Back
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made two roster moves Thursday ahead of Sunday's NFC South matchup against the Carolina Panthers, activating wide receiver David Sills V from injured reserve and placing linebacker Christian Rozeboom on IR with a finger injury.
According to Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com, Rozeboom will miss at least the next four games, while Sills is eligible to make his Tampa Bay debut Sunday. The timing gives the Buccaneers another receiver option as they deal with uncertainty about Emeka Egbuka's availability.
Egbuka did not participate in either Wednesday's or Thursday's practice while dealing with a concussion and foot injury. Chris Godwin also missed Thursday's session, although his absence was officially designated as rest. With Egbuka's status still uncertain, Sills gives Tampa Bay additional depth heading into an important divisional matchup.
Sills signed with the Buccaneers during the offseason after spending 2025 with the Atlanta Falcons, where he played under current Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. He finished last season with career highs of 18 receptions, 191 receiving yards, and two touchdowns.
The veteran receiver suffered a hamstring injury that landed him on injured reserve during Tampa Bay's final roster cuts in August. The Buccaneers opened his 21-day practice window on October 12, letting him participate in team activities without taking up a spot on the active roster. He fully participated in practice Wednesday and Thursday before officially returning to the 53-man roster.
Rozeboom's move to injured reserve creates another concern for Tampa Bay's defense. The veteran linebacker appeared in five games this season, recording eight tackles, one tackle for loss, and two passes defended. He also contributed on special teams, recording three kick-coverage tackles.
His most recent performance came against the Pittsburgh Steelers, when Tampa Bay used more three-linebacker looks with Rozeboom alongside Alex Anzalone and Josiah Trotter. Rozeboom played 25 defensive snaps and finished with four tackles and a pass breakup in the Buccaneers' 26-19 overtime loss.
The finger injury kept Rozeboom out of practice Wednesday and Thursday before the team placed him on injured reserve. His absence will force Tampa Bay to adjust its linebacker depth after he took on more defensive snaps against Pittsburgh.
The Buccaneers enter Week 7 at 1-5 and need a win against Carolina to begin turning their season around. Sills' activation provides some insurance at receiver, but it remains to be seen whether he makes his debut Sunday. Friday's final injury report should also clarify Egbuka's availability.