Roster

Buccaneers DL Da'Quan Bowers turned in a career-day in Week 13 against the Panthers. Bowers finished with 1.5 sacks in the 38-19 defeat to go along with eight tackles -- seven solo. Five of his eight tackles went for a loss and he was also credited with a pass defended in the loss.

The St. Petersburg Times reports the Bucs placed DB Aqib Talib on injured reserve Monday with a hamstring injury. The team signed DL Jovan Haye to take his roster spot.

Hamstring - IR. Out for the season

The Bucs, along with most of the NFL, made their final cuts on Saturday before the deadline. Among the casualties were RB Armando Allen Jr., S Ahmad Black, QB Rudy Carpenter, QB Jonathan Crompton, WR Ed Gant, TE Daniel Hardy, S Dominique Harris, LB Brandon Heath, LB Simoni Lawrence, RB Mossis Madu, DE Alex Magee, TE Nathan Overbay, WR Maurice Price (Injury Settlement), TE Ryan Purvis, FB/LB Nick Reveiz, K Jacob Rogers, LB Derrell Smith and DT Al Woods.

The Houston Texans released veteran linebacker Rosevelt Colvin and 20 other players Friday, the day before NFL teams must set their 53-man rosters. Also released Friday was veteran safety Glenn Earl, who started 15 games in 2006 but missed all of last season with a fractured foot, and defensive tackle Anthony Maddox, who spent the last two seasons with the team. Other players released were fullback Jon Abbate, quarterbacks Shane Boyd and Alex Brink, linebackers Kevis Coley and Ben Moffitt, center Greg Eslinger, cornerbacks Jamar Fletcher, Derrick Roberson and Dexter Wynn, receivers Darnell Jenkins, LeRon McCoy and Mark Simmons, tight end Ryan Krause, defensive linemen Gabe Long and Jesse Nading, running back Marcel Shipp and tackle Torrin Tucker.

The Bucs announced Monday that they signed 2010 draft pick CB Myron Lewis to a four-year contract. Lewis, the Bucs third-round selection (67th overall) out of Vanderbilt, is expected to battle for a spot along the depth chart this summer in training camp.

The St. Petersburg Times reports that Tampa Bay DL Roy Miller will likely miss the rest of the preseason with a partial tear of his MCL. This injury should not require surgery, but Miller may not be available for Week 1 of the regular season.

The Indianapolis Star reports the Colts have finalized their roster down to 53 players Saturday. Among the cuts were RB Chad Simpson, WRs Devin Aromashodu, Onrea Jones and Sam Giguere, DLs Joe Bradley, Jeff Charleston, Dan Davis, Colin Ferrell and Ben Ishola, DBs Brannon Condren and Brandon Foster, TE Tyrice Thompson and LBs Victor Worsley and Kyle Shotwell.

Bucs DB E.J. Biggers (shoulder) has been ruled out for Week 2 at Buffalo. Biggers, who did not practice all week, also missed Week 1 against the Cowboys.

Tampa Bay LB Mason Foster notched five tackles and an interception during the Buccaneers' 41-14 loss at Jacksonville in Week 14. Foster registered his first interception of the season when he picked off Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert, one of two recorded by Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay was led in tackles on Sunday of Week 13 against Carolina by DB Sean Jones. Jones finished the performance with 10 total tackles and nine of them were of the solo variety.

Buccaneers DL Brian Price was carted off the field in the second quarter of a Week 12 loss to the Titans with an ankle injury. Price was done for the game, as he walked out of the stadium on crutches. He made two tackles before exiting.

Notable Vikings players let go on Saturday include: TE Jeff Dugan, LB Heath Farwell, DE Stylez G. White, DE David Akinniyi, WR Emmanuel Arceneaux, FB Matt Asiata, WR Stephen Burton, DB Tony Carter, RB Tristan Davis, FB Ryan D'Imperio, LB David Herron, DB Ryan Hill, LB Ross Homan, WR Juaquin Iglesias, WR Jaymar Johnson, DT Tremaine Johnson, RB Caleb King, DE Cedric McKinley, DB Cord Parks, RB Alexander Robinson and DB Devon Torrence.

Tampa Bay K Connor Barth drilled one field goal and an extra point during the Buccaneers' 45-24 loss to Atlanta in Week 17. Barth was true on his 41-yard field goal in the third quarter -- the 15th kick he's connected on this season from outside of 40 yards.

