buccaneers’ third stringers last week against the Browns. It could be that he is still learning defensive coordinator Todd Bowles’ scheme, or that the Buccaneers brought him in as a body to get through the rigors of training camp.

Next. 5 reasons to be pessimistic about the Buccaneers in 2019. dark

The veteran will find himself in a position that he has not been in for years: fighting for a roster spot in the last preseason game of the year. Will the Buccaneers choose to roster the veteran safety with loads of starting experience, or will they give that spot to a younger player with fresher legs?

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