With the NFC Championship Game fast approaching, the Bucs made a number of depth-related roster moves on Tuesday. Veteran LB Deone Bucannon was signed from the practice squad to the active roster to replace special teams ace Jack Cichy, who was placed on injured reserve with a broken arm.

In addition, the Bucs designated running back and return man Kenjon Barner for return from the Reserve/Injured list. The Bucs have a 21-day window to return Barner to the active roster, but he can practice with the team in the meantime. The team also brought OG Nick Leverett back to their practice squad.

Bucannon may get a helmet on Sunday against Green Bay, despite the fact that Kevin Minter will be back from the COVID-19 list by then. The Bucs are thin at linebacker after the injury to Cichy and the release of Chapelle Russell. Bucannon is a former first round pick, but has struggled to hold onto a roster spot after starting for four years for Bruce Arians in Arizona.

Barner could be activated in time for Sunday’s game against Green Bay, but Jaydon Mickens has been the superior return man this season, and Barner really hasn’t been useful at running back. Given the Bucs depth at the return spots, it remains to be seen where Barner could be valuable to the team on game day.