Tampa Bay DB Ronde Barber left in the third quarter of Week 17 at Atlanta -- the second time he departed the game -- with a hand injury. Barber returned to the sideline in street clothes and with his hand wrapped in tape. He finished with four tackles before leaving the game.

Hand - Left Week 17 at Atlanta

The Texans released QB Alex Brink, LB Khary Campbell, LB Buster Davis, FB Jonathan Evans, RB Arian Foster, TE Clark Harris, FS Brandon Harrison, DE Tim Jamison, WR Darnell Jenkins, DT Josh Leonard, DE Jesse Nading, CB Deltha O'Neal, CB Mark Parson, CB Matterral Richardson and WR Mark Simmons on Saturday.

LB Jacob Cutrera, who was last with the Jaguars, signed with the Buccaneers on Tuesday.

Buccaneers DL Michael Bennett overcame a toe issue in Week 15 and tallied three solo tackles, including one sack. All three of his tackles were good for a loss of yards for the Bucs.

Bucs Rookie FB Erik Lorig, who has also practiced at tight end and defensive end, could see more playing time at fullback in the Week 9 game at Atlanta because starting FB Earnest Graham has been nursing a sore hamstring. "Great to have (Lorig's) versatility," coach Raheem Morris said.

LB Adam Hayward, a five-year veteran, signed a three-year deal, the team announced Monday. Hayward, who can play all three linebacking positions, is the fourth significant free agent to re-sign.

Tampa Bay RB Earnest Graham (Achilles') will miss the remainder of the season after the team placed him on injured reserve Tuesday, according to NFL.com. Graham had an MRI on his right leg Tuesday morning as reports swirled about a possible season-ending tear to his Achilles' tendon. Graham suffered the setback during Week 7 against Chicago as he was starting in place of injured RB LeGarrette Blount.

Achilles' - IR. Out for the season

Tampa Bay DL Adrian Clayborn got to Dallas QB Tony Romo in Saturday's game giving him 7 1/2 sacks on the season. He finished the game with four tackles, two solo, in the 31-15 loss.

The Bucs promoted safety Ahmad Black to the active roster on Friday after placing DL Tim Crowder (head) on injured reserve.

With Buccaneers QB Josh Freeman's status uncertain heading into Week 13 against the Panthers, the team signed QB Rudy Carpenter to the 53-man roster. To make room for Carpenter, the team released LB Zac Diles.

When Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris was an assistant at Kansas State, he recruited recently acquired S Larry Asante, but Asante ended up at Nebraska. "I was going to make him the Derrick Brooks of college football and move him to (weakside) linebacker," Morris said, grinning.

The following Buccaneers players did not record any statistics in Week 6 vs. Carolina: WR Dexter Jackson, LS Andrew Economos and WR Maurice Stovall.

Tampa Bay WR Mike Williams registered one reception for 31 yards during the Buccaneers' 45-24 loss to Atlanta in Week 17. Williams was targeted only twice by QB Josh Freeman as three other Tampa Bay receivers finished with more receiving yards. It was the second time in his last three games of the regular season he was held to less than two catches as he notched a total of 65 receptions on the year.

The Bucs placed DL John McCargo on IR on Tuesday and promoted Frank Okam from the practice squad to take his roster spot.

Undisclosed - IR. Out for the season

Bucs LB Geno Hayes is expected to rejoin the starting lineup Week 11 at Green Bay after being replaced by Adam Hayward the last two games. Hayes said he received coach Raheem Morris' intended message. “It did open my eyes,” Hayes said. “I saw what (Morris) was trying to pull out of me and it let me see what was going on. I have to take advantage of it. I have to take it up to another level. Without question. I have to raise my play to help this team win. I feel great. I’m happy to be back and I’m ready to start playing again.”

The Bucs placed DL John McCargo on IR on Tuesday and promoted Frank Okam from the practice squad to take his roster spot.

The Buccaneers officially placed S Cody Grimm on injured reserve Tuesday due to a knee injury. Grimm was carted off the field during Sunday's game against Atlanta after suffering an ACL injury.

Knee - IR. Out for the season

Tampa Bay QB Josh Freeman connected on 31 of his 45 passes for 274 yards and two touchdowns during the Buccaneers' 45-24 loss at Atlanta in Week 17. Freeman also thew three interceptions -- the seventh time this season he was picked off multiple times. He finished the regular season with 22 interceptions and just 16 touchdown passes as he regressed during his third NFL season. “You have to keep the game close. Early turnovers don’t allow you to do that," Freeman said. "They capitalized on every turnover and with that you aren’t going to win football games.”

