The Bucs have made some moves on Monday based on events that occurred on Saturday night’s preseason game. Tampa Bay has signed running back Patrick Laird and placed veteran back Kenjon Barner on injured reserved with a groin injury.
The Bucs have placed running back Kenjon Barner on IR. Patrick Laird takes his place on the roster.
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) August 15, 2022
Laird has spent the last three seasons with the Miami Dolphins and played his college football at the University of California. He’s played in 37 career NFL games with 492 snaps on offense and 453 snaps on special teams. In his career he’s scored one touchdown and also forced a fumble.
Laird had also worked with the Bucs during rookie mini-camp on a tryout with the team.
It appears the #Bucs have signed RB Patrick Laird who is out here warming up at practice. Laird was with the Bucs during rookie mini camp on a tryout. Gio Bernard left Saturdays game with injury so something to monitor. pic.twitter.com/DmxwrL5Ca4
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) August 15, 2022
Barner was the fifth running back on the roster behind Leonard Fournette, Giovani Bernard, Rachaad White and Ke’Shawn Vaughn. He was having a solid camp, particularly in the joint practices against the Dolphins. Barner was also in the running for return job, which he has done many times in his career.
In a limited amount of playing time for the Bucs on Saturday night against the Dolphins, Barner had seven rushing attempts for 18 yards. His longest run of the night was 11 yards, which was the second longest for the Bucs in the game.
The Bucs had another injury from Saturday’s game as Bernard left early with an ankle injury. He did not participate either in Monday’s practice.
By the league rule, the Bucs and the rest of the NFL will have to cut their roster from 90 players to 85 by Tuesday.