Jason Pierre-Paul Returns for Week 18 Matchup

On Friday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced the activation of outside linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul for their Week 18 final regular season game against the Carolina Panthers. This marks Pierre-Paul’s third consecutive elevation from the practice squad after participating in road games against the Panthers and Miami in Weeks 16 and 17.

Jason Pierre-Paul’s Recent Performance

Pierre-Paul returned to the field for the first time since December 2023. He also played his first game for the Buccaneers since the 2021 playoffs. In Week 16 against Carolina, he contributed 12 defensive snaps. Last week, he added 16 snaps in the game against the Dolphins, where he recorded one pass defensed.

Impact of Anthony Nelson’s Injury

With outside linebacker Anthony Nelson ruled out due to a knee injury, Pierre-Paul is expected to have similar playing time in Saturday’s matchup. This activation is significant as the Buccaneers aim to strengthen their defense in the final game of the regular season.

Practice Squad Elevation Rules

The NFL introduced practice squad elevation options in 2020. Teams can activate two practice squad players for each game without altering their 53-player roster limit. By using one of their elevation options this week, the Buccaneers expanded their game day roster to 54 players, though only 48 will be active for the matchup.

• Practice squad players can be elevated up to three times during the regular season.
• Players automatically revert to the practice squad after the game without waivers.

Jason Pierre-Paul’s Legacy with the Buccaneers

Since joining the Buccaneers in a trade with the New York Giants in the 2018 offseason, Pierre-Paul has made a notable impact. In just 54 regular season games, he recorded 33.0 sacks, placing him tied for 10th on the franchise’s all-time sack list.

After the 2020 season, he earned his third Pro Bowl selection with a remarkable performance, leading the team with 9.5 sacks. He also had two interceptions, 14 quarterback hits, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. His playoff contributions include an impressive 2.5 sacks in six games, highlighting his significance in critical moments.

This latest elevation marks Pierre-Paul’s third for the current season. Should the Buccaneers qualify for the playoffs, he would be eligible for additional elevations during the postseason.