Before Thursday night’s season opener, the Bucs are elevating two players from the practice squad for their home game against the Cowboys. Wide receiver and kick returner Jaydon Mickens along with safety Andrew Adams have been called up to the active roster.

Both players were on Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl winning team last season and are quite capable of handling responsibilities in this game if called upon.

Heading into 2021, Mickens played the entire training camp with the Bucs and signed to the practice squad after the last round of roster cuts. Meanwhile, Adams spent this preseason with the Eagles, returning to the Bucs on the practice squad following his release.

We could see a situation where Mickens is inserted as the kick and punt returner for this game, which is a role he primarily held with the Bucs last year. This may translate to rookie wide receiver Jaelon Darden being a game day inactive.

Adams has an opportunity to play tonight if the Bucs choose to activate him over safety Chris Cooper. With Jordan Whitehead out, the Bucs may like more reliable depth at safety, and Adams has spent plenty of time in this defense. Cooper made the team as he excelled on special teams, but Adams is also accomplished enough to play that role.

The Bucs and Cowboys start their game at 8:20 PM tonight.