The Bucs activated linebacker K.J. Britt from injured reserve on Saturday. The team also elevated wide receiver Deven Thompkins and safety Nolan Turner from the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday’s game at San Francisco. It marks the second elevation of the season for Thompkins and the third elevation of the season for Turner.
Britt appeared in the first seven games for the Buccaneers this season, leading the team with 138 special teams snaps and tying for third on the team with three special teams tackles, before being placed on I.R. on October 25. Since being selected by Tampa Bay in the fifth round (No. 176 overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft, Britt has appeared in 24 career games with the Bucs, recording seven tackles (one for loss) and one quarterback hit defensively, while adding eight special teams tackles.
Bucs Elevate Thompkins, Turner
Thompkins (5-8, 155) entered the league as a college free agent with Tampa Bay on May 13, 2022 and has spent the entirety of the 2022 season on the Bucs practice squad, previously being elevated for Tampa Bay’s Week 5 game against the Atlanta Falcons. He played four seasons at Utah State (2018-21), appearing in 40 games, recording 171 receptions for 2,519 yards and 15 touchdowns. The Fort Myers, Florida, native ranked second in the FBS in 2021 with his 1,704 receiving yards, earning Associated Press third-team All-America honors in his final season.
With the release of return specialist and receiver Jaelon Darden the Bucs could turn to Thompkins for punt and/or kick return duties on Sunday against the 49ers.
Turner (6-1, 202) has spent the entirety of the 2022 season with Tampa Bay after signing with the Bucs as a college free agent on May 13, 2022. Following training camp, he was added to Tampa Bay’s practice squad on August 31 and was elevated twice in Weeks 6-7, appearing on special teams. He was then promoted to the active roster on October 27, where he remained until he was waived on December 5.
In total, Turner has played in four games with the Bucs this season. Turner played five seasons at Clemson (2017-21), appearing in 65 career games for the Tigers and ranking fourth all-time in games played in program history. The Vestavia Hills, Alabama, native was a two-time team captain and earned second-team All-America honors in 2020.
The Bucs will need Turner in San Francisco with starting safeties Mike Edwards and Antoine Winfield Jr. likely out for a second straight week.
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