The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made two roster moves ahead of their Thursday Night Football matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, elevating quarterback Easton Stick and safety J.J. Roberts from the practice squad. The moves give Tampa Bay additional depth at two positions affected by injuries as the team looks for its first win of the season.
Stick's elevation comes as Baker Mayfield is ruled out for the second consecutive game due to a right thumb injury. Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels will make his second NFL start after completing 19 of 27 passes for 148 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in Tampa Bay's 17-14 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Stick was also elevated for that matchup, serving as Daniels' backup.
The veteran quarterback joined
Tampa Bay's practice squad in August after spending time with the Los Angeles Chargers, Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts. Stick has appeared in six regular-season NFL games, including four starts, and brings experience in offensive coordinator Zac Robinson's system from their time together in Atlanta.
Roberts' elevation addresses another area of concern for Tampa Bay. Starting safety Antoine Winfield Jr. has been ruled out for the game against Dallas with a rib injury, leaving the Buccaneers without one of their most experienced defensive playmakers. Roberts, who joined Tampa Bay as an undrafted rookie in 2025, spent his first NFL season on injured reserve after suffering a knee injury during training camp.
Ifeatu Melifonwu is expected to take on a larger defensive role in Winfield's absence, while Roberts provides additional depth in the secondary and another potential option on special teams. The Buccaneers have already dealt with several injuries on defense, making the availability of additional defensive backs particularly important heading into Thursday's game.
NFL teams can elevate up to two practice squad players for each regular-season game without permanently signing them to the active roster. Both Stick and Roberts will be eligible to play against Dallas before reverting to the practice squad following the game.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Buccaneers make two roster moves before Thursday Night Football
