The top wide receivers of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers dealt with injuries leading into Week 2 of the 2022 NFL season.
Chris Godwin is still out due to a hamstring injury while Mike Evans had issues with his calf.
Julio Jones and Breshad Perriman nursed knee injuries.
Eventually, Jones wasn’t able to play during their 20-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
With Jones’ and Godwin’s statuses still uncertain, the Buccaneers brought in much-needed help by signing a veteran presence.
News from @gmfb: The #Buccaneers are signing veteran WR Cole Beasley to their practice squad with the expectation he’ll be elevated to the active roster soon, source says.
Tom Brady pushed to bring in another veteran pass catcher and has had Beasley on his radar for a while. pic.twitter.com/dTBH64cgyR
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 20, 2022
NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo tweeted, “News from @gmfb: The #Buccaneers are signing veteran WR Cole Beasley to their practice squad with the expectation he’ll be elevated to the active roster soon, source says. Tom Brady pushed to bring in another veteran pass catcher and has had Beasley on his radar for a while.”
Beasley last played for the Buffalo Bills, a team that had him for three seasons.
Before his stint with Buffalo, the former SMU standout played for the Dallas Cowboys from 2012 to 2018.
The undrafted wideout was a Second-Team All-Pro selection in 2020 when he finished with career-highs of 82 receptions and 967 yards, to go with four touchdowns.
His numbers went down to 693 yards and one touchdown in his final year with Buffalo.
As of the 2021 season, he has career numbers of 550 receptions, 5,709 yards, and 34 touchdowns.
Brady’s New Favorite Target?
It remains to be seen if Beasley will be elevated to the active roster.
But he might have an opportunity given how banged up Tampa Bay’s receivers are.
If he does get his chance, he could be the next Wes Welker or Julian Edelman for quarterback Tom Brady.
Brady has worked well with small but shifty wideouts like Beasley.
If all goes well, the Buccaneers can keep their undefeated record with Beasley lining up every Sunday.
