Buccaneers Sign Jha’Quan Jackson, Waive WR With Injury Designation

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have added another wide receiver ahead of their preseason finale. Tampa Bay signed Jha’Quan Jackson on Wednesday afternoon and waived Dennis Houston with an injury designation.

The move comes after the Buccaneers completed their joint practices with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Tampa Bay will face Jacksonville again Friday night at EverBank Stadium. Jackson gives the team another option for that matchup.

Jackson Brings NFL Experience

Jackson stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 188 pounds. He was most recently with the Houston Texans before being waived Monday.

The second-year receiver played in two preseason games for Houston. He recorded two receptions for nine yards during that stretch.

Jackson also returned one kickoff for 27 yards. He added one punt return for eight yards.

The Tennessee Titans originally selected Jackson in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He played his college football at Tulane.

Jackson appeared in 12 games as a rookie. His primary role came as Tennessee’s return specialist.

He returned 28 punts for 215 yards and 16 kickoffs for 412 yards. Jackson also caught one pass for eight yards and recorded one carry for minus-five yards.

Jackson Has Taken the Long Way Around

The Titans waived Jackson at the end of last year’s preseason. He later spent one week on the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad.

Jackson also spent part of the offseason with the St. Louis Battlehawks. He was with the UFL club from January through March.

Now, Jackson gets another opportunity with the Buccaneers. His familiarity with the return game could provide additional value during Tampa Bay’s final preseason contest.

Houston’s Injury Opens a Roster Spot

Houston suffered a groin injury during Tampa Bay’s second preseason game against Kansas City. He appeared in both preseason contests before the injury.

Houston recorded two receptions for 23 yards across those games. The Buccaneers waived him with an injury designation to make room for Jackson.

Buccaneers Could Be Thin at Receiver

Tampa Bay is not expected to play its starters Friday night. The Buccaneers will likely rest key veterans and players dealing with minor injuries.

That could leave the team without Chris Godwin Jr., Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan and Tez Johnson. Kameron Johnson and rookie Ted Hurst III could also potentially sit.

Jackson could therefore see an opportunity alongside the available receivers. That group could include David Sills V, Dean Patterson IV, Eric Rivers Jr. and Garrett Greene.

With roster decisions approaching, Jackson has arrived at an important time. Friday’s game could provide his first opportunity to make an impression with the Buccaneers.