The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' secondary is about to receive a big boost, as the NFL has agreed to reinstate safety Tanard Jackson--whom it to a violation of the league's substance abuse policy--after an absence of over one year. Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports, via Twitter:
Filed to ESPN Buccaneers safety Tanard Jackson, who had served a suspension for over one year, has been reinstated, per NFL source.
Jackson played just two games prior to his suspension in 2010, tallying seven tackles. In the first three seasons of his career, he appeared in 44 games--all starts--and made 160 tackles. He also has eight career interceptions. While it's unclear how ready to play he'll be after a year away from the field, it's very clear he has the talent to make a real impact in the Bucs' secondary. Tampa Bay ranks No. 20 in passing yards allowed (1273) and No. 19 in passing touchdowns allowed (nine).
As Sander of Bucs Nation, SB Nation's Buccaneers blog, points out, Jackson will help Tampa Bay bolster its depleted core of safeties:
With Cody Grimm and backup Devin Holland on injured reserve, the Bucs have just three real safeties on the roster: Corey Lynch, Sean Jones and Larry Asante. Ronde Barber and Anthony Gaitor could both play safety in a pinch, but neither is an ideal player for the position.
The Bucs host the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. We'll update this StoryStream with news about Jackson's availability for that game, and future contests, as it becomes available.