The Tampa Bay Buccaneers sit atop the NFC South at 6-2 and look ready to do whatever it takes to keep their playoff streak alive. Their main hurdle appears to be a roster hit hard by injuries. But even that hasn’t slowed them down…Tampa Bay’s front office and head coach, Todd Bowles, have been busy making some roster shuffles to fight off that relentless injury bug and keep the momentum rolling.

Rick Stroud, the NFL writer for Tampa Bay, recently posted an update about the same on his X.

“Bucs signed offensive lineman Karsen Barnhart to the team’s practice squad and placed practice squad tackle Tyler McLellan on the Practice Squad/Injured Reserve list,”

The Buccaneers have already placed multiple starters on injured reserve, including DT Calijah Kancey,WR Mike Evans, and WR Chris Godwin who has appeared in just two games so far. The recent additions of Barnhart and other depth players give Tampa Bay optimism as they look to keep pushing for playoffs.

Barnhart, who went undrafted out of Michigan in 2024, has been on quite the NFL journey. He spent most of last season on the Chargers’ practice squad before being released during their 2025 training camp. Shortly after, he joined the Broncos’ practice squad, where he stayed until about two weeks ago. Now, he’s getting a new shot with the Buccaneers and will be wearing jersey number 61. However, as one player joins the mix, another heads to the sidelines.

McLellan has been placed on the Buccaneers’ practice squad injured reserve list due to an undisclosed injury, according to Greg Auman of Fox Sports. The setback means he’ll miss at least the next four games. The undrafted rookie from Campbell in 2024 has yet to make his NFL debut, and this injury puts his wait on hold a little longer.

While Bowles bolstered the practice squad, he has a disappointing update for running back Bucky Irving.

Bucky Irving’s update after being sidelined for over a month

Bucky Irving‘s injury update as of early November 2025 indicates that he remains sidelined with lingering foot and shoulder injuries sustained in Week 4. He has missed four consecutive games and did not participate in practice during the Buccaneers’ bye week. The foot injury appears to be improving, as Irving has been able to run, but the shoulder issue remains a concern since he has yet to take any contact in practice.

“Todd Bowles said Bucky Irving (foot) has progressed enough to be running – however he still hasn’t taken contact on his injured shoulder,” SleeperNFL quotes FOX Sports’ Greg Auman. 

Irving has been featured in just four games this season and contributed significantly. The 22-year-old racked up 237 yards on 71 rushing attempts. In his four appearances, the Buccaneers have won three of them.

Had Tampa Bay placed Irving on injured reserve, he could have returned after Week 8. Instead, he remained on the 53-man roster despite missing multiple games, highlighting that his injuries were more serious than initially expected. Now, all eyes are on how Bowles will use his new signings to keep the team’s playoff push alive.