The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed wide receiver to their practice squad, filling an open spot. The news was first reported by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN and later confirmed by Fox Sports’ Greg Auman and ESPN’s Jenna Laine. Callaway is a familiar face for the Bucs, as he has spent most of his NFL career with the New Orleans Saints. His best season came in 2021, where he posted 46 receptions for 698 yards and six touchdowns.
Tampa Bay is well-acquainted with Callaway due to his matchups against them while with the Saints. He has faced the Bucs six times, during which he caught 11 passes for 153 yards, including a standout performance in 2021 where he recorded six receptions for 112 yards.
Callaway has not played during the 2023 season after being waived by the Saints in August. The Bucs have been dealing with injuries in their wide receiver group, which may have prompted the signing. Rakim Jarrett has been on injured reserve since the start of the regular season, Trey Palmer missed Week 6 against the Saints due to a concussion, and Kameron Johnson has missed half of the season so far. Callaway’s addition gives the Bucs some much-needed depth at the position.
Callaway, who stands 6’2” and weighs 204 pounds, has been a consistent deep threat throughout his career. His average depth of target is 12.3 yards, and he brings a physical presence to Tampa Bay’s wide receiver room. While currently on the practice squad, Callaway can be elevated to the active roster for up to three games before the Bucs would need to sign him permanently to play in future contests.
Tampa Bay has been rotating practice squad receivers due to their decision to carry just five wide receivers on their 53-man roster. Earlier this season, Sterling Shepard was elevated in Weeks 3 and 4 before being signed to the active roster for Week 5. Ryan Miller was also elevated recently. Now, Callaway joins Miller and Tanner Knue as the three receivers currently on Tampa Bay’s practice squad.
Throughout his career, Callaway has accumulated 83 catches for 1,069 yards, averaging 12.9 yards per catch and scoring seven touchdowns. His experience and size should provide valuable support to Tampa Bay’s offense as they navigate ongoing injury concerns.
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