The Tampa Bay Buccaneers today activated cornerback Jamel Dean from Injured Reserve, and elevated linebacker Vi Jones from the practice squad to the active roster in advance of Sunday's Week 12 matchup against the New York Giants. It marks the third elevation of the season for Jones.
Tampa Bay has also downgraded tackle Tristan Wirfs to DOUBTFUL and downgraded defensive back Tykee Smith to OUT. Smith will not travel with the team to New York. Additionally, the Buccaneers have waived linebacker Antonio Grier Jr.
Dean (6-1, 206) has appeared in 76 regular season games, making 57 starts, for the Buccaneers since the team selected him in the third round (No. 94 overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. Over his six seasons with the Buccaneers, Dean has amassed 290 tackles, 49 passes defensed and seven interceptions (93 return yards, one return touchdown). In six games this season, he has totaled 43 tackles and four passes defensed. He wears No. 35 for Tampa Bay.
Jones (6-2, 225) entered the league as a college free agent with the Seattle Seahawks in 2022. Jones, who has been with Tampa Bay since signing to their practice squad during the 2023 season, has appeared in five career games between the Seahawks and Buccaneers, totaling one tackle. He played collegiately for two seasons at the University of Southern California (2017-18) and two seasons at North Carolina State University (2019-21), finishing with a combined 108 tackles, 9.0 sacks, four passes defensed and one forced fumble. He wears No. 53 for Tampa Bay.
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