Matthew Masifilo's weekend just got a lot busier.
On Saturday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers plucked the rookie defensive tackle off the San Francisco 49ers' practice squad, signing him to their active roster. To make room for Masifilo on the 53-man squad, the Buccaneers released second-year DE Markus White.
Had the Bucs not come calling, Masifilo, a Stanford product, would have had a long weekend in the Bay area leading up to the 49ers' Monday night game against Chicago. Instead, he found himself on a cross-country flight to the other Bay area. Masifilo's new team plays on the road against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, though it's unlikely that the newest Buccaneer would suit up just a day after signing.
The 6-3, 280-pound Masifilo played both end and tackle at Stanford and finished his career with 117 tackles and 7.5 sacks. As a starter over the last two seasons, he racked up 67 tackles, 6.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss. He hails from Ewa Beach, Hawaii.
Masifilo signed with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent this past May, getting a chance to play for Jim Harbaugh, his former head coach at Stanford. He was waived in the final roster cuts but then signed to the practice squad during the first week of the season. During the preseason, Masifilo contributed seven tackles and a forced fumble.
White was signed to the Bucs' active roster from the practice squad on Wednesday, the second time this year he has made that move. He also appeared on Washington's active roster earlier this year and for much of his 2011 rookie season.
