The Bucs needed create a roster spot for cornerback Jamel Dean, who returned to the active roster after a four-game stint on injured reserve. So late last week the team waived inside linebacker Antonio Grier Jr. to activate Dean.

Tampa Bay originally signed Grier from the practice squad to the active roster in Week 5 after inside linebacker SirVocea Dennis was placed on season-ending injured reserve, but he didn’t see any time on defense and has recently been inactive. For depth at inside linebacker, head coach and defensive play-caller Todd Bowles has instead turned to veteran reserve J.J. Russell, as well as elevating practice squad linebacker Vi Jones for the past three games.

The fact that the Bucs re-signed Grier to the practice squad shows that the team still believes in him. Tampa Bay signed inside linebacker Kalen DeLoach, who was also in the undrafted free agent class with Grier, to the practice squad earlier this season, but has since moved on from the former Florida State star.

Bucs Now Have Two Inside Linebackers On The Practice Squad

Bucs ILB Antonio Grier Jr. – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Antonio Grier Jr. (6-1, 230) originally entered the league as a college free agent with the Bucs on May 10, 2024, and spent the majority of this season on Tampa Bay’s practice squad before being signed to the active roster. He appeared in Weeks 5-8 for Tampa Bay, playing special teams and recording one special teams tackle.

The Atlanta native played collegiately at the University of South Florida (2018-22) and the University of Arkansas (2023), appearing in a total of 58 career games and amassing 274 tackles (25.0 for loss), 10.0 sacks, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and three interceptions (two returned for touchdown). Grier wears No. 48 for Tampa Bay.

If the Bucs want to play Vi Jones any more this season the team will need to sign him to the active roster as he has already been elevated to the active roster the maximum of three times this year. Should Tampa Bay place safety Jordan Whitehead, who suffered a pectoral injury on Sunday, on injured reserve that would open up a roster spot to sign Jones – or a practice squad safety – to the active roster. Safeties Rashad Wisdom and Eric Banks are currently on the practice squad.