Bucs Announce 2 Elevations For Wild Card Round vs. Commanders

The Bucks announced two promotions from their practice squad on Saturday afternoon ahead of Sunday’s NFC wild-card game against the Commanders at Raymond James Stadium.

The first is veteran inside linebacker Deion Jones, who was signed to Tampa Bay’s practice squad in December. The ninth-year pro, who was drafted by the Falcons in 2016 and starred in Atlanta early in his career, suited up for the Bucks in Weeks 17 and 18, playing special teams and recording one tackle. .

Bucks WR Tanner Counou – Photo courtesy of USA Today

Although he may only play on special teams again Sunday night, Jones has playoff experience, starting five postseason games and totaling 33 tackles (three for loss) and four passes defensed. , one forced fumble, and one quarterback hit. strike.

Another player promoted from the practice squad is rookie wide receiver Tanner Kunnu. He signed with the Bucks as an undrafted free agent last May and spent the offseason, training camp and preseason with the team before being released and eventually re-signed to the practice squad. In October.

The Eastern Michigan product caught nine passes for 86 yards and one touchdown. Over 3 preseason games Along with Tampa Bay.

Jones will likely be more active in Sunday night’s game than Cunoue, but the important thing for both is that he at least gets a chance to play in a playoff game. The Bucks have historically used practice squad promotions to reward players in both the regular season and postseason. For example, in last year’s Wild Card round, Tampa Bay promoted Jose Ramirez and Patrick Laird, both of whom were inactive but earned playoff game checks.

The playoffs have started and the team is getting healthier.

Bucks CB Jamel Dean – Photo by Cliff Welch P/R

For the Bucks, Saturday’s announcement was about who’s who. It wasn’t like that Promoted from the practice team. The lack of elevation other than Jones and Cnunu suggests that Tampa Bay, which opens the postseason at home Sunday night, is much healthier than it has been in recent weeks. Of course, this applies to What Head Coach Todd Bowles Said After practice on Friday.

Bowles said cornerback Jamel Dean and safety Antwan Winfield Jr. are both fit to play Sunday against the Commanders, and tight end Cade Otton is also trending in the right direction. spoke.

Dean left the Bucs’ 48-14 win over the Panthers in Week 17 with a knee injury and missed the final regular-season game against the Saints, but he should be available for the Wild Card game against Washington. Winfield missed the remaining four games of the regular season with a knee injury, but has had a full week of practice and is ready to return to action.

Otto also missed the final three games of the regular season due to a knee injury, but participated on a limited basis in Wednesday’s practice and fully participated in two practices on Thursday and Friday. He is officially tagged as “questionable” heading into Sunday, but appears to be on track to play.

Stay tuned to PewterReport.com. Pregame coverage will continue Sunday afternoon and into the evening. It is at this time that the complete inactive player list for both teams will be published. Of course, keep an eye out for in-game and post-game coverage as well.