The Bucs signed DL Daniel Te'o-Nesheim off the Eagles practice squad on Tuesday. To make room on the roster, Tampa Bay released Franklin Okam.

The Buccaneers added depth to their secondary in the NFL draft with the selections Florida safety Ahmad Black (Round 5) and FIU CB Anthony Gaitor (Round 7).

The Tampa Tribune reports that Bucs WR Michael Spurlock said he has been working out individually each day at home and preparing for the lockout to eventually end. "I've been in it long enough and I know what it takes to keep my body in shape," Spurlock said. "Even without catching the football, running routes, I've been working on little things. I've done a little running. My cardio is fine. I've just been lifting weights and trying to keep my cardio up because I have a feeling it's going to be that odd hour that they are going to say the lockout is lifted just like they did around the draft. The coaches aren't going to be waiting for you to be in shape. They are going to want you to hit the ground running. That's what I've been doing."

Buccaneers TE Luke Stocker was activated for Week 7 against the Bears in London after being listed as questionable on the injury report with a knee injury. He finished the game with two catches for 14 yards.

Buccaneers WR Arrelious Benn only had one catch in Week 16 against the Panthers but it helped him set a new career mark. He caught a 4-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, giving him a personal-best three scores on the year. Benn was targeted twice by QB Josh Freeman in the 48-16 loss.

Neck - Missed Week 17 at Atlanta

Buccaneers DB Elbert Mack got his first interception of the season, picking off Packers QB Aaron Rodgers at midfield in a Week 11 loss. Mack also made one tackle in the game.

Tampa Bay DB Tanard Jackson recorded a team-high seven tackles, including one for a loss, during the Buccaneers' 41-14 loss to Jacksonville in Week 14. Jackson's total also represented a season best as he pushed his total this year to 26 tackles.

Tampa Bay WR Preston Parker tallied four receptions for a team-high 74 yards during the Buccaneers' 45-24 loss to Atlanta in Week 17. Parker was targeted six times by QB Josh Freeman as he registered an average of 18.5 yards per catch. It was his best catch total since Week 2.

Tampa Bay LB Quincy Black had six tackles, including two for a loss, during the Buccaneers' 41-14 loss to Jacksonville in Week 14. Black surpassed five tackles for only the fourth time this season and reached 50 total tackles.

After missing the previous two games due to injury, Buccaneers WR Sammie Stroughter returned in Week 16 against the Panthers. He caught four passes for 52 yards in the 48-16 loss. Stroughter also returned four kicks for 80 yards but lost a fumble on one of the returns.

Knee - Missed Week 17 at Atlanta

Tampa Bay QB Josh Johnson completed 1 of 2 passes for three yards during the Buccaneers' 41-14 loss to Jacksonville in Week 14. Johnson, who entered the game during Tampa's final drive in the fourth quarter, also threw an interception -- his second of the season.

The Buccaneers signed DT John McCargo to replace DL E.J. Wilson, who was placed on Injured Reserve on Monday. "I will not make the same mistakes I made in Buffalo," McCargo said. "I'm making the most of this chance."

Achilles - IR. Out for the season

Tampa Bay RB LeGarrette Blount finished with only 12 yards on six carries during the Buccaneers' 45-24 loss to Atlanta in Week 17. Blount was held to less than 25 rushing yards for the third straight outing as he posted a lowly average of 2.0 yards per attempt during Sunday's game. Blount fared better in the passing game as he matched a season-high with three catches for 14 yards on four targets from QB Josh Freeman.

Tampa Bay DB Corey Lynch got his first start of the year in Week 13 with Cody Grimm out for the year. He made an impact in the fourth quarter with an interception, but the play was challenged by Atlanta coach Mike Smith. The play was upheld and the Bucs took over. He would finish with three tackles, two solo, in the Buccaneers 28-24 loss to the Falcons.

The Buccanneers announced on Sunday that they placed Raymond Webber on the injured reserve. He tore three tendons in his hamstring injury during camp.

Hamstiring - IR. Out for the season

Tampa Bay TE Kellen Winslow posted a game-high seven receptions for 56 yards during the Buccaneers' 45-24 loss to Atlanta in Week 17. Winslow collected nine targets from QB Josh Freeman as he mustered 8.0 yards per catch. He also fumbled the ball for the second game in a row.

The Bucs promoted safety Ahmad Black to the active roster on Friday after placing DL Tim Crowder (head) on injured reserve.

Concussion - IR. Out for the season

Buccaneers RB Mossis Madu had his most productive game of the season in Week 16 against the Panthers. He gained 20 yards on four carries and caught four passes for 42 yards in the 48-16 loss. Madu finished second on Tampa Bay in rushing behind Kregg Lumpkin (24 yards).

Falcons punter Michael Koenen missed two long field goals at the Titans in Week 5.

The Titans waived nine players on Monday in order to reach Tuesday's 80-player roster limit. The players released were: LB Jonathan Cornell, P Chad Cunningham, DL Jovan Haye, FB Patrick Hill, LB Kevin Malast, QB Brett Ratliff, DB Nick Schommer, WR Owen Spencer and LS John Stokes.

Tampa Bay WR Dezmon Briscoe registered a season-high eight receptions for 53 yards and two touchdowns during the Buccaneers' 45-24 loss at Atlanta in Week 17. Briscoe connected with QB Josh Freeman on both scores to finish with multiple touchdown catches for the first time this season. He also collected a game-high 11 targets from Freeman.

The St. Petersburg Times reports the Bucs placed DB Aqib Talib on injured reserve Monday with a hamstring injury. The team signed DL Jovan Haye to take his roster spot.

Tampa Bay LB Dekoda Watson recorded four solo tackles in Saturday's game versus Dallas. His biggest contribution though was picking up a Tony Romo fumble and returning it for a touchdown, ending his team's scoring drought. Despite his efforts the Buccaneers ended up losing the game, 31-15.

Tampa Bay continued to make changes to its defensive front and added DL Nick Reed to the active roster on Tuesday. Reed was released by Chicago in mid-November.

ESPN.com reports that the Buccaneers claimed DL Albert Haynesworth off waivers on Wednesday. He was released by the Patriots on Tuesday after posting just three tackles in six games.

Kregg Lumpkin saw the majority of the carries for Tampa Bay in Week 16 against the Panthers. With LeGarrette Blount sitting out most of the first half, he gained 24 yards on seven carries. He also caught four passes for 38 yards in the 48-16 loss. Lumpkin had a long run of 9 and averaged 3.4 yards per carry. Lumpkin led the Buccaneers in rushing in the defeat.

Tampa Bay DL Gerald McCoy, out for the season with a biceps injury, will have surgery on Wednesday to repair the torn right biceps tendon, reports the Tampa Tribune Tuesday. McCoy tore the tendon tackling Chris Ivory in the first quarter of the Week 9 loss at New Orleans. "I'm not down," McCoy said during his weekly radio show on WDAE 620 AM on Tuesday. "Everybody expects me to be sad. I'm not sad. I'm loving life. Things could be a lot worse."

Biceps - IR. Out for the season

The Cowboys made their final cuts on Saturday in order to get down to the league-mandated 53 players, and there were some notable subtractions. Among the players released were FBs Chris Gronkowski, Jason Pociask Shaun Chapas and Isaiah Greenhouse; WRs Tysson Poots, Manuel Johnson, Lyle Leong and Teddy Williams; DBs Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Mario Butler, Chris Randle, Andrew Sendejo, Josh Thomas and Collin Zych; LBs Mike Balogun, Kenwin Cummings, Orie Lemon, and Brandon Williams; DE Jimmy Saddler-McQueen and RB Lonyae Miller.

Tampa Bay DL George Johnson was placed on season-ending injured reserve Monday with a knee injury. Johnson left during the Buccaneers' loss to Houston in Week 10 and did not return. Johnson was signed by the team in early October.

Knee - IR. Out for the season

To make room for LB Zac Diles and TE Zack Pianalto, who were signed Monday, the Bucs released CB Dominique "D.J.'' Johnson and DL George Johnson . Both Johnsons played well during the preseason and could be re-signed to the practice squad.

More notable cuts from the Ravens Saturday: LB Josh Bynes, QB Hunter Cantwell, DT Lamar Divens, LB Tavares Goodman, DB Danny Gorrer, DT Bryan Hall, WR James Hardy, CB Talmadge Jackson, FB Ryan Mahaffey, TE Johdrick Morris, DB Mana Silva, DT Derek Simmons, WR Marucs Smith, CB Josh Victorian, LB Chavis Williams and DB Nate Williams.

In a roster move that indicates injured DT Gerald McCoy (ankle) is doubtful for Sunday, the Buccaneers cut TE Collin Franklin and signed DE George Johnson, who stood out during the preseason with a team-high three sacks.