The Tampa Bay Buccaneers today elevated defensive lineman Adam Gotsis and outside linebacker Jason Pierre-Paulfrom the practice squad to the active roster for the team's Week 16 game against the Carolina Panthers. It marks the third elevation of the season for Gotsis and the first of the season for Pierre-Paul.
Gotsis (6-4, 290) was previously elevated for Weeks 1 and 15, making his first appearance with the Buccaneers in Week 15. He has appeared in 127 career games between the Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts and Buccaneers, making 55 starts and amassing 223 tackles (25 for loss), 42 quarterback hits, 22 passes defensed, 10.5 sacks, four fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles. He originally entered the NFL as a second-round pick (No. 63 overall) by the Denver Broncos in the 2016 NFL Draft. The Melbourne, Australia, native played collegiately at Georgia Tech (2012–15), appearing in 48 career games and logging 110 tackles, 12.5 sacks, five passes defensed, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions. He wears No. 97 for Tampa Bay.
Pierre-Paul (6-5, 270) signed to Tampa Bay's practice squad on December 9. He has appeared in 182 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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