More Options Emerge For Bubble Players

August 20th, 2014
jeff demps 2

Jeff Demps

Joe’s not an accountant and typically is bored by salary cap chatter and other football-business-related stuff. However, new changes to the NFL practice squad eligibility have a potential impact on the Bucs. So Joe’s paying attention.

The new expansion of the practice squad from eight to 10 players includes allowing two players with two years of NFL service, no matter how many games they’ve played. That was not allowed previously.

So, for example, guys on the roster bubble like wide receiver Chris Owusu, backup safety Keith Tandy and third quarterback Mike Kafka, should all be practice squad eligible. If the Bucs cut any of those guys and they aren’t picked up on waivers, then the Bucs could move quickly to get them on their practice squad and keep them in the mix, versus telling them to stay ready on their living room loveseat.

And don’t worry, Jeff Demps fans, the fastest man in the NFL is still eligible for a practice squad.

15 Responses to “More Options Emerge For Bubble Players”

  1. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    The practice squad (no matter how large) should be utilized for players that may be needed during the season….backups….
    Kafka & Tandy are great examples….if a player at that position goes down, then you can bring in someone experienced at the positon right away.
    I’m not sure Demps falls into that category as much as someone like Page, for example.

  2. Buc the Haters Says:

    Don’t worry, Demps is guaranteed to make the final 53-man roster. He’s our secret/not-so-secret weapon. But he better hold onto the damn ball when it counts.

  3. gatrbuc17 Says:

    A man can be taught ball security. He cant be taught Olympic Sprinter Speed.

  4. Brian Says:

    Can he be taught instincts? Because from what I’ve seen of Demps, he lacks football instincts.

  5. Orca Says:

    I don’t believe Demps makes the roster. I think you can teach ball security in some cases, but some guys may not get it. You can also teach guys to catch the ball better, but they may still not get good at it. So, I’m sure they’ve tried coaching him in these areas. If he hasn’t made much progress, his speed isn’t going to be enough to keep a roster spot.

  6. Orca Says:

    I like Page for the practice squad if Patton becomes our main KR/PR.

  7. Rob Says:

    If you cut a guy with Demps’ speed, some team somewhere will make room for him. If the team does cut him, I understand – but stashing him on the practice squad is unlikely.

  8. jo_mama Says:

    Pro football talk is saying Bucs Released Lavelle Hawkins

  9. Iron Man Says:

    Chris Owusu is the number 3 no way he is on the bubble. As for Demps’ ball security, if you recall, Tiki Barber was a fumble bunny early in his career. With some new technique and some slapping around by Rhonde, he became a pretty secure ball handler.

  10. DHutch Says:

    My guess is, Demps makes the 53 man roster. Despite all the negative that’s been surfacing.

  11. FLBoyInDallas Says:

    Might wanna check your facts on Owusu. He’s nowhere near being on the bubble. He’s solidly on the roster and barring a meltdown of epic proportions or an injury he’s easily the third WR behind Jackson and Evans.

  12. pick6 Says:

    sensible expansion. with all the injuries that happen in the league today, plenty of guys get their 6 games of service time when they would have been better offf continuing to develop. it’s unfair to a young guy to lose his chance to be the 60th man on the roster just because 3 dudes in front of him went down and he had to help out the team by playing before he was truly ready

  13. Willie D Says:

    If Page goes to practice squad will be picked up fairly quickly by other teams. T.J. Fatinikun got signed so even if you cut Page I will still be following your team. Getting David Fluellen might be an option at RB if you get any more injuries.

  14. Willie D Says:

    I think tampa bay will have best bubble tam in the league. Draft john Travolta

  15. Tomcin Says:

    I think Louis Murphy is our third wr, but Owusu should make the team.