The Bucs wanted create a roster spot for cornerback Jamel Dean, who returned to the energetic roster after a four-game stint on injured reserve. So late final week the crew waived inside linebacker Antonio Grier Jr. to activate Dean.
Tampa Bay initially signed Grier from the observe squad to the energetic roster in Week 5 after inside linebacker SirVocea Dennis was positioned on season-ending injured reserve, however he didn’t see any time on protection and has not too long ago been inactive. For depth at inside linebacker, head coach and defensive play-caller Todd Bowles has as an alternative turned to veteran reserve J.J. Russell, in addition to elevating observe squad linebacker Vi Jones for the previous three video games.
The truth that the Bucs re-signed Grier to the observe squad reveals that the crew nonetheless believes in him. Tampa Bay signed inside linebacker Kalen DeLoach, who was additionally within the undrafted free agent class with Grier, to the observe squad earlier this season, however has since moved on from the previous Florida State star.
Bucs Now Have Two Inside Linebackers On The Follow Squad
Bucs ILB Antonio Grier Jr. – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
Antonio Grier Jr. (6-1, 230) initially entered the league as a school free agent with the Bucs on Might 10, 2024, and spent the vast majority of this season on Tampa Bay’s observe squad earlier than being signed to the energetic roster. He appeared in Weeks 5-8 for Tampa Bay, enjoying particular groups and recording one particular groups sort out.
The Atlanta native performed collegiately on the College of South Florida (2018-22) and the College of Arkansas (2023), showing in a complete of 58 profession video games and amassing 274 tackles (25.0 for loss), 10.0 sacks, 5 pressured fumbles, three fumble recoveries and three interceptions (two returned for landing). Grier wears No. 48 for Tampa Bay.
If the Bucs need to play Vi Jones any extra this season the crew might want to signal him to the energetic roster as he has already been elevated to the energetic roster the utmost of 3 times this yr. Should Tampa Bay place safety Jordan Whitehead, who suffered a pectoral injury on Sunday, on injured reserve that may open up a roster spot to signal Jones – or a observe squad security – to the energetic roster. Safeties Rashad Knowledge and Eric Banks are presently on the observe squad.
