The Bucs made some adjustments to their practice squad on Tuesday. The team has announced that they have signed running back Barika Kpeenu and released quarterback Brett Rypien in a corresponding move. 

Kpeenu Has Second Stint With Bucs

Kpeenu previously spent time with the Bucs during the team’s 2026 training camp and preseason. He played his college football at North Dakota State University from 2022 to 2025, appearing in 47 career games and rushing 434 times for 2,283 yards and a 5.3 average in yards per attempt, along with 32 touchdowns. He also added 35 receptions for 369 yards and two scores.

Bucs RB Barika Kpeenu – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

The most most productive season he had was in 2025, where he earned first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference recognition and third-team FCS All-America honors after rushing for a career-high 1,005 yards and 20 touchdowns on 191 carries (5.3 avg.). His 20 rushing touchdowns ranked fourth in the FCS and were the most by a North Dakota State player since 2014. Kpeenu was also a member of the Bison’s 2024 FCS national championship team.

Tampa Bay has a pretty crowded room with Bucky Irving, Kenny Gainwell and Sean Tucker on the active roster along with Josh Williams on the practice squad. It’s hard to see how Kpeenu gets elevated up from the practice squad unless it’s for special teams purposes.

Bucs RB Bucky Irving – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

Bucs All Set At QB

The decision to let go of Rypien stems from quarterback Baker Mayfield returning to the lineup. With Jalon Daniels on the active roster with Mayfield and Easton Stick on the practice squad, there was no need to keep a fourth quarterback on either roster.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

Mayfield came back from a dislocated thumb injury on Sunday was certainly eased his way into playing having to only throw 11 passes in the game because of a dominant rushing attack by Tampa Bay. Their next game on Sunday will be a huge test for the Bucs as they face another NFC South foe in the Falcons, where the Bucs may have a chance to be near the top of the standings with a win.

Pewter Report will preview Tampa Bay’s next matchup on Wednesday’s Pewter Report Podcast. Subscribe to our PewterReportTV YouTube channel to be updated when we have new podcasts and videos!

*Some information in this article was provided by the Bucs communications staff