On Saturday, the Bucs added linebacker Antonio Grier Jr. to the active roster from the practice squad. Additionally, Tampa Bay promoted punter Jack Browning and cornerback Darris Flowers from the practice squad to the game-day roster for the Week 14 matchup against Tampa Bay. Las Vegas Raiders. This is the first promotion of the season for both players.
The reason Grier signed to the active roster is as follows: Both starter KJ Britt and reserve JJ Russell have been ruled out. In preparation for Sunday’s game against the Raiders. Former practice squad linebacker Vi Jones is expected to start next to Lavonte David in Week 14 with Grier as Tampa Bay’s only backup inside linebacker.
Flowers was promoted to special teams on Friday after the team removed backup cornerback Josh Hayes with a hamstring injury. Backup cornerback Troy Hill is also out with a foot injury.
As expected, the Bucs selected Browning as the team’s punter after releasing Trenton Gill following his poor performance in last Sunday’s 26-23 overtime win over Carolina. Browning, who has never punted or played in an NFL game in the preseason or regular season, is scheduled to make his pro debut Sunday.
Browsing and Flowers need two more promotions before they need to be signed to the active roster to play any further.
Bucks contract and activation details
Bucks ILB Antonio Grier Jr. – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
Antonio Grier Jr. (6-1, 230) entered the league from the Bucs as a college free agent on May 10, 2024, and has split his time between Tampa Bay’s practice squad and active roster this season. Ta. He appeared in Weeks 5 through 8 for Tampa Bay, playing on 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, with 274 tackles (25.0 points conceded), 10.0 sacks, and five forced fans. Recorded a bull. Three fumble recoveries, three interceptions (two returned for touchdowns). He wears No. 48 in Tampa Bay.
Browning (5-11, 190) entered the league as a college free agent with the Buffalo Bills in 2024, spent this offseason with the Bills and Baltimore Ravens, and joined Tampa Bay’s practice squad on Oct. 23. . He started his college career. After graduating from Grossmont College (2019-20), he played three seasons at San Diego State University (2021-23).
New Bucks P Jack Browning – Photo Credit: USA Today
He handled both punting and kicking duties over his final two seasons, earning All-Mountain West honors twice and being named the 2022 Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year. . In 38 games with the Aztecs, Browning punted 122 times for 5,584 yards (45.8 average) and completed 35 of 47 field goal attempts (74.5%) and all 53 extra point attempts. The Lakeside, Calif., native wears the No. 5 jersey for Tampa Bay.
Flowers (196-6-1) originally entered the league as a college free agent with the Indianapolis Colts in April 2022 and remained in Indianapolis until being waived on October 7, 2024. He was then signed to the Bucks’ practice squad on October 16th. Flowers played in 21 career games with the Colts, starting five, totaling 32 tackles (two for a loss), three passes defended, and one pass forced. Fumble and one fumble recovery.
The Chicago native played collegiately at Pittsburgh State University (2021), Grand View University (2019-20) and Robert Morris University (2018). During his final collegiate season at Pittsburgh State, Flowers started 9 of 11 games, recorded 21 tackles (1.5 for loss), 10 passes defended, 4 interceptions, 17 kick returns, and .573. He recorded 2 yards and 2 touchdowns. He wears No. 28 in Tampa Bay.
