In a flurry of moves, the Bucs announced they have re-signed wide receiver Justin Watson to the practice squad.

Watson was released from the 53-man roster on Saturday, along with corner Rashad Robinson. They were waived to make room for the return of Lavonte David and Giovani Bernard off of injured reserve. Watson missed nearly the entire regular season after undergoing knee surgery in August. The fourth-year receiver returned from PUP to play in one game, but did not record a stat.  He provides insurance for the receiver room in case of injury. Last season he led Tampa Bay in special teams tackles.

The Bucs also released punter Sterling Hofrichter and cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson. Hofrichter filled in during Weeks 16 and 17 when Bradley Pinion was out with a hip injury and COVID. He filled in admirably, averaging 37.8 gross yards per punt, with a net of 33.7. Wreh-Wilson was signed in Week 7 and was elevated just once from the practice squad.

In addition, the team announced they have protected four players ahead of the Divisional Round matchup against the Rams.

Newly signed receiver John Brown tops the list. He is joined by mainstay Jose Borregales, Codey McElroy and Kenjon Barner. McElroy has been elevated the past two weeks, while Barner is an emergency return man. The veteran saw most of his work this season when Jaelon Darden was in the concussion protocol.

The Bucs have one open spot on their practice squad with one more move to be made if Leonard Fournette returns on Sunday.

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About the Author: J.C. Allen

J.C. Allen is one of PewterReport.com’s newest beat writers. As a New England transplant, he has closely followed Tom Brady’s entire career and first fell in love with the game during the Patriots 1996 Super Bowl run. J.C. is in his second year covering the team after spending a year with Bucs Report as a writer, producer and show host. Some of his other interests include barbecuing, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. His favorite Buccaneer of all time is Simeon Rice and believes he deserves a spot in Canton. Follow J.C. Allen on Twitter @JCAllenNFL.
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mark2001
mark2001
4 months ago

Wouldn’t that be something if the guy that many guys pumped up as the next great Bucs receiver a couple years ago, finally amounted to something in the playoffs?

drdneast
drdneast
4 months ago

Ihave been on this site prior to when Watson was drafted and I can’t remember a soul saying he was going to the the Bucs next great receiver. I do remember Watson filling in admirably when Evans and Godwin both went out with hamstrings and missed the final two games in 99. I will say I think Watson is a much better receiver than Darden and isn’t afraid to venture into the middle of the field which I think Darden is.

WVBuc
WVBuc
Reply to  drdneast
4 months ago

He was touted by some as an Adam Humphries replacement. How great that is is suspect but Humphries was an important factor in the offense. John Brown is the name from this article to keep an eye upon.

BucLife
BucLife
4 months ago

To say that Hofrichter filled in admirably is a bit of a stretch I think. Having an avg that is 10yds less than the rest of the league is hardly admirable. And I think Watson is one of the best Special Teamers the Bucs have and capable of filling in at WR. Good to hear that he is back on the PS and could be elevated if needed. I also don’t recount anybody claiming that he is the next great WR, all people ever thought was that he might become a suitable Nr. 3 or Nr.4 WR. Even if he… Read more »