Bucs Audition Jeron Johnson, Duke Williams
Before signing defensive back Major Wright earlier today, the Buccaneers also worked out fellow safeties Jeron Johnson and Duke Williams, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Johnson, a career special-teamer, signed a two-year deal to become a starter for the Redskins prior to the 2015 campaign, but flamed out after only one season. He signed on with the Chiefs but was cut this summer, and has been on the workout circuit ever since. Williams, meanwhile, had started 10 games over the past four years for Buffalo, but was waived to make room for Percy Harvin earlier this month.
Buccaneers Waive Louis Murphy
- The Buccaneers have waived wide receiver Louis Murphy from the Reserve/PUP list, the club announced today. Murphy is recovering from an ACL tear suffered in October 2015, and wasn’t going to get on the field for Tampa Bay after being kept on PUP. However, the fact that he’s been released likely indicates that the two sides have agreed to some sort of settlement, allowing Murphy to hit the open market. He had been scheduled to earn a $2MM base salary in 2017.
Buccaneers Waive RB Mike James
The Buccaneers have waived running back Mike James, as Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times tweets. By releasing James, the Bucs will clear a spot for newly-signed safety Major Wright. 
James joined the Buccaneers at a time when they could not keep their running backs on the field. First, Doug Martin and Charles Sims went down. Then, fill-in Jacquizz Rodgers suffered a sprained foot. On Halloween, the Bucs welcomed back James, who had some history with the team.
James, 25, managed 79 carries with Tampa from 2013-14, but missed the entire 2015 campaign due to injury. He didn’t make the Buccaneers’ 53-man roster this year, and was waived in the offseason with a settlement. In his most recent stint with the Bucs, James had just four carries for 19 yards. He also added four catches for 22 yards.
The release of James could be a sign that Rodgers will be back this weekend.
Buccaneers To Sign S Major Wright
The Buccaneers have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with safety Major Wright, a source tells Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The signing of Wright could be a sign that Chris Conte won’t be ready to go on Sunday. 
Wright was among those released by the Bucs prior to the 75-man deadline in August. Since then, he has had auditions for the Panthers and Dolphins, but neither tryout led to a deal. Today, he circles back to Tampa Bay at a time when safety help is needed.
Wright, 28, has 75 career NFL games to his credit, including 51 starts. In 2014 and 2015, he made 21 appearances for the Bucs and totaled 76 tackles with five passes defensed. Prior to that, the former third-round pick had spent his career in Chicago.
In other Bucs news, the team opted last week to bring back Charles Sims from IR. The Bucs will now monitor him in practice to confirm that he is healthy enough for live action.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/28/16
Here are today’s practice squad moves.
Chicago Bears
- Signed: TE Justin Perillo (Twitter link via Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune)
Houston Texans
- Signed: DL Brandon Dunn
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: RB Dreamius Smith
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: RB Raheem Mostert
- Cut: RB Kelvin Taylor
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Buccaneers Bring Back Charles Sims
The Buccaneers announced that running back Charles Sims has been designated for return from injured reserve. Sims will now begin his 21-day practice window. 
The Bucs’ backfield was cursed this season with injuries claiming Doug Martin, Sims, Jacquizz Rodgers, and Antone Smith (done for year). In August, the Bucs’ running back group was one of the stronger units in the league. Mere weeks later, Tampa Bay was hard up for RB production.
Martin, who wishes that you no longer refer to him as “Muscle Hamster,” returned to action a couple of weeks ago. In the last two games, he has amassed just 96 yards off of 40 carries. As Martin works his way back to 100% health, Sims could help to jumpstart Tampa Bay’s running game.
Sims’ return means that Vincent Jackson cannot play again in 2016. Jackson did not suffer a complete ACL tear as initially feared, so a comeback was still possible for him this season. However, it sounds like he’ll need additional recovery time. The 5-5 Buccaneers still have a shot at the playoffs and they are opting for a mostly healthy Sims to help their running game over a banged up Jackson.
Bucs Audition Cornerbacks, Wideouts
- The Buccaneers auditioned cornerback D’Joun Smith, Cody Riggs and Duke Thomas, according to ESPN’s Adam Caplan (via Twitter). The team also worked out wideouts Corey Washington and Myles White. Riggs and White were ultimately signed to the practice squad.
[SOURCE LINK]
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/22/16
Here are today’s practice squad moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: LB Reshard Cliett
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: CB Tyler Patmon
- Cut: DT Bruce Gaston
Chicago Bears
- Signed: CB De’Vante Bausby, WR Dres Anderson
- Cut: Darius Jennings
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed: LS Tyler Ott
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: LB Derrick Mathews
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: TE E.J. Bibbs
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed: LB Randell Johnson
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: S Marcus Ball
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: RB Zac Brooks
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: OL Mike Liedtke, CB Cody Riggs, WR Myles White
- Cut: RB Russell Hansbrough
Buccaneers CB Jude Adjei-Barimah Suspended Four Games
It’s been a busy day for the Buccaneers, as the team lost a player on both sides of the ball. The organization announced that cornerback Jude Adjei-Barimah has been suspended four games for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances. Meanwhile, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports (via Twitter) that the Buccaneers have also placed offensive lineman Ben Gottschalk on the injured reserve. Cornerback Javien Elliot and offensive lineman Josh Allen have been promoted from the practice squad to take the open roster spots.
Adjei-Barimah, an undrafted free agent in 2015, has been relatively productive during his one-plus season in the league. Following a solid rookie campaign, the cornerback has compiled 22 tackles, two sacks, and two passes defended in 10 games (one start) this season. The second-year pro released a statement regarding the suspension:
“I take a lot of pride in the hard work and dedication that I put in all year in preparation for each season and that is why this situation is so difficult for me personally. As a member of this team, it is very disappointing to have to miss the next four games and not be out there battling with my teammates as we go down the stretch. I apologize to my family, the Bucs organization, my teammates, as well as the fans for this situation. I promise to stay focused and be ready for the last two games of the regular season.”
With Adjei-Barimah out until at least December 19th, the team will likely rely on Alterraun Verner and Josh Robinson to spell starters Vernon Hargreaves and Brent Grimes.
Gottschalk, a former undrafted rookie out of SMU, made his NFL debut earlier this month. The lineman started this past weekend’s contest against the Chiefs while his fellow lineman recovered from injury. The Buccaneers should see the return of three lineman this week in Kevin Pamphile, Evan Dietrich-Smith, and Leonard Wester.
The additions of Elliot and Allen will briefly fill the holes caused by Adjei-Barimah’s suspension and Gottschalk’s injury. Allen played three games for the Buccaneers back in 2014, while Elliot is a former walk-on for the FSU football team. The duo have spent the entire season on the Buccaneers’ practice squad.
Practice Squad Updates: 11/21/16
Here are today’s practice squad moves.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: OL Mike Liedtke (via Jenna Laine of ESPN.com)
- Cut: RB Russell Hansbrough (per Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times, on Twitter)