Tag: Tyrek Funderburk

Bucs CB Jamel Dean declared OUT with hamstring injury against Saints

The Bucs starting cornerback left their game against the New Orleans Saints and was quickly declared out.

Things are getting chaotic in New Orleans for the Bucs defense.

Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean exited Tampa Bay’s Week 6 matchup with the New Orleans Saints with a hamstring injury. He required assistance to leave the field and was quickly declared out for the rest of the game.

Undrafted rookie cornerback Tyrek Funderburk entered the game in Dean’s place. Just as the Bucs started to get healthy on defense with Antoine Winfield Jr. and Calijah Kancey returning, the Bucs’ secondary took yet another hit.

Cornerback Bryce Huff is already on injured reserve.

Thankfully, for the secondary, despite being beaten up with a loaded injury report, they got Antoine Winfield Jr. back, and he has made an impact. Zyon McCollum has played well so far for the Bucs in place of several starters. With Dean going out, the role for McCollum will be expected to expand to help Funderbunk play more meaningful reps as well.

Bucs announce initial 53-man roster

The Buccaneers’ initial 53-man roster is now set.

The Buccaneers finished cutting down their roster to the 53-man limit on Tuesday, giving fans their first look at the 2024 squad:

There were few surprises in the Bucs’ journey to the final 53. Long snapper Zach Triner was the longest tenured player to be released. The only other cut veterans with previous experience in red and pewter were quarterback John Wolford and tight end David Wells.

While the Bucs will roster fewer undrafted rookies this year, cornerback Tyrek Funderburk and wide receiver Kameron Johnson made the initial cut. Overall, the 2024 roster resoundingly favors Tampa Bay’s drafted players. 36 players on the Bucs’ roster were drafted by Tampa Bay. Only two Bucs starters signed with the team as free agents: QB Baker Mayfield and guard Ben Bredeson.

There may be tweaks to the roster in the coming days as waived players from other rosters are claimed, though the Bucs are unlikely to make more than a move or two if any at all. The bigger next step for the Bucs front office is filling out the practice squad, which should be complete before the end of the week.