Quality Veteran Wide Receiver Likely to Join Buccaneers Practice Squad

Despite adding a lot of youth to the wide receiver room, the Buccaneers would stand to benefit from having this reliable veteran on their practice squad.

When Russell Gage suffered a season-ending injury during the Buccaneers' joint practice with the New York Jets earlier this month, it immediately opened up another spot on the Buccaneers' depth chart at the wide receiver position.

With explosive rookies, Trey Palmer and Rakim Jarrett, both showing out in training camp and the preseason, and Deven Thompkins fairly secure in his role as returner/receiver, the assumption by many was that veteran wide receiver, David Moore was likely to lock up the final receiver spot on the 53-man roster. 

Moore's familiarity with Bucs' new OC, Dave Canales, and his offensive system, helped the veteran adapt quickly to his new circumstances in Tampa Bay. But apparently, not enough. When the final 53-man roster was announced earlier this week, Moore didn't make the cut.

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In a surprise move the #Bucs are releasing veteran WR David Moore. Strong candidate to return to the practice squad.

— JC Allen (@JCAllenNFL) August 28, 2023

However, despite five years of NFL experience, including some productive seasons in Seattle, it appears as though the Buccaneers' won't lose out on Moore's services after all. 

Veteran receiver David Moore, released by #Bucs this week, sorts through options but will likely sign back with Tampa on the practice squad, per source. Has familiarity with OC Dave Canales from Seattle.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 30, 2023

The 6'0, 220-pound receiver had 13 touchdowns and over 1,000 yards receiving during his four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. He has the ability to play on the outside, or in the slot, and his experience will certainly be valuable on the Bucs' practice squad, should this scenario play out as anticipated.

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With Deven Thompkins (23), Trey Palmer (22), and Rakim Jarrett (22) occupying three of the five receiver positions on this year's active roster, the youth movement appears to be in full effect in Tampa Bay. Of course, it should be mentioned that superstar veterans, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, will both bring more than enough experience to the group as a whole.

Additionally, having a reliable veteran like David Moore on the practice squad would provide the Buccaneers with more experience waiting in the wings, should the team require his services at any point this season. 

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