The Bucs announced Saturday afternoon that they have elevated two defensive players from the practice squad for Sunday’s home opener against the Bears.

Bucs Had Two Rookies To Replace For Week 2 Gameday Roster

With rookie defensive lineman Calijah Kancey set to miss Sunday’s game with a calf injury after making it through just 11 snaps last week, veteran Pat O’Connor has been elevated from the practice squad this week. O’Connor was somewhat of a surprise cut after training camp, with Mike Greene cracking the 53-man roster in is place.

O’Connor, an Eastern Michigan product, has been a special teams ace for the Bucs throughout his career, with both a blocked punt and a blocked field goal to his name. In 57 career games, he has 13 tackles, three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and five quarterback hits. A Chicago native, O’Connor will get to face the hometown Bears at Raymond James Stadium this Sunday.

Bucs ILB J.J. Russell – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

The other elevation for the Bucs was linebacker J.J. Russell, who himself was a bit of a surprise cut at the end of training camp. Russell had a strong preseason and looked like one of Tampa Bay’s more improved players, but he was ultimately left off the 53-man roster and landed on the practice squad.

He steps in for Tampa Bay against Chicago as a result of rookie SirVocea Dennis being ruled out with a hamstring injury. For his career, Russell has appeared in six games, with four tackles.

Carlton Davis was also ruled out for Sunday’s game, but his replacement will come in the form of Zyon McCollum. The second-year cornerback is expected to start opposite Jamel Dean against Justin Fields and the Chicago offense.