With an extensive list of injuries heading into their Week 3 home matchup against the Packers, the Bucs announced Saturday that they have elevated two players from their practice squad to the active roster.
The first is one of the team’s newest additions. Veteran wide receiver Cole Beasley, who was signed to Tampa Bay’s practice squad on Tuesday, has been elevated for Sunday’s game against Green Bay. It remains to be seen how much Beasley can contribute right away. He got three practices in with the Bucs this week, but he signed with the team out of free agency and didn’t go through an offseason program or training camp with another team. Coaches have been pleased with him so far, and the 33-year-old is here out of necessity.
With Mike Evans suspended, Chris Godwin ruled out and both Julio Jones and Russell Gage listed as questionable , Beasley gives Tom Brady another option to throw to as the Bucs host the Packers. He is coming off of a season in which he caught 82 passes for 693 yards and a touchdown for the Bills. The Bucs are his third team, as he spent seven years with Dallas and three with Buffalo.
Tampa Bay’s other elevation is offensive lineman John Molchon. With Donovan Smith doubtful to play on Sunday and Josh Wells hitting injured reserve this week, Molchon provides the offensive line with some depth. In the absence of Smith and Wells, Brandon Walton will start at left tackle. Molchon will join Fred Johnson and Nick Leverett as the team’s reserve linemen on Sunday.
Practice squad players can be elevated up to three times during the regular season. After Sunday’s game, both Beasley and Molchon will return to the team’s practice squad without having to pass through waivers.
Tampa Bay’s contest with Green Bay is set to kick off at 4:25 p.m. Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.
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