Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Buccaneers: Josh Huff to the 53-Man Roster?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers witnessed their starting wide receiver, Cecil Shorts III, go down with one of the most gruesome knee injuries this past Sunday. Could this be the opportunity practice squad receiver Josh Huff has been waiting for?

Cecil Shorts III was signed by the Buccaneers towards the beginning of the season back in September when he was cut by the Houston Texans. Although Shorts has seen a great amount of action since then, his production has only just recently begun. Unfortunately in Shorts’ attempt to turn his season around, he sustained one of the worst injuries so far this year in the NFL.

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Not only did Shorts dislocate his knee, but he also tore his ACL, MCL, and PCL in the first quarter hit. Luckily, the next man up mentality worked out for the Bucs that afternoon and once again they were able to squeak out with a win.

So what does this mean going forward?

Josh Huff, the current practice squad receiver, would makes sense to be the next man up for the Bucs. Huff was signed to the Bucs practice squad at the beginning of November and has been there ever since. His promotion before the Kansas City game seemed inevitable, but unfortunately it was delayed due to injury. If Huff finally ends up on the 53-man roster this week, it could be exactly what the Bucs need.

Huff, who although only had 48 receptions for 482 yards and four touchdowns in his time with the Philadelphia Eagles has proved that he is more than capable to play in the NFL. Not to mention he also served as an asset in the return game in his time in Philly. His promotion this week could not only help solidify the hole at receiver, but also give the Bucs the edge they need in the return game.

The team here at the Pewter Plank recently posted a round-table discussion that talked about what low profile player needs to step up in order for the Bucs to make the playoffs. My answer was simply Ryan Smith because of his possible impact in the kick return game, but now I have a new solution.

Huff has already logged two kick returns for touchdowns in his career. Imagine the kind of boost that could be for the Bucs. These next four games contain no easy opponents and a spark on special teams for the Bucs could start a wildfire.

Who could oppose having this threat on the Bucs’ roster? I mean… when’s the last kick return in the Bay, 2011?

Believe it or not, the Bucs seem to have some quality depth currently at the wide receiver position. Freddie Martino stepped up BIG in Sunday’s game, and where did he start his season… on the practice squad. So let’s hope the Bucs’ luck carries over with Huff.

Everyone loves comeback stories, so why can it not happen to Huff? I believe he can turn around his career and so should you.

What do you think Buc fans? Like what I have to say? If so follow me on Twitter and we can talk about anything Bucs. God bless the Bucs and onto New Orleans.

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