An NFL practice squad is designed to augment the main roster with developmental talent and deep roster reserves, but the recent ability to elevate practice squad players to the main roster on game days adds a new dimension to NFL player management. For the Buccaneers, it provides flexibility at positions beset by injury before the season begins, benefiting the defensive secondary in particular.
For the vast majority of the time that Todd Bowles has been the Bucs' defensive playcaller, Tampa Bay has carried at least 10 defensive backs into Week 1 of the regular season. Not since his first season as the Bucs' defensive coordinator in 2019 has Tampa Bay rostered just nine defensive backs after the final cut to 53 players.
This year, it even took
a waiver claim for former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Kevin Knowles to get the Bucs secondary to nine players. The reason behind this change can be found across the rest of the roster as the Bucs carry 10 offensive linemen and seven defensive linemen, one more at each group than they did years previous. For the offensive line in particular, injuries to their offensive tackle depth prompted them to carry more linemen than usual.
Almost by default, this roster wrinkle all but ensures the practice squad's defensive backs will see game action. The most obvious candidate is safety Ifeatu Melifonwu, who was one of Tampa Bay's best defenders during the preseason. While the Bucs often have just three safeties active, Miles Killebrew is known more for his special teams contributions and has limited snaps in game situations due to a preseason injury.
Melifonwu would provide more coverage security while also contributing on special teams, at least in the short term. Second-year S JJ Roberts could insert himself as Melifonwu's elevation eligibility evaporates and his own recovery from a torn ACL last preseason completes.
However, the practice squad player most likely to provide value across the entire season, either from game-day elevations or a subsequent promotion to the main roster, is veteran CB Sean Murphy-Bunting. Drafted by the Bucs in 2019, Murphy-Bunting was on Tampa Bay's 2020 Super Bowl-winning defense but departed in 2023. Coming off a torn ACL in 2025, Murphy-Bunting was cut by the Arizona Cardinals and signed with the Bucs following final roster cuts last week.
Murphy-Bunting's biggest asset is his versatility, as he can play both outside, in the slot, and even in the box. With second-year CB Benjamin Morrison coming back from another hamstring injury, the Bucs will likely need Murphy-Bunting to back him up if not immediately, then when the next injury occurs. Already familiar with Bowles' defense, the seven-year veteran may not need much time to ramp up in order to contribute.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Which Bucs practice squad player could make the biggest impact in 2026?
