The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are getting a familiar face back in the building. Running back Josh Williams has officially had his six-game suspension lifted and returned to practice under a temporary roster exemption, meaning he won’t count against the 53-man limit just yet. It’s a small but important step as the Bucs look to bolster their depth heading into the final stretch of the season.
Williams, 23, was suspended earlier this year for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substance policy. Before that, he had carved out a role on special teams after making the roster as an undrafted rookie - a notable feat in and of itself. His return gives Tampa Bay another option in the backfield and on coverage units, where his presence had been missed.
This comeback carries some added weight when you consider Williams’ story. He began his college career at LSU in 2019 as a walk-on, grinding his way into a contributor over five seasons.
By the time he left Baton Rouge, he had logged 1,494 rushing yards on 314 carries and found the end zone 17 times. He also added 71 receptions for 600 yards and a touchdown - a solid all-around resume that showed his versatility as both a runner and pass-catcher.
And there’s a legacy angle here too. Williams is the son of former Buccaneers running back Jermaine Williams, giving this return a bit of a full-circle feel. The younger Williams signed with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL Draft and appeared in three games before the suspension hit, recording four carries for 11 yards.
While he’s not expected to immediately jump into a major offensive role, his return adds depth and competition - and in December, that matters. Whether it’s on special teams or in spot-duty out of the backfield, Williams has a chance to make an impact again.
In a corresponding move, the Buccaneers also re-signed linebacker Nick Jackson to the practice squad. Jackson has been around the team this season and gives Tampa Bay another developmental piece at linebacker. With injuries always a factor this time of year, having a player like Jackson in the pipeline is a smart insurance play.
So, while these aren’t headline-grabbing transactions, they’re the kind of roster tweaks that can quietly pay dividends. Williams’ return is a story of resilience, and now, he’s got a shot to write the next chapter - this time, back in pewter and red.