The Continuing Saga of Tampa Bay Buccaneer Fan!

The tenure of 5th round draft pick Larry Brackins has come to an end, five whole days after surviving cut day.

Brackins was released to make room for punt return specialist (and erstwhile reciever) Mark Jones. Mark Jones, as the hardcores may remember, was a 7th round draft pick of the team in 2004, only to be released during camp of that year. He was picked about by the Giants, and did a servicable job returning kicks in New York. He will probably serve as the primary punt returner and co-kick returner with Torrie Cox.

Brackins didn't do much during the preseason because of injury - 2 catches for 19 yards. It was felt he made the team because of his upside (he has Randy Moss size) and the understanding that after playing in Junior College, he would need time to grow. I don't know what changed between Saturday and today. I suppose the team realized it had a gaping hole in the return game, and sought to fill it. Hopefully, Brackins will clear waivers and find a spot on the practice squad. That is likely one of the reasons the team waiting to cut him - most teams have their rosters and practice squads set, so there's a better chance he'll clear.

Speaking of the practice squad, the signing of Jones meant the release of DeAndrew Rubin, whose return abilities are no longer needed. To fill that spot, the team added hulking fomer Duke tackle Drew Strotny, formerly a draft pick of those same New York Giants.

It is worth noting that a practice squad spot has been open since the group was announced on Monday. Will it be filled with Brackins? Has that been the plan all along? We should know soon.