The Bucs were quite busy making some roster moves on Saturday prior to Sunday’s home game against the Panthers.

As Pewter Report previously reported, Tampa Bay signed outside linebacker Shaq Barrett to a one-year deal on Saturday morning after he passed his physical. The 32-year old pass rusher cleared waivers on Friday. Barrett requested his release from the Miami Dolphins, who held his rights after he retired prior to the start of the 2024 season.

But that’s not the only roster move the team made.

Tampa Bay waived inside linebacker Vi Jones a day after releasing fellow inside linebacker Antonio Grier Jr. That leaves the team with just three linebackers on the active roster in Lavonte David, J.J. Russell and K.J. Britt, who is expected back from a knee injury this week after missing several games.

Bucs ILB Vi Jones – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

For some added depth against the Panthers the Bucs have elevated veteran linebacker Deion Jones from the practice squad for Sunday’s game.

As expected the Bucs also signed punter Jack Browning from the practice squad to the active roster. Browning had been elevated from the practice squad three times, which was the limit.

Tampa Bay also elevated third-string quarterback Michael Pratt from the practice squad to the game day roster to give him a boost in pay this week.

Bucs Get 2 Players Back From Injured Reserve

Bucs WR Kameron Johnson – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

The team also activated a pair of players from injured reserve to the active roster. Strong safety Jordan Whitehead and wide receiver Kameron Johnson, an undrafted free agent, will both be available on Sunday.

Whitehead has been out since Week 12 when he suffered a pectoral injury in the Bucs’ 30-7 win over the Giants in New York. His return is huge for the team as Tampa Bay just put reserve defensive back Christian Izien on injured reserve this week. Starting safety Antoine Winfield Jr. will miss another game with a knee injury. He’s only played in nine games this year.

Whitehead and Mike Edwards are expected to start versus Carolina on Sunday.

With veteran wide receiver Sterling Shepard out of action due to a hamstring injury, the athletic Johnson will give the team some depth at the position. He’s only played in four games this season due to an ankle injury and only has one carry for zero yards on an end around.