Tampa Bay Buccaneers elevate WR Cole Beasley from apply squad to lively roster

TAMPA, Fla. — With uncertainty looming over their broad receiver place heading into Sunday’s dwelling opener in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers (1-1), the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0) have elevated broad receiver Cole Beasley from the apply squad to the lively roster, the group introduced Saturday.

Beasley, an 11-year veteran who spent the previous three seasons with the Buffalo Payments, signed with the membership Wednesday to assist offset the lack of a trio of Professional Bowlers wideouts: Mike Evans — who’s serving a one-game suspension for his function in final week’s melee on the New Orleans Saints — Chris Godwin and Julio Jones, who’re coping with hamstring and knee accidents, respectively.

After lacking Week 2’s victory at New Orleans, Jones was capable of return to apply Friday, spending the portion of apply open to the media working with group coach Bobby Slater off to the aspect. He’s formally listed as questionable for Sunday, whereas Godwin was dominated out Friday. Large receivers Russell Gage (hamstring) and Breshad Perriman (knee), who’re each anticipated to have greater roles Sunday, are additionally carrying harm designations, illustrating how precarious the Bucs’ predicament is on the place.

Beasley, who spent the week making an attempt to rise up to hurry rapidly with broad receivers coach Kevin Garver, mentioned there may be some carryover from earlier offenses he is performed in, which included his first seven years with the Dallas Cowboys, with whom he established himself as one of many premier slot receivers within the league.

“He is fast, catches up to the mark [really] quick, he understands the system,” Coach Todd Bowles mentioned Friday. “He is performed and he is received a whole lot of reps below him, so if we wanted him, I feel he’ll be prepared.”

Beasley, 33, mentioned he wasn’t positive if he’d get a possibility to play within the NFL once more, having not been a part of a coaching camp for the primary time in his profession. However taking part in with quarterback Tom Brady was at all times one thing he wished given Brady’s reliance on slot receivers. He started reaching out to Brady months in the past on Instagram, but it surely wasn’t till the current rash of accidents {that a} spot opened up for Beasley in what was as soon as a really crowded receiver room.

“I have been eager to play with Brady for a very long time, so it is thrilling for me,” Beasley mentioned. “I am excited for the chance and simply able to get again at it. It is a humbling expertise sort of ready this lengthy. It is the primary time I’ve by no means been by means of a [training] camp. I’ve received a whole lot of catching as much as do.

“That is the right scenario,” Beasley mentioned. “I am simply glad to be part of it. No matter my function is, I will fulfill it. Wherever they want me, I am simply coming in and serving to any means I can.”

Beasley mentioned he progressed over the week and was getting an increasing number of comfy. However one concern he expressed was adjusting to the warmth and humidity — an issue he encountered when the Payments and Bucs went into extra time in prime time of Week 14 final yr. Sunday’s excessive in Tampa will probably be 90 levels with 67% humidity and a 30% probability of rain.

“I bear in mind being gassed making an attempt to return again. It was exhausting making an attempt to return again in that stadium with the humidity. That is what I will bear in mind. I will do not forget that and developing quick just a little bit,” Beasley mentioned.

Offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich mentioned Beasley will regulate.

“It takes just a little time to get used to it down right here,” Leftwich mentioned. “I did not see something in apply — a recreation and apply are rather a lot completely different. He [would] be getting extra reps in a recreation versus what he did right this moment in apply. … He is a veteran, he is a professional — he is aware of how to try this.”