NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/17/16
Thursday’s practice squad changes:
- The Buccaneers have signed defensive end Channing Ward to their practice squad and cut defensive tackle Rodney Coe, according to Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times. Ward is quickly rejoining the Bucs, who waived him Wednesday to make room for the newly signed Sealver Siliga. An undrafted rookie from Ole Miss, Ward has appeared in four of Tampa Bay’s games this year and logged one start. Coe, also undrafted this year, hasn’t seen any regular-season action.
Bucs Notes: Banks, Siliga
- The Buccaneers claimed Sealver Siliga off waivers from Seattle on Wednesday, but coach Dirk Koetter told reporters the team actually almost signed Siliga weeks ago (Twitter link via Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com). Tampa Bay worked out Siliga on Oct. 12, but he signed with the Seahawks on Oct. 18.
While Banks hasn’t yet debuted with the Lions, their staff – including cornerbacks coach Tony Oden – expects him to contribute soon, writes Meinke. Oden was the Buccaneers’ defensive backs coach in 2013, Banks’ three-INT rookie year. “I feel like he’s readjusted me all over again,” Banks said. “I’m a new corner again. Just changing me, getting me low, getting me into a better stance. I’ve had so many coaches, I’ve been changed so much, I feel like I was changed the wrong way. And, you know, I feel like I’m being coached right again.”
Latest On Bucs’ Vincent Jackson, Charles Sims
When the Buccaneers placed Vincent Jackson on IR with a knee injury Oct. 23, there were questions as to whether the wide receiver had suffered a torn ACL. He dodged that fate, according to the Sporting News’ Alex Marvez, but Jackson’s ailment is nonetheless severe enough to prevent him from playing again this year. With that being the case, the Buccaneers will designate running back Charles Sims as the player they bring back from IR, per Marvez. Sims, who also suffered a knee injury last month, will be eligible to return Week 13.
With his season over and his contract set to expire at year’s end, Jackson has perhaps played his final game with the Buccaneers. While Jackson has been highly effective with the Chargers and Bucs during his 13-year career, the three-time Pro Bowler is on the wrong end of the aging curve (34 in January) and has now seen back-to-back seasons end early because of knee injuries. Prior to going down in Week 5 this year, the 6-foot-5, 241-pound Jackson hauled in 15 receptions for 173 yards on 32 targets. During his half-decade in Tampa Bay, Jackson has totaled 268 grabs, 16.1 yards per catch (compared to just 11.5 this season) and 20 touchdowns.
Sims, meanwhile, is part of a backfield that has dealt with an absurd amount of injuries this season. Starter Doug Martin returned last Sunday from a two-plus-month absence on account of hamstring troubles, while backups Sims, Jacquizz Rodgers and Antone Smith have also missed time (Smith’s season is over). As a result, the Buccaneers rank toward the bottom of the NFL in rushing this year after finishing near the top last season with the one-two punch of Martin and Sims. Fortunately for 4-5 Tampa Bay, it appears the duo will factor in down the stretch as the club clings to slim playoff hopes.
Buccaneers Claim Sealver Siliga
The Buccaneers claimed defensive tackle Sealver Siliga off waivers from the Seahawks, a source tells Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times (on Twitter). 
[RELATED: Buccaneers OL Evan Smith To Miss Time]
Siliga saw time in four games this season and racked up five total tackles. Siliga saw time in 13 games (four starts) for the Pats last season and finished out with 29 tackles. Between 2013 and 2014, he totaled 5.5 sacks in limited action.
To make room, the Bucs are waiving undrafted rookie defensive end Channing Ward. The Ole Miss product was inactive for Sunday’s game versus the Bears. Ward went undrafted this year despite enjoying his best collegiate season as a senior. In 2015, he tallied 35 tackles (including 6.5 tackles for a loss) and 3.0 sacks.
Buccaneers Audition Mike Liedtke
- The Buccaneers worked out offensive lineman Mike Liedtke, tweets Balzer.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/15/16
Today’s practice squad moves:
Chicago Bears
- Signed: OL Cyril Richardson, QB Josh Woodrum
Houston Texans
- Signed: RB Kenny Hilliard
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: OL Arturo Uzdavinis
New England Patriots
- Cut: TE Kennard Backman
San Francisco 49ers
- Placed on IR: OL Fahn Cooper
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: DE Kourtnei Brown, RB Russell Hansbrough, OL Kyler Kerbyson
- Cut: S Trae Elston
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: CB Jeremiah McKinnon
- Cut: Cody Riggs
Washington Redskins
- Signed: CB Dashaun Phillips
- Cut: LB Carlos Fields
J.R. Sweezy Not Expected To Be Activated
- Buccaneers left guard J.R. Sweezy is still progressing from his offseason back surgery, reports ESPN.com’s Jenna Laine. Unfortunately, a source tells the reporter that the veteran is likely to finish the season on the reserve/PUP list.
[SOURCE LINK]
Buccaneers To Work Out Mike Liedtke
- Offensive lineman Mike Liedtke worked out for the Bills today and will audition for the Buccaneers tomorrow, agent Brett Tessler tweets. The 24-year-old has previously spent time with the Jets, Chiefs, and Dolphins.
[SOURCE LINK]
Buccaneers OL Evan Smith To Miss Time
Buccaneers offensive lineman Evan Smith suffered a grade-2 MCL sprain, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). He is expected to miss about three weeks. 
The loss of Smith comes at a bad time for Tampa Bay with left guard Kevin Pamphile and center Joe Hawley also nursing injuries. Both players were sidelined for Week 10 and it’s not immediately clear whether they will be in action for Week 11 against the Chiefs.
Hawley, 28, has only been so-so according to the advanced metrics, but he is the anchor for Tampa Bay’s O-Line and his tough, gritty style is missed on the field. If he remains out while Smith nurses his sprain, the Bucs will likely have to turn to Ben Gottschalk to bridge the gap. It also stands to reason that the Buccaneers could add an offensive lineman if all three players are ruled out for this weekend.
Previously known as Evan Dietrich-Smith, Smith de-hyphenated his name prior to the 2015 season. He discussed the change with Joe Kania of Buccaneers.com.
Buccaneers Cut Running Back
- The Buccaneers promoted defensive end Ryan Russell to their active roster, where he’ll take running back Russell Hansbrough‘s spot, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports (on Twitter). Doug Martin being set to return to action made Hansbrough expendable, though with the team short on healthy backs he could return to the practice squad. A former fifth-round Cowboys pick, Russell played in one game for Dallas last season. He has yet to suit up in a game this year.