Well, Bucs rookie return man Jaelon Darden better be ready to go the distance. On Tuesday evening, Jaydon Mickens was signed off the Bucs practice squad to the Jaguars active roster. The Athletic’s Greg Auman first reported the news, adding that the Bucs are re-signing wide receiver John Hurst to the practice squad. Hurst had been released to make room for Breshad Perriman’s signing two weeks ago.

The Jaguars lost Jamal Agnew to a hip injury this week, so they were in the market for a returner. Mickens played in Jacksonville from 2017-2018, scoring a punt return touchdown in his first season. The diminutive return man wasn’t flashy for the Bucs, but did an excellent job during the team’s Super Bowl run. Mickens didn’t fumble or muff a single kickoff or punt last season.

The veteran was on a similar path this season, but Tampa Bay had other ideas. After Mickens handled the return duties admirably over the first five games of the year, the Bucs turned to Darden. Seeking to get the rookie integrated, Mickens was released before returning to the practice squad. One of the most popular players in the Bucs locker room, Mickens now heads a few hours north.

On Tuesday, Bruce Arians said Scotty Miller will serve as the backup return man. Miller was activated from injured reserve and should be ready to play against Indianapolis in Week 12.