Buccaneers Elevate Two Players Ahead of Bengals Matchup

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made two important roster moves Saturday ahead of Sunday’s season opener against Cincinnati.

Tampa Bay elevated safety Ifeatu Melifonwu and running back Josh Williams from the practice squad. Both players are now eligible to face the Bengals in Cincinnati.

Buccaneers Elevate Two Players for Season Opener

Teams can elevate up to two practice squad players for each regular-season game. Tampa Bay used both available elevations before its Week 1 matchup.

The moves increase the Buccaneers’ game-day roster to 55 players. However, only 48 players can be active when the game begins, leaving seven players inactive.

Elevated players can receive three regular-season elevations during the year. They automatically return to the practice squad after each game without entering the waiver process.

Melifonwu Provides Needed Safety Depth

Melifonwu gives Tampa Bay additional depth at safety for Sunday’s matchup.

The Buccaneers signed him at the beginning of training camp after he spent the 2025 season with Miami. He appeared in all 16 games for the Dolphins, including eight starts.

Melifonwu played in all three Tampa Bay preseason games and started two. He finished the preseason with five tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass defensed.

The Buccaneers released him during the leaguewide roster cutdown before immediately bringing him back to the practice squad. Tampa Bay entered that process with only three safeties on its active roster.

His elevation therefore provides the Buccaneers with valuable insurance against Cincinnati. Melifonwu brings five seasons of NFL experience, including his first four years with Detroit.

He has appeared in 53 career games with 22 starts. Melifonwu has recorded 125 tackles, 5.5 sacks, three interceptions and 14 passes defensed.

Williams Gives Tampa Bay Another Running Back

Williams provides Tampa Bay with another important option in the backfield.

The Buccaneers also waived Williams during the roster cutdown before immediately re-signing him to the practice squad. He originally made Tampa Bay’s active roster as an undrafted rookie last season.

Williams appeared in three games during his rookie campaign. He recorded four carries for 11 yards and added five kickoff returns for 129 yards.

His elevation became particularly important after the Buccaneers listed Sean Tucker as doubtful Friday. Without Williams, Tampa Bay could have entered Sunday with only Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell available.

Now, the Buccaneers have another running back available against Cincinnati. Williams also provides another potential option as a kickoff returner.

Buccaneers Strengthen Their Week 1 Options

Neither elevation necessarily means Melifonwu or Williams will play a major role Sunday. However, both moves address important depth concerns entering the season opener.

Melifonwu gives Tampa Bay another experienced safety against Cincinnati’s explosive offense. Williams gives the Buccaneers needed insurance behind Irving and Gainwell.

With both players elevated, Tampa Bay has more flexibility heading into its first game of the 2026 season.