If there were thoughts of the Bucs maybe having inside linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. back on the team following roster cuts, those ideas were dashed recently. Walker has signed to the Indianapolis Colts' practice squad just ahead of the regular season. This will be his second stint with Indianapolis.

This ends a brief tenure with the Bucs that saw Walker unite with his hometown friend Lavonte David, be very vocal in OTAs and mini-camp, but then missing all of training camp due to injury that occurred during summer break and eventually getting cut by Tampa Bay.

Considering Tampa Bay kept undrafted free agent John Bullock on the active roster to play special teams and fellow undrafted free agent inside linebacker Nick Jackson on the practice squad due to his preseason performances, it appears Walker may have felt that there was more opportunity with the Colts than the inside linebacker situation with the Bucs. Walker claimed he was healthy, per his agent, which added more confusion to the situation.

Anthony Walker Jr. Had Short Run With Bucs

It was unfortunate for Walker and Tampa Bay that was not available for training camp because he had really made his presence felt and been vocal while operating the defense during OTAs and mini-camp back in the spring.

Bucs ILB Anthony Walker Jr. – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

When the Bucs signed inside linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. this offseason, it was believed they were getting an upgrade over K.J. Britt that was quicker and provided experience and leadership at a position that remains critical to Todd Bowles' defense.  He was about to enter his ninth NFL season after productive stops in Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Miami

There was also has a personal connection in Tampa coming from a long-standing friendship with Lavonte David. The two trained together in Miami for years, and Walker was even staying at David's house during OTAs.

Ultimately, Walker was not going to be a long-term solution for the Bucs, but would've been an important short-term addition as a backup to David and SirVocea Dennis. There's a possibility that Walker could get on Tampa Bay's practice squad, but he would likely prefer to find a spot on an active roster on another team.

Current Bucs ILB Room

The Bucs need to get some answers for the future at inside linebacker this upcoming season. Lavonte David is still the leader of this team, but it could be his last year as he turns 36 in January. This puts the weight on the shoulders of SirVocea Dennis and if he can truly take the reigns as an every-game starting inside linebacker.

Bucs ILB SirVocea Dennis – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

The addition of rookies John Bullock and Nick Jackson also play a factor into this conversation. Bullock made his way onto the 53-man roster because of his special teams prowess, but Jackson might be the better option as a true inside linebacker due to his athleticism and play on defense in the preseason. Jackson was the team's leading tackler with 14 stops and was tied for the team lead with two sacks.

With the Bucs keeping just four inside linebackers on the active roster with David, Dennis, Bullock and Deion Jones, it's possible that Jackson has some opportunities to get called up for game day elevations.