The Bucks announced Monday afternoon that they have waived punter Trenton Gill. In Week 13, they defeated the Panthers 26-23 in overtime. Gill struggled mightily in the match, which led to the decision. The Bucks have additional spots open on their roster, so no corresponding move has been made yet.
Bucks Punter Trenton Gill – Photo Credit: USA Today
Throughout the afternoon and evening, Gill’s situation worsened. The game’s first three punts averaged over 52 yards, but Tampa Bay’s punt from its own 14 went 22 yards, setting up the Panthers at the Bucs’ 36-yard line. This ultimately led to a rushing touchdown by Bryce Young, and Gill failed to advance his punts more than 54 yards in the game, averaging 45.6 yards per game.
At a crucial moment in the game, Gill squandered another situation. As the Bucs extended their lead to 20-16 with 3:05 left, Gill’s kickoff fell short of the designated kickoff area, resulting in a penalty and giving Carolina the ball in the 40th minute. This allowed the Panthers to narrow down their field. drive and eventually score the winning touchdown with 30 seconds left before the Bucs tied it.
Head coach Todd Bowles said Monday about the poop kick: “They were very concerned and it basically cost them the game.” “Field position cost us. We ejected them and took them off the field, but this is very concerning and we’re definitely going to look at it.”
What will the Bucs do with the punt situation?
Punter Trenton Gill – Photo courtesy of USA Today
This is the second time Tampa Bay has waived a punter this season, after releasing former fourth-round pick Jake Camarda. Camarda was replaced by Gil, who played in eight games this season. He made his Tampa Bay debut in Week 4 against the Eagles and was promoted from the practice squad again in Week 6.
Camarda had a chance to play against the Saints in Week 6 against the Bucks, but the team ultimately let him go and placed Gil on the active roster, where he played until this final game.
The Bucks currently have rookie punter Jack Browning on their practice squad and could sign him to the 53-man active roster or use him on several practice squad promotions before deciding whether to sign him. is also possible.
Bucs OLB Marquise Watts – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
Browning played three years at San Diego State, punting while also kicking field goals and extra points in his final two seasons. Perhaps he could also take over kicking duties if the Bucks choose the route of signing Browning.
Tampa Bay could still be holding off on another roster move, as outside linebacker Marquise Watts’ practice period is still open and they could use his roster spot. The Bucs are a little thin at the position with outside linebacker Joe Tryon-Soyinka missing the last game.
The Bucks relied heavily on Yaya Diaby and Anthony Nelson, who decided the game with forced fumbles. They played little with Chris Braswell and saw little of Jose Ramirez, so Watts might get a chance to play as soon as he’s available. Either way, they need a punter, but they could waive players at other positions to fill out the roster.
