Bucs Designate Defensive Lineman for Return from IR

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could certainly use more depth at this position.

Aug 10, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Earnest Brown IV (74) reacts after a play in the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images / Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have designated one of their injured defensive linemen to return to the team.

The Bucs announced on Wednesday that lineman Earnest Brown IV, who the team signed earlier this year and who made the active roster out of training camp, has begun his window to return from Injured Reserve. Brown will get 21 days to so — if he is unable to get healthy in that timespan, he'll be put on season-ending IR.

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Brown made the initial 53-man roster after playing in California for his first few NFL stints. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams, and he played three seasons there, almost all of it on the practice squad, and he was released in 2024. He had a very brief (four months) stint with the San Francisco 49ers before Tampa Bay signed him in May. Brown has played in 12 NFL games and has netted 14 total tackles.

Brown suffered a rib injury in practice just before the team's season opener against the Washington Commanders. His presence could be needed in Tampa Bay, as injuries to the team's defensive line could see him getting more playing time than normal

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