While indications suggest that Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield is a go for Sunday afternoon, that did not stop the team from making a move at the position on Saturday afternoon. Connor Bazelak was signed from the practice squad and is now on the active roster. In addition, defensive back Marcus Banks was also elevated to the active roster for the second time in as many weeks.

In a corresponding move to make room for Bazelak, Tampa Bay waived running back Owen Wright.

Connor Bazelak Is Around For Insurance At QB

Adding Connor Bazelak to the active roster always seemed to be the most likely course of action, but, notably, the Bucs chose to sign him outright rather than elevate him. Bazelak had two practice squad elevations remaining, but he will receive a pay bump for the rest of the season on the 53-man roster.

The undrafted free agent made the cut out of training camp after appearing in three preseason games. An efficient preseason saw him stick in Tampa Bay, as he completed 32-of-46 passes (69.6%) for 261 yards and one touchdown with zero interceptions.

Bucs QB Connor Bazelak – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

After head coach Todd Bowles mentioned that the team was considering a move before Sunday, Bazelak will be on hand as the third quarterback. It remains to be seen if he is active or inactive for the game, but he is another option, nonetheless.

Baker Mayfield was a full participant during Friday’s practice as he trends toward toughing it out in Week 13. Mayfield is never one to miss any action, playing through several injuries of varying severity during his time with the Bucs. Seeing him come off the field and not play in the second half was concerning but being that he suffered a low-grade left shoulder sprain it points to him suiting up. Any reaggravation would force veteran Teddy Bridgewater into action with Bazelak as the backup.

Marcus Banks Elevated For Special Teams Value, Bucs Preseason Standout Owen Wright Waived

Unlike Connor Bazelak, Marcus Banks did not make the practice squad out of training camp. Banks would go on to be re-signed earlier this month and was quickly elevated for the Week 12 game against the Rams. Discussing what he values about Banks and recent signee J.T. Gray, Todd Bowles shared that it is mostly special teams related to aid with kickoff coverage.

Bucs S Marcus Banks – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“They’re special teams guys, so they can obviously help us,” Bowles said. We’ll kind of continue to go from there and try to find pieces that can help us.”

Kickoff coverage has been a thorn in the side of the unit and has proven to be detrimental in the field position battle, with eyes being on whether anyone can help provide a spark in bringing down opposing kick returners.

Owen Wright was another player who returned to the organization following the preseason after running backs Bucky Irving and Josh Williams went down with injury, with Williams later being suspended for six games by the NFL for violating the league’s performance enhancing policy. Wright had a solid preseason, but it was always going to be tough for him to get touches with Rachaad White and Sean Tucker ahead of him. The 26-year-old did get the first carries of his career last week, gaining six yards on three attempts.

With the room at full strength with Irving, White, and Tucker leading the way, Wright now has the opportunity to latch on elsewhere. Be sure to stay tuned to PewterReport.com as we will have more injury news during our Pewter Pregame show at 9 a.m. ET and what it means for the Bucs before they play the Cardinals Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET.