There are still a few key positions and/or backup spots still to be determined.
Some players coming off recent injuries will be held out tonight due to the weather and possible field conditions, however, this will be the last chance for a few players to wear the pewter and red.
Keeping in mind that in last year’s final preseason game ,25 of 26 players that were held out of the game, made the roster. Another 15 starters, also made the team.
At WR, Kenny Bell and Evan Spencer are still in the mix. Most feel Kenny Bell will be cut. After fumbling the opening kickoff against the Eagles, Bell, hasn’t seen one since. Spencer will be playing the team that drafted him. Bell has had one catch for 9 yds. Spencer is 2 for 27 yds.
Lakewood’s Bernard Reedy had a 43 yd punt return last week vs the Browns. Reedy has had 3 catches for 44 yds. Reedy, who many have as a practice squad player, at the most, could step up tonight and prove he’s a viable WR and K-PR.
Less likely seem to be Jonathon Krause (3-56) and Freddie Martino (2-30)
People seemed shocked when Donteea Dye was released as an injury/release. Most had Dye as a 4 or 5 receiver and a viable KR. The Bucs are expected to make a financial agreement with Dye upon his final release.
With a solid game tonight, Reedy could step into Dye’s shoes and takeover the job.
OL and undrafted rookie Leonard Webster has been on the second team throughout camp. Webster should see considerable playing time tonight, with a banged up OL, Webster also has a chance to prove his worth.
Draft pick Caleb Benenoch, who missed three weeks with an ankle injury and G Josh Allen, who had a strong game last week, can build on that tonight. Also, G Ben Gottschalk is trying to break through.
Allen and Gottschalk can both play the C and G position which can be an advantage. Especially with Joe Hawley and Evan Smith. While both solid starters, Evan Smith has been playing G position, due to other injuries, and doing a great job.
The point is: it can be advantageous to be versatile, playing one or more positions.
On defense, Noah Spence, and Howard Jones look to see extended playing time tonight. Also DE Kourtnei Brown, who has been cut 10 Times by 7 teams. Jacquies Smith, who has had a great camp, as well as the preseason, could get extended playing time. Spence and Smith are obvious locks but the coaching staff still wants to get a better look at Spence and his speed off the edge.
Projected practice squad, according to Greg Auman could look like this:
RB Peyton Barber, WR Bernard Reedy, WR Evan Spencer, TE Alan Cross, OT Kelvin Palmer, DE Channing Ward, DT DaVonte Lambert, LB Micah Awe, CB Javien Elliott, and S Isiah Johnson.
Several players will have a chance to make them 53 man roster and become an impact player in what is expected to be a bad weather game tonight, which won’t help players that are already banged-up but have to get a look tonight!
