The Bucs had their smallest group of players at practice on Tuesday as the 53-man roster was set, but as they wait for other players to clear waivers and get put on the practice squad, Tampa Bay still has to wait another day for this to occur.

Bucs Get A Boost With Jordan Whitehead Returning

Bucs SS Jordan Whitehead – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

The good news, though, was one starting player who had been out for a long period of time during training camp was practicing with for Tampa Bay. Safety Jordan Whitehead was seen warming up with his Bucs teammates while wearing a helmet and shells. The Bucs were in shorts and helmets today so it wasn’t full pads. However, there were other players out including outside linebacker Yaya Diaby that were out there and not participating at all, so it looks like Jordan Whitehead is on track for the start of the regular season.

Since media availability is only open for the first 30 minutes for practice, what Whitehead fully participated in couldn’t fully be determined. After warmups he worked out with trainers and coaches, eventually catching passes from a coach. Special teams work is typically going on at this time, so many starters who don’t participate in that area are either getting extra stretches in or working in various drills.

“He had a full day,” Bowles said.

Bucs DB Christian Izien – Photo by: USA Today

Excitement over the duo of Whitehead and Antoine Winfield Jr. returning began in March when Whitehead came back to Tampa. But since Whitehead has been out since early in training camp, it’s only been Winfield and a rotation of safeties on the back end. It’s been a rotation because safeties Kaevon Merriweather and Christian Izien have almost missed time as well.

Bucs That Also Made Their Return 

While Diaby and Merriweather still remain sidelined along with defensive back Josh Hayes and cornerback Tyrek Funderburk, there were some other Bucs that came back to practice besides Whitehead. Inside linebacker SirVocea Dennis and the aforementioned Chrisitan Izien were each in pads and participating.

Dennis had been practicing previously in a non-contact jersey but was out for the last preseason game against the Dolphins. He wasn’t wearing one today as he participated in special teams drills, which was a good sign. Izien had been out for over week but was also in for special teams as the Bucs began their practice session.

Dennis is expected to be the third inside linebacker on the Bucs’ depth chart although J.J. Russell has done very well in the preseason. He may have a chance for playing time considering how well Dennis has done in pass coverage, Tampa Bay might swap K.J. Britt out on third down.

Tampa Bay kept a lot of defensive backs on the active roster, 11 in total, and Izien is likely to back up Winfield at free safety. Izien started for the Bucs at the nickel a season ago, but drafting Tykee Smith and signing Tavierre Thomas has moved him to a natural safety position.

Overall the Bucs are getting healthier for the start of the season, particularly with their valuable starting players.