The Tampa Bay Buccaneers today activated running back Giovani Bernard from Injured Reserve and waived linebacker J.J. Russell.
Bernard (5-9, 205) was placed on Injured Reserve on September 21 after appearing in two games to start the season. Since entering the league as a second-round selection (No. 37 overall) by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2013 NFL Draft, Bernard has amassed 3,755 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns on 929 career carries (4.0 avg.) to go along with 365 receptions for 2,990 yards and 14 touchdowns. He has appeared in 129 career games, making 30 starts. Bernard has played in five career playoff games, tallying 34 carries for 123 yards and a touchdown, and hauling in 22 receptions for 160 yards. A native of Davie, Florida, Bernard played collegiately at North Carolina. He wears No. 25 for Tampa Bay.
In addition, the team elevated linebacker Ulysees Gilbert III from the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday's game vs. Cleveland.
Gilbert III (6-0, 230) was also elevated for Tampa Bay's Week 10 game vs. Seattle, playing on special teams. He originally entered the league as a sixth-round selection (No. 207 overall) of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2019 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons with the Steelers prior to being waived on August 19, 2022. In 29 career games played, Gilbert has recorded 22 special teams tackles and four defensive tackles. The Ocala, Florida, native played in every game of his four-year career at the University of Akron, earning first-team All-MAC twice. He wears No. 57 for Tampa Bay.
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