Photo by Kendall Bulkiewicz | The Crow’s Nest
By Kendall Bulkiewicz
On Oct.1 Antonio Grier Jr., who attended the University of South Florida for his college football career from 2018 to 2022, was promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man active roster of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
His promotion adds depth to the linebacker position after SirVocea Dennis’s injury-related placement on reserve. Dennis will miss at least the next four games due to a shoulder injury he suffered during the Philadelphia Eagles game last week.
Grier Jr., who is anticipated to play mostly on special teams, was replaced by former Florida State Seminole linebacker Kalen DeLoach, who was signed by the Bucs to the practice squad.
Coach Todd Bowels discussed at Wednesday morning practice moving up players from the practice squad in preparation for the next game against the Atlanta Falcons with two receivers potentially unavailable.
“We’ve talked about it, we got a few people that we may elevate, so it’s a battle of positions right now,” Bowels stated.
This past May, Grier Jr. signed a free-agent contract with the Buccaneers. He made a significant impact playing collegiate football primarily at USF before turning pro. For his final season, he transferred to Arkansas, where he showcased his versatility as a linebacker.
Grier has made an impression in the NFL so far, particularly in the preseason. He showed his agility in the game against the Miami Dolphins on Aug. 24 with a noteworthy interception.
Following behind Grier Jr., Kalen DeLoach is next in depth.
De Loach was invited to rookie camp for the Buccaneers over this past summer. When it came to preseason in August, DeLoach did not make the practice squad. He then got released that same month and played in two preseason games for the Buccaneers.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers play at 8:15 p.m. today against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Viewers can watch the game on Amazon Prime Video or listen on 98Rock on the radio.
