Bucs activates LB, raises 2 from practice squad

The Bucs activated linebacker KJ Britt from injured reserve on Saturday. The team also elevated wide receiver Deven Thompkins and safety Nolan Turner from the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday’s game in San Francisco. It marks Thompkins’ second raise of the season and Turner’s third raise of the season.

Britt appeared in the first seven games for the Buccaneers this season, leading the team with 138 special team snaps and placing third on the team with three special team tackles before being placed on IR on October 25. In the fifth round (No. 176 overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft, Britt has appeared in 24 career games with the Bucs, recording seven tackles (one for loss) and hitting one quarterback defensively, while adding eight special teams tackles .

Bucs Elevate Thompkins, Turner

Thompkins (5-8, 155) entered the league on May 13, 2022 as a college free agent with Tampa Bay and has spent the entire 2022 season on the Bucs practice squad before being elevated for Tampa Bay’s Week 5 game against the Atlanta Falcons. He played four seasons with Utah State (2018-21), appearing in 40 games and recording 171 receptions for 2,519 yards and 15 touchdowns. The Fort Myers, Florida native tied for second in the 2021 FBS with his 1,704 receiving yards, earning Associated Press All-America third-team honors in his final season.

With the release of return specialist and receiver Jaelon Darden the Bucs could knock on Thompkins against the 49ers on Sunday for punt and/or kick return duties.

Turner (6-1, 202) spent the entire 2022 season with Tampa Bay after signing with the Bucs on May 13, 2022 as a free agent from the university. After training camp, he was added to the Tampa Bay practice squad on August 31. and was raised twice in Weeks 6-7 and appeared on special teams. He was subsequently promoted to the active roster on October 27, where he remained until waived on December 5.

In total, Turner played in four games with the Bucs this season. Turner played five seasons with Clemson (2017-21), appearing in 65 career games for the Tigers and ranked fourth all-time in games played in program history. The Vestavia Hills, Alabama native was a two-time team captain and earned second-team All-America honors in 2020.

The Bucs need Turner in San Francisco with starting safeties Mike Edwards and Antoine Winfield Jr. probably out for the second week in a row.