The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have announced a significant roster move that shakes up their plans for the preseason. The team has placed rookie outside linebacker David Walker on the reserve/injured list after suffering a torn ACL, an injury that will sideline him for the remainder of the 2025 season. In a corresponding move, the franchise has signed wide receiver Jacob Harris.
The serious setback for Walker, one of the team’s promising players, forces the Buccaneers to readjust their defensive strategy and roster depth immediately. The injury, which occurred during the second week of training camp, ends the rookie’s season before he could make his debut and the IR move before the final 53-man cut confirms that he will not be eligible to return this year
A hard blow for David Walker
David Walker, 25, was a promising piece in whom the Buccaneers had high hopes. Selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the linebacker was expected to develop as a valuable depth player, acting as a backup to starters Haason Reddick and Yaya Diaby. However, his season has been prematurely cut short. His place on the injured reserve list now forces him to focus on a long recovery in the hope of being able to return in 2026.
Jacob Harris’ experience
To bolster their roster, the team has turned to 28-year-old Jacob Harris, who brings a combination of versatility and special teams experience. Harris, originally selected as a tight end by the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, transitioned to wide receiver and, like Walker, also saw his rookie season ended by a torn anterior cruciate ligament
After his stint with the Rams, Harris played on the practice squad for the Jacksonville Jaguars and most recently with the San Antonio Brahmas of the UFL. Harris is expected to compete for a spot on special teams and add depth at the receiver position as the Buccaneers prepare for their first preseason game against the Tennessee Titans.
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