The Bucs are a beaten up team right now, simply praying for postseason health. Outside linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul has been playing hurt all season, and now Shaq Barrett has joined him. With Barrett out for the rest of the regular season and Pierre-Paul limited at best, the Bucs are bringing in reinforcements. Per The Athletic’s Greg Auman, the team is signing Elijah Ponder back to the practice squad. Ponder had a solid camp and played well in the preseason for the Bucs in August.

With Shaq Barrett sidelined next few weeks with injury, Bucs are bringing back outside linebacker Elijah Ponder to their practice squad. Undrafted rookie from Cincinnati was with them in training camp and preseason.

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) December 28, 2021

Ponder was an undersized defensive tackle at Cincinnati, but trimmed down to move to outside linebacker during training camp. A stocky edge rusher with good power and quickness, Ponder notched four tackles and a fumble recovery in preseason action. He’ll likely serve as the team’s fourth edge rusher if Pierre-Paul is out again this week. Ponder could be elevated to the roster if both Bucs starting outside linebackers are out for Week 16.

Meanwhile, outside linebackers Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Anthony Nelson are expected to start their first game as a duo on Sunday. Tryon-Shoyinka has four sacks this season, while Nelson has chipped in another three. Special teamer Cam Gill will contribute as well, attempting to build on an impressive second season. Gill has 1.5 sacks in just 51 defensive snaps.

Tampa Bay returns to action on Sunday against the New York Jets.