Buccaneers Activate Tackle from Injured Reserve

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are reeling after a surprising 20-18 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6. They'll have another option along the offensive line as they search for answers on a struggling offense. The team announced it has activated tackle Josh Wells from injured reserve Wednesday morning.

We've designated T Josh Wells for return from injured reserve & re-signed TE David Wells to the practice squad.#GoBucs
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 19, 2022

Wells was placed on IR following a calf injury sustained in a Week 2 victory over the New Orleans Saints. He had been starting at left tackle in place of Donovan Smith, who hyperextended his elbow in the team's Week 1 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

With Smith back in the starting lineup, Wells is likely to slide back into his role as depth and swing tackle for the Bucs. The team could potentially benefit from a change along the interior of the offensive line, particularly at left guard with rookie Luke Goedeke sporting a 38.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, but Wells has typically only played tackle in his eight-year career.

Wells joined the Bucs in 2019 following a five-year run with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He caught on in the league as an undrafted free agent out of James Madison in 2014. He has hung around the NFL primarily as a backup and sporadic starter, totalling 18 starts in his 86 appearances. He has earned a 67.1 overall grade from PFF over his 62 offensive snaps this season.