The Buccaneers have signed veteran linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. off the Colts practice squad, NFL Networkâs Ian Rapoport reported Monday.
Walker, a nine-year NFL veteran who started his career with Indianapolis, has 581 tackles (362 solo), 5.5 sacks and four interceptions in 99 career games.
He rejoined the Colts’ practice squad on Sept. 1 as insurance at linebacker but did not appear in any games for the team.
After starting 7-1, the Colts are now 8-6 and in danger of missing the AFC playoffs. They lost 18-16 to the Seahawks in Week 15 with 44-year-old Philip Rivers at quarterback.
Veteran LB Could Play Important Role on Bucs’ Defense
Walker, 30, is a 2017 fifth-round pick whose most recent play came with the Dolphins in 2014. In 14 games that season, he recorded 68 tackles (34 solo), one sack and one interception.
He spent the previous three seasons with the Browns, appearing in 28 games with 27 starts. But his most productive stint was as a member of the Colts. In 2019, Walker recorded 124 tackles (84 solo), 2.5 sacks and one interception in 16 games.
Walker initially signed a one-year contract with the Buccaneers in March. However, he did not participate during training camp after landing on the NFI (non-football injury) list because of a lower-leg injury. In August, he was released with an injury designation.
Seemingly healthy again, Walker could find his way onto the Tampa Bay defense in short order. SirVocea Dennis, a starter at inside linebacker, sat out the Buccaneersâ Week 15 loss to the Falcons with a hip injury. Veteran Deion Jones was pressed into a more important role in his absence, recording eight tackles.
Colts’ Linebacker Room Takes a Hit
Walkerâs departure further weakens the Coltsâ depth at linebacker behind stalwarts Zaire Franklin and Germaine Pratt. Austin Ajiake has taken on an important role at strongside linebacker, with Buddy Johnson slotted behind him on the depth chart.
The Coltsâ defense has fallen to 22nd in the NFL during their four-game losing streak, including 31st against the pass (247.6 yards allowed per game).
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