The Bucs announced a pair of moves on Wednesday morning as they prepare for a Super Wild Card round matchup with the Commanders on Sunday night. Veteran defensive tackle Adam Gotsis was signed to the team’s practice squad, while cornerback Troy Hill has been designated to return from injured reserve.

Bucs Add 2 Defensive Reinforcements Before Playoffs

Bucs DT Adam Gotsis – Photo by: USA Today

The signing of Adam Gotsis is intriguing, as the Bucs have not reported an injury along the defensive line and typically do not bring in veterans otherwise. Gotsis has played in 126 career games since being a second-round pick by the Broncos. After playing there from 2016-2019, he signed with the Jaguars and played there for another four seasons.

After being waived by Jacksonville back in August, he latched on to the Colts practice squad and was quickly elevated to the active roster. Gotsis has appeared in five games this season with Indianapolis, last doing so back on October 27th. He is the second defensive player the team has signed from them this season, joining cornerback Dallis Flowers.

Gotsis has filled in as a rotational defensive lineman throughout his nine-year NFL career, starting in 54 games. He has amassed 226 total tackles, 43 quarterback hits, 25 tackles for a loss, and 10.5 sacks.

Bucs CB Troy Hill – Photo by: USA Today

Troy Hill has yet to play a defensive snap since joining the Bucs mid-season after being let go by the Panthers. Hill played just six special teams snaps for Tampa Bay across Weeks 12 and 13 before being placed on injured reserve. It was a curious move as it came briefly after the team signed him to the 53-man roster. Should he return this season and see the field, his first defensive snaps in head coach Todd Bowles’ defense will come in the postseason.

Like Gotsis, Hill is an experienced cornerback who adds depth to the room. He has played in 121 career games with 60 starts. His best season came back with the Rams in 2020 when he had 77 total tackles and three interceptions, two of which were pick-sixes.

The 5-foot-10 cornerback could work his way into the mix should he be ready and cornerback Jamel Dean remains out with a knee injury. Behind Dean and Zyon McCollum on the depth chart are Josh Hayes and Tyrek Funderburk.

These roster moves signal that the defense wants to add players who have proven themselves in the NFL. Whether they do so for the Bucs in the playoffs is another question, but they will be on standby for now.