In a day full of transactions, the Bucs have brought a familiar face back to the practice squad. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the team is signing veteran running back Kenjon Barner.
With Gio Bernard dealing with MCL and hip injuries, the #Bucs are signing RB Kenjon Barner to their practice squad, source said. He visited today.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 14, 2021
Barner spent time on and off the active roster for Tampa last season. Utilized primarily as a return man, he filled in when Jaydon Mickens was sidelined with injury and COVID-19. In six games with Tampa, Barner dropped his lone target and had no rush attempts. As a returner, the veteran brought back 13 punts for 75 yards and seven kickoffs for 167 yards. In his career, Barner has 416 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while adding 28 receptions for 152 yards. The 32-year old has 630 punt yards and 1,291 kick return yards over his eight-year career.
Barner’s signing comes on the heels of Giovani Bernard moving to injured reserve. Bernard suffered a second-degree MCL sprain in his knee and a stretched tendon in his hip in the Bucs victory over Buffalo. The injury should not require surgery, but recovery is expected to be 4-5 weeks. Bernard could be back in time for the playoffs.
The Bucs prepare to face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday Night Football with a chance to clinch their first division title since 2007.
J.C. Allen is one of PewterReport.com’s newest beat writers. As a New England transplant, he has closely followed Tom Brady’s entire career and first fell in love with the game during the Patriots 1996 Super Bowl run. J.C. is in his second year covering the team after spending a year with Bucs Report as a writer, producer and show host. Some of his other interests include barbecuing, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. His favorite Buccaneer of all time is Simeon Rice and believes he deserves a spot in Canton. Follow J.C. Allen on Twitter @JCAllenNFL.
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