Tampa Bay Buccaneers

BUCCANEERS SIGN KPEENU TO PRACTICE SQUAD

Oct 27, 2026 at 02:56 PM

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers today signed running back Barika Kpeenu (buh-REE-kuh, PEN-new) to the team's practice squad. Additionally, the club has released practice squad quarterback Brett Rypien.

Kpeenu (5-10, 213) previously spent time with the Buccaneers during the team's 2026 training camp and preseason. He played collegiately at North Dakota State University (2022-25), appearing in 47 career games and rushing 434 times for 2,283 yards (5.3 avg.) and 32 touchdowns, while adding 35 receptions for 369 yards and two scores. Kpeenu enjoyed his most productive season in 2025, earning first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference recognition and third-team FCS All-America honors after rushing for a career-high 1,005 yards and 20 touchdowns on 191 carries (5.3 avg.). His 20 rushing touchdowns ranked fourth in the FCS and were the most by a North Dakota State player since 2014. Kpeenu was also a member of the Bison's 2024 FCS national championship team. The West Fargo, North Dakota, native will wear No. 49 for Tampa Bay.

-BUCCANEERS-

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