The Tampa Bay Buccaneers today signed linebacker Antonio Grier Jr. and wide receiver Sterling Shepard to the active roster from the practice squad, and placed linebacker SirVocea Dennis on Injured Reserve. Tampa Bay has also signed linebacker Kalen DeLoach to its practice squad.
Grier Jr. (6-1, 230) originally entered the league as a college free agent with the Buccaneers on May 10, 2024. He spent the 2024 offseason and training camp with the Buccaneers before being waived on Aug. 27 and re-signing to the team's practice squad on Aug. 29. The Atlanta native played collegiately at the University of South Florida (2018-22) and the University of Arkansas (2023), appearing in a total of 58 career games and amassing 274 tackles (25.0 for loss), 10.0 sacks, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and three interceptions (two returned for touchdown). He wears No. 48 for Tampa Bay.
Shepard (5-10, 198) has appeared in two games for Tampa Bay this season, bringing in three receptions for 51 yards across Weeks 3-4 when he was elevated from the practice squad. He originally entered the league as a second-round pick (No. 40 overall) by the New York Giants in the 2016 NFL Draft. Shepard has appeared in 92 career games, making 74 starts and totaling 375 receptions for 4,146 yards and 23 receiving touchdowns. The Heritage Hall, Oklahoma, native played collegiately at the University of Oklahoma (2012-15), appearing in 50 career games and amassing 233 receptions for 3,482 yards and 26 receiving touchdowns. He received first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2014 and 2015, and was named a first-team All-American in 2015 after establishing career highs with 86 receptions, 1,288 yards and 11 receiving touchdowns with Baker Mayfield as his quarterback. He wears No. 17 for Tampa Bay.
DeLoach (6-1, 212) originally entered the league as a college free agent with the Buccaneers on May 10, 2024. He spent the 2024 offseason and training camp with the Buccaneers before being waived on Aug. 29. The Savannah, Georgia, native played collegiately at Florida State University (2019-23), appearing in 55 career games and tallying 212 tackles (26.0 for loss), 11.0 sacks, 11 passes defensed, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery (returned for a touchdown). During his final season at Florida State in 2023, he was named team defensive MVP and received first-team All-ACC recognition after posting 68 tackles (11.0 for loss), 7.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception and one fumble recovery. He wears No. 46 for Tampa Bay.
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