Bucs Make Flurry Of Roster Moves

This week was an off day for the Bucks, but they decided to be proactive in shaking up their 53-man roster and practice squad with a series of roster moves involving six players.

Bucks’ active roster changes don’t bode well for key starters

Tight end David Wells has been removed from the 53-man roster, and inside linebacker J.J. Russell will reportedly take his position. There was further shuffling on the practice squad with the release of cornerback Don Gardner and safety Jaquan Johnson.

Linebacker Vi Jones, cornerback Quandre Moseley and wide receiver Larry Webb will play their respective positions. The various moves were first reported by Fox Sports’ Greg Auman, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, and NFL Trade Rumors.

Let’s start with the Wells and Russell swap. After a strong training camp, David Wells was active in the first few games of the season, but has not been on the field in recent weeks. That’s because fifth-round pick Payne Durham is starting to play well and find his feet under him.

Wells wasn’t very effective as a blocker or receiver, completing two passes for minus-10 yards. Until further notice, the tight end depth will be Cade Otton-Payne Durham-Co-Kieft, with undrafted rookie Tanner Taula remaining on the practice squad.

The addition of JJ Russell speaks to the situation with Lavonte David, who left Sunday’s game with a groin injury. Head coach Todd Bowles didn’t provide much of an update, but With the addition of Russell to his timeline, it’s very likely that David will miss time. If that happens, fellow fifth-round rookie Sarvosia Dennis is expected to be on the field alongside Devin White, with KJ Britt and Russell serving as backups and primarily in a special teams role.

There’s been quite a shuffle on the Bucks’ practice squad.

On the practice squad, Russell’s promotion and the team’s release of Don Gardner and Jaquan Johnson left three spots open.Both players were recent additions, but Johnson Stay for less than one week, And Ryan Neal signed for the first time after missing Sunday’s game with a thumb injury.

The Bucs have decided to replace cornerback Gardner with Quandre Moseley. Moseley, a cornerback signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent last season, appeared in just one game and recorded one snap. At 6-1, 185, he has the size of a cornerback to fit into Todd Bowles’ system and played in 33 games over three seasons at Kentucky.

Bucks LB Vi Jones – Photo courtesy of USA Today

Vi Jones has quite the NFL pedigree. His older brother Zay is currently a wide receiver for the Jaguars, and his father Robert played in the league for 10 years and won three Super Bowls with the Cowboys in the 1990s. Heck, even his uncle Jeff Blake once made the Pro Bowl as a quarterback. While his family is growing their presence in the NFL, Vi Jones is still trying to make a name for himself.

He profiles as a speedy inside linebacker who played college ball at USC and North Carolina State. Jones is an undrafted free agent who appeared in three games for the Seahawks last season. SI.com’s Vi Jones profile from last season Head coach Pete Carroll told us a lot about what he thought Jones offered the team. For now, he will take over Russell’s position on the practice squad.

Last but not least is the addition to the wide receiver room for Rory Webb. Webb was last with the Dolphins and previously spent time with the Patriots and Ravens. At 6-2, 212 pounds, he has more size than many options on the roster, but his potential impact is based on special teams. He played in 12 games for the Patriots last season, recording more than 10 special teams snaps in each game. He has yet to play catch in the NFL, but provided his value as a wide receiver, running back and kick returner during his college days at The Citadel.