Buccaneers elevate – The Buccaneers have tapped the practice squad to bolster their roster ahead of Thursday’s matchup against the Cowboys, as Baker Mayfield remains sidelined.
The weight of a mid-season injury crisis hit the Buccaneers locker room once more as the team finalized its roster for Thursday night’s pivotal clash against the Cowboys. With Baker Mayfield still recovering from the right thumb dislocation he suffered in Week 3 against the Vikings. the depth chart required immediate reinforcement.
Management officially elevated quarterback Easton Stick and safety J.J. Roberts from the practice squad. The move grants both players the green light to suit up under the lights tonight. forcing the team to lean on backup options to navigate Mayfield’s absence. For the rookie Jalon Daniels. it marks his second consecutive NFL start. a trial by fire in a compressed week of preparation.
Stick’s familiarity with the coaching staff played a clear role in his promotion. Having worked under offensive coordinator Zac Robinson during their time together in Atlanta last season. Stick offers a veteran presence behind Daniels. He brings a resume that includes six appearances and four starts dating back to his time as a 2019 fifth-round pick by the Chargers. where he tallied 1. 129 passing yards. three touchdowns. and a single interception across 174 attempts.
This marks Stick’s second elevation this season, while Roberts faces a different kind of pressure entirely. The undrafted free agent out of Marshall, who joined the organization in 2025, has yet to see a single regular-season snap. Tonight represents his first activation to the active roster.
The scramble to fill these spots highlights the narrowing margin for error for the Buccaneers. While the team waits for Mayfield to clear the hurdle of a thumb injury that will keep him out for at least one more game. the transition of Stick and Roberts serves as the only bridge to Sunday. The game plan now rests on those who were watching from the practice field just days ago.
Buccaneers Easton Stick J.J. Roberts Jalon Daniels Baker Mayfield NFL Cowboys Thursday Night Football