ampa Bay Buccaneers Roster Moves: Week 7 Injury Updates & Cooper Kupp’s Expected Return

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Roster Moves: Week 7 Injury Updates & Cooper Kupp’s Expected Return

People Also Ask:

As NFL teams adjust their rosters and strategize for the season’s second half, Week 7 sees some crucial moves being made by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Injuries and performance-based decisions have spurred the Buccaneers to shake up their roster in preparation for key upcoming games. In parallel, one of the hottest stories in the league is Cooper Kupp’s potential return from injury for the Los Angeles Rams. While the Bucs make moves to strengthen their roster, Kupp’s return to action has massive implications for the Rams and the NFC playoff picture.

This article will cover the latest roster updates from the Buccaneers and provide insights into the potential impact of Kupp’s return in Week 7.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Roster Moves for Week 7

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter Week 7 sitting in a competitive NFC South division, where every roster move can make a critical difference in the push for playoff contention. With injuries playing a significant role and some positions underperforming, the Buccaneers have been active in the transaction market to fortify key areas of the team.

Key Roster Moves

1. Elevating Chase Edmonds – Running Back Chase Edmonds, who has bounced around the league over the past few seasons, was placed on injured reserve earlier in the season but is expected to return soon. His presence in the backfield will give the Buccaneers an experienced option behind Rachaad White. Edmonds is known for his versatility, both as a runner and a pass-catcher out of the backfield. If he returns healthy, he could play an important role in the offense, especially in third-down situations, providing relief for White and adding depth to the position.
2. Waiving Patrick O’Connor – Defensive Lineman The Buccaneers made a tough call in waiving defensive lineman Patrick O’Connor. O’Connor has been a rotational player and special teams contributor for the Bucs, but the emergence of younger players and the return of other key defensive pieces made him expendable. This move opens up a roster spot for the Bucs to either promote a practice squad player or bring in outside help for depth along the defensive line.
3. Injury Updates: Calijah Kancey – Defensive Tackle First-round draft pick Calijah Kancey has been in and out of the lineup due to a nagging calf injury but is expected to make a full return soon. Kancey’s absence has been felt on the defensive line, particularly in the interior where his ability to disrupt opposing offenses has been missed. His return could bolster a Buccaneers defense that has been up and down throughout the season, particularly against the run.
4. Promoting Trey Palmer – Wide Receiver Rookie wide receiver Trey Palmer has steadily earned more opportunities in the Buccaneers’ offense as he continues to impress the coaching staff with his work ethic and ability to stretch the field. The decision to promote Palmer to a more significant role speaks volumes about the Buccaneers’ desire to inject more speed and big-play ability into their offense. With veteran wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin garnering much of the attention from opposing defenses, Palmer’s emergence could add another dimension to the passing game.
5. Cornerback Depth: Bringing in Richard LeCounte III With some uncertainty surrounding the Buccaneers’ secondary, especially after injuries to key players like Jamel Dean, the team has signed free-agent cornerback Richard LeCounte III. LeCounte, formerly of the Cleveland Browns, will provide depth and insurance in case the injury bug continues to affect the defensive backfield. While he may not step in as an immediate starter, LeCounte’s experience and versatility will be valuable in certain packages.

Offensive Line Adjustments

The Buccaneers’ offensive line has also been a focus in recent roster moves. After dealing with injuries to key starters like center Ryan Jensen, who was ruled out for the season, and right tackle Tristan Wirfs managing nagging issues, the Bucs have looked to shore up their depth by signing practice squad linemen and exploring external options. Protecting quarterback Baker Mayfield remains the top priority, and these roster moves aim to solidify the protection for the remainder of the season.

Cooper Kupp’s Return in Week 7: Ideal Target but No Guarantees

While the Buccaneers are busy reshuffling their roster, one of the biggest storylines across the league is Cooper Kupp’s anticipated return from injury in Week 7. Kupp, the Los Angeles Rams’ star wide receiver, has been recovering from a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined since the preseason. The Rams have been cautious with his recovery process, but Week 7 has been set as the “ideal target” for his return. However, Rams head coach Sean McVay has emphasized that there are no guarantees.

Kupp’s potential return is critical for the Rams, who have been leaning heavily on younger wide receivers like Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell in his absence. Both players have performed admirably, but Kupp’s presence on the field would elevate the entire offense and help veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford immensely.

What Kupp’s Return Means for the Rams’ Offense

Kupp is not just any receiver—he was the 2021 Offensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl LVI MVP, thanks to his record-breaking season. His ability to run precise routes, create separation, and make tough catches in traffic is something the Rams have missed. While Nacua has been a revelation in his rookie season, Kupp’s return would likely see defenses shift focus toward him, creating more opportunities for Nacua, Atwell, and tight end Tyler Higbee.

Moreover, Kupp’s return would provide Stafford with a reliable, go-to option in high-pressure situations, something the Rams offense has been lacking in key moments. Kupp has a unique ability to make plays after the catch, turning short completions into game-changing gains. His chemistry with Stafford, developed over several seasons, is undeniable, and having him back would provide a spark for the entire offense.

Risks of Returning Too Soon

While Week 7 has been circled on the calendar, the Rams know that rushing Kupp back could backfire. Hamstring injuries can be particularly tricky for wide receivers, as they rely heavily on explosive movements, sharp cuts, and top-end speed. If Kupp were to return before fully healing, he could risk aggravating the injury and potentially sidelining himself for an even longer period.

McVay and the Rams’ medical staff have been cautious in Kupp’s rehabilitation process, making sure not to accelerate his return without confidence in his full recovery. Should Kupp miss Week 7, the Rams may continue to rely on their other pass-catchers to maintain offensive consistency while ensuring Kupp is ready for the long haul.

Week 7 NFC West Dynamics

The NFC West is shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions in football, with the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks performing well, while the Rams aim to stay in the mix. Kupp’s return would be a significant boost for the Rams as they gear up for a critical stretch of games against divisional rivals and other NFC contenders.

With Kupp in the lineup, the Rams have the potential to disrupt the playoff aspirations of teams like the 49ers and Seahawks. Additionally, if the Buccaneers and Rams meet later in the season, Kupp’s presence could force Tampa Bay’s defense to adjust its strategy, potentially leaving openings for Stafford to exploit.