On Tuesday evening, the Bucs announced a couple of roster moves to strengthen the cornerback position. Keenan Isaac, who recently re-signed with the team’s practice squad after a brief stint with the Panthers, was signed to the active roster.
The news was first reported by KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson.
Wilson also reported that Tampa Bay has added cornerback Dallis Flowers to the practice squad to replace Isaac.
Keenan Isaac Provides Depth After Jamel Dean’s Injury
Bucs CB Keenan Isaac – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
With the addition of Keenan Isaac to the active roster, the Bucs promoted him following cornerback Jamel Dean’s hamstring injury during Sunday’s 51-27 win over the Saints. Isaac serves as familiar depth and insurance in case Dean is unable to play against the Ravens on Monday night. He has only played in one game this season, participating in six snaps on special teams.
Undrafted rookie cornerback Tyrek Funderburk stepped in for Dean after he left the game, playing 86% of the snaps and recording four tackles. With the veteran cornerback currently unavailable, the depth chart consists of Zyon McCollum, Funderburk, Josh Hayes, and now Isaac.
It remains to be seen how long Dean will be out, but the team may choose to keep five cornerbacks on the 53-man roster moving forward.
Dallis Flowers Has NFL Experience At Cornerback, Kick Returner
Colts CB Dallis Flowers – Photo by: USA Today
If the Bucs require another cornerback option, the addition of Dallis Flowers presents multiple intriguing aspects. Flowers, aged 27, possesses the size that head coach Todd Bowles seeks in the position at 6-foot-1 and 196 pounds. Since entering the league as an undrafted free agent with the Colts in 2022, he has gained significant experience.
During his time in Indianapolis, Flowers appeared in 21 games and started five. He began last season as a starting cornerback alongside Kenny Moore II, but an Achilles injury in Week 4 led to him being placed on injured reserve. He was released earlier this month after allowing an 85-yard touchdown to Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr., resulting in viral attention for the wrong reasons.
In his NFL career, Flowers has accumulated 38 total tackles, three pass deflections, and a forced fumble. He also adds depth as a kick returner, leading the league in 2022 with an average of 31.1 yards per return and returning one kick this season for 30 yards.
