The Tampa Bay Buccaneers today activated defensive lineman Calijah Kancey from Injured Reserve and elevated outside linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul from the practice squad to the active roster for the team's Week 18 game against the Carolina Panthers. It marks Pierre-Paul's third elevation of the season.
Additionally, the club has waived linebacker John Bullock.
Kancey (6-0, 280) was placed on Injured Reserve on September 17. He started in Weeks 1-2 for Tampa Bay and was injured in the team's Week 2 win over the Houston Texans. He originally entered the league as a first-round selection (No. 19 overall) by the Buccaneers in the 2023 NFL Draft. In his career, Kancey has started all 28 games he has played, amassing 55 tackles (22 for loss), 29 quarterback hits, 11.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one pass defensed. Since entering the league, Kancey is one of just 12 interior defensive linemen to average over one quarterback hit per game. He wears No. 94 for Tampa Bay.
Pierre-Paul (6-5, 270) signed to Tampa Bay's practice squad on December 9. He was elevated from the practice squad in Weeks 16-17, recording one pass defensed. Pierre-Paul has played in 184 career games between the New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins and Buccaneers, making 150 starts and totaling 622 tackles (127 for loss), 167 quarterback hits, 94.5 sacks, 66 passes defensed, 21 forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries and five interceptions. Originally entering the league as a first-round selection (No. 15 overall) by the Giants in the 2010 NFL Draft, Pierre-Paul has earned All-Pro recognition and three Pro Bowl nods throughout his career. A two-time Super Bowl champion – including Super Bowl LV as a member of the Buccaneers – he played collegiately at College of the Canyons (2007), Fort Scott Community College (2008) and the University of South Florida (2009). In his lone season at USF, he garnered first-team All-America honors and first-team All-Big East recognition. The Deerfield Beach, Florida, native wears No. 91 for Tampa Bay.
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