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About the Author: Matt Matera
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The Bucs have released linebacker Joe Jones in the middle of a series of roster cuts on Monday, per Greg Auman. They have to trim the roster down to 53 players for the regular season.
Bucs are releasing veteran inside linebacker Joe Jones, a former Bronco who was battling for last backup job. Helps the odds for rookie Grant Stuard, though Bucs could also just keep only four ILBs on the 53.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 30, 2021
Jones was in a three-player battle for the fourth linebacker position along with rookies K.J. Britt and Grant Stuard. He didn’t make the decision easy for the coaches, but it looked like going into the third preseason game that Jones was behind the other two in the rankings.
His highlight play came during the second half of the first preseason game against the Bengals, when Jones intercepted a pass and took it to the end zone for a pick-six.
Jones signed with the Bucs in May after spending four seasons with the Broncos. The four-year pro initially bounced around the league with the Cowboys, Chargers and Seahawks in 2017, before settling in Denver.
The Bucs still have a big decision to make in regards to Britt and Stuard. Bruce Arians said before Saturday’s game that Britt was pulling away from the competition for the fourth linebacker spot. Depending on how the Bucs want to construct the roster, they could still keep Stuard as a fifth ‘backer.
There are also 16 practice squad positions where either Jones or Stuard could end up.
