The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense will be closer to full strength for their Divisional Round matchup against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday night.
Linebacker Devin White and defensive lineman Steve McLendon were activated from the reserve/COVID list on Monday, the team announced. Both White and McLendon have missed the Bucs' last two games while on the list, including this past Saturday's wild-card win over the Washington Football Team. The Bucs also announced Monday that LB Kevin Minter was placed on the reserve/COVID list.
White's availability is crucial for the Bucs as they head into New Orleans to face their NFC South rival. Arguably their best player on defense, the second-year LB led the Bucs with 140 tackles this season and notched nine sacks while adding 15 tackles for loss. McLendon adds much-needed depth to a Bucs D-line that lost Vita Vea during the year. Acquired from the Jets in October, McLendon has contributed 17 tackles and two tackles for loss.
White landed on the reserve/COVID list after testing positive Jan. 1. McLendon, along with linebacker Shaquil Barrett were deemed high-risk close contacts in the wake of White's positive test. Barrett was cleared to play just in time to play in the Super Wild Card Round.
On the other side of the ball, coach Bruce Arians told reporters running back Ronald Jones (quad) didn't feel right before Saturday's game. "We'll wait and see," Arians said regarding Jones' availability for Sunday. Arians also revealed that starting right guard Alex Cappa will miss the rest of the rest of the playoffs after fracturing his ankle on Saturday. Third-year G Aaron Stinnie will take his place.
Here's other injury and roster news we're tracking on Monday:
- The Buffalo Bills postseason will continue without rookie running back Zack Moss. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Moss' ankle injury will cause him to miss the rest of the playoffs as initially feared. Bills coach Sean McDermott confirmed Moss will be out for the remainder of the postseason, but said receiver Cole Beasley (knee) will be ready to go this weekend against the Baltimore Ravens.
- Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters that right tackle Jack Conklin (hamstring), guard Michael Dunn (calf) and cornerback Robert Jackson (hamstring) are all day to day. Linebacker B.J. Goodson suffered a "bad" AC joint sprain in one of his shoulders in addition to bruised ribs during Sunday's victory over the Steelers, but intends to play this weekend against the Chiefs, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported. Goodson intends to play this weekend against the Chiefs.
- The New Orleans Saints have added veteran kicker Blair Walsh to its practice squad, a source tells Pelissero. The move is considered a contingency plan for any COVID issues that may arise.
- The Miami Dolphins have signed running back Jordan Scarlett to a futures deal, Pelissero reports, per his agent. Scarlett, who played at the University of Florida, stays close to home.
- The Tennessee Titans announced the signing of quarterback DeShone Kizer and defensive end Nate Orchard to futures contracts.
- The Washington Football Team released linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton. Hamilton started three games for the team this season and played in 14, but hadn't played since Week 15.
