The Buccaneers added some needed insurance Saturday, elevating quarterback Easton Stick and running back Josh Williams from the practice squad before Sunday’s Week 6 game against the Steelers.
Both moves give Tampa Bay extra bodies at spots where the injury list has thinned things out. Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com reported that Stick and Williams will be available against Pittsburgh as the Bucs try to patch together depth at quarterback and running back.
Stick’s call-up puts him in line to back up rookie Jalon Daniels, who is set for his third straight start while Baker Mayfield works back from a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand. Mayfield missed practice all week and was ruled out Friday.
The veteran quarterback has seen NFL action in six games and has made four starts. In those appearances, Stick has completed 111 of 174 passes for 1,129 yards, with three touchdowns and one interception. He also already knows offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, after spending the 2025 season with the Atlanta Falcons.
Williams comes up with Sean Tucker listed as questionable because of a quad injury. Todd Bowles said Friday that Tucker’s status would come down to a pregame workout, which leaves Tampa Bay with some uncertainty in the backfield.
Williams has played one game this season, handling a kickoff return for 47 yards against Cincinnati in Week 1. In three games for Tampa Bay in 2025, he logged four carries for 11 yards and returned five kickoffs for 129 yards.
There’s roster math attached to the moves, too. Stick has hit the regular-season limit of three elevations, so Tampa Bay would have to sign him to the active roster if it wants to use him again this year. Williams has been elevated twice and still has one standard elevation left.
After Sunday’s game, both players will automatically go back to the practice squad. For now, Stick gives the Buccaneers another quarterback behind Daniels, while Williams provides an additional running back option if Tucker can’t go.
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