The Tampa Bay Buccaneers appreciated Channing Ward's talents enough to keep him on the initial version of their 53-man roster in 2017. It's no surprise, then, that Ward was re-signed to the Buccaneers' practice squad on Thursday after a week away from the club.
To make room for Ward on that 11-man crew, the Buccaneers released defensive end Sterling Bailey from the practice squad.
Photos of the Buccaneers' complete roster.
2 K Nick Folk
3 QB Jameis Winston
9 P Bryan Anger
10 WR Adam Humphries
11 WR DeSean Jackson
12 WR Chris Godwin
13 WR Mike Evans
14 QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
18 WR Bernard Reedy
21 S Justin Evans
22 RB Doug Martin
23 S Chris Conte
24 CB Brent Grimes
25 RB Peyton Barber
26 CB Josh Robinson
28 CB Vernon Hargreaves
29 DB Ryan Smith
32 RB Jacquizz Rodgers
34 RB Charles Sims
35 CB Javien Elliott
36 CB Robert McClain
37 S Keith Tandy
43 S T.J. Ward
51 LB Kendell Beckwith
52 LB Cameron Lynch
53 LB Adarius Glanton
54 LB Lavonte David
56 DE Jacquies Smith
57 DE Noah Spence
58 LB Kwon Alexander
59 LB Devante Bond
61 OT Justin Murray
62 C Evan Smith
64 OT Kevin Pamphile
65 LS Garrison Sanborn
66 OT Leonard Wester
68 C Joe Hawley
69 OT Demar Dotson
73 G J.R. Sweezy
74 G Ali Marpet
76 OT Donovan Smith
77 OL Caleb Benenoch
80 TE O.J. Howard
82 TE Antony Auclair
84 TE Cameron Brate
88 TE Luke Stocker
90 DE Chris Baker
91 DE Robert Ayers
92 DE William Gholston
93 DT Gerald McCoy
95 DE Ryan Russell
96 DE Sealver Siliga
98 DT Clinton McDonald
DE Will Clarke
Ward, a second-year defensive lineman who made the roster as an undrafted rookie in 2016, was once again part of the Bucs' active roster when it was formed during the league-wide cutdown to 53 players on September 2. However, the Buccaneers signed veteran defensive end Will Clarke three days later after his release by the Cincinnati Bengals, costing Ward his spot on the roster.
As a rookie, Ward appeared in five games with one start for the Buccaneers, contributing five tackles. A versatile lineman capable of playing inside or outside, he made his one start for the team at defensive tackle when Pro Bowler Gerald McCoy missed a game due to injury. Ward played his college football at Mississippi.
Bailey first joined the Buccaneers this past May after splitting his 2016 rookie campaign between the practice squads in Indianapolis, Seattle and Minnesota. He was waived during the aforementioned cutdown to 53 on September 2.
