There have been some adjustments to the Bucs roster going into their penultimate game of the regular season. Rookie running back Josh Williams has returned to the team after being suspended for the previous six games for violating  the league’s performance enhancing policy.

Because Williams has an exempt/commissioner permission designation, he does not count towards the 53-man roster.

Bucs RB Josh Williams – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

A practice squad move was made by Tampa Bay, too, as the team signed rookie inside linebacker Nick Jackson to the practice squad after waiving him just a week ago. Jackson joins Anthony Walker Jr. as recent signings by Tampa Bay. Walker was signed last week as the Bucs took him off of the Colts practice squad and put him on the active roster. Hehas a  chance to be active for the the last two games.

Will These Players Have Any Roles For The Bucs?

Tampa Bay’s rookie running back was an undrafted free agent from LSU that made the team out of training camp as a fourth running back that could step in and return kicks. He was inactive for the first four games of the season and made his NFL debut in Week 5 during the Bucs’ 38-35 win over the Seahawks. Williams returned five kicks for 129 yards, but unfortunately suffered a concussion that kept him out the next two weeks.

He was given his first rushing attempts in his return in Week 8 against the Saints, rushing four times for 11 yards in Tampa Bay’s win. Williams was dressed for the Bucs’ loss to the Patriots in Week 10,  but only played four special teams snaps.

There’s a chance that Williams could take Sean Tucker’s role as a kick returner on kickoffs next to Kameron Johnson, who primarily takes the returns. But considering Tucker isn’t used as much in the offense, it might be best to give him a chance to make a big play. And six games missed for Williams he’ll have to knock off some rust.

Bucs RB Josh Williams – Photo by: USA Today

Jackson has played three games this season for the Bucs in matchups against the Patriots, Bills and Falcons. He’s mostly played on special teams, but did have 18 defensive snaps against Atlanta in the Thursday night game.

The Bucs currently have Lavonte David, SirVocea Dennis, Deion Jones, Anthony Walker Jr. and John Bullock on the roster at inside linebacker. Its possible that Jackson could get a game day elevation, but its more likely that the Bucs just take their chances with Walker. They’re not going to replace Lavonte David and it’s probably too late to bench SirVocea Dennis.

Bucs ILB Nick Jackson – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

The big situation for Jackson is more about his status on the roster going into next season. Its likely that David won’t be back as he’s expected to retire at age 35, while Jones and Walker are both 31 and aren’t long-term answers. Dennis doesn’t have a starting spot guaranteed next season, which is his contract year, and the Bucs will have an influx of fresh faces at inside linebacker with additions in the draft and free agency. The linebacker room needs a complete overhaul, and the undrafted rookies Jackson and Bullock are going to have to fight for the last openings on the roster.