Bucs Activate Safety Rashad Wisdom, Get Key Players Back Ahead of Crucial Matchup
The Bucs are getting healthier at just the right time.
On Wednesday, Tampa Bay activated safety Rashad Wisdom from injured reserve, giving their special teams unit a boost heading into a must-win game. Wisdom had been designated to return earlier in the month, and this week marked the final window for him to be added to the active roster. To make room, the team waived rookie safety Kaevon Merriweather.
Wisdom’s return is more about depth and special teams than a major shift on defense. The rookie safety saw action in two games earlier this season - the opener in Atlanta and Week 4 against Philadelphia - logging 25 snaps, all on special teams. After spending the 2024 season on the practice squad, Wisdom cracked the 53-man roster in 2025, and now he’s back in the mix for the stretch run.
Key Contributors Trending Up
While Wisdom’s return adds depth, the bigger story is who else was back on the practice field.
Tight end Cade Otton, linebacker SirVocea Dennis, and safety Tykee Smith all returned to practice on Wednesday after missing last week’s Thursday night loss to Atlanta. That’s a significant lift for Tampa Bay, especially with the Panthers up next in what amounts to a playoff game for both teams.
Tykee Smith’s return is especially notable. He’s been a key piece in the secondary and, assuming he’s cleared for full action, it’s unlikely Wisdom sees much time on defense. But having both available gives the Bucs more flexibility and insurance on the back end.
Otton and Dennis also bring immediate value. Otton has been a steady target in the passing game and a reliable blocker, while Dennis has flashed sideline-to-sideline range when healthy. Their return gives Tampa Bay more options on both sides of the ball.
Veteran Watch: Lavonte David Sits Out
The only Buccaneer who didn’t practice on Wednesday was veteran linebacker Lavonte David, who continues to manage a knee issue. That’s not necessarily cause for alarm - David has often sat out early in the week and returned by Friday. Still, his availability will be something to monitor closely as Sunday approaches.
Bucs Wednesday Injury Report:
- Lavonte David (Knee) - Did Not Participate
- Mike Evans (Collarbone) - Limited Participation
- Cade Otton (Knee) - Limited Participation
- SirVocea Dennis (Hip) - Full Participation
- Chris Godwin Jr. (Fibula) - Full Participation
- Tykee Smith (Neck/Shoulder) - Full Participation
- Rashad Wisdom (Quad) - Full Participation
Panthers Wednesday Injury Report:
- Ikem Ekwonu (Knee) - Did Not Participate
- Damien Lewis (Illness) - Did Not Participate
- Tetairoa McMillan (Foot/Ankle) - Did Not Participate
- Turk Wharton (Hamstring) - Did Not Participate
- Jaycee Horn (Rest) - Limited Participation
- Taylor Moton (Back) - Limited Participation
- David Moore (Elbow) - Full Participation
- Trevin Wallace (Shoulder) - Full Participation
With the NFC South still up for grabs and every game carrying playoff implications, the Bucs are getting healthier at the right time. The return of key contributors - and even role players like Wisdom - could make all the difference in a tightly contested race.