The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have found much-needed depth at wide receiver in veteran Sterling Shepard after a string of injuries left the position thin. Shepard, elevated from the practice squad for the second consecutive week, played a key role in Tampa Bay’s 33-16 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on September 29, hauling in three catches for 51 yards.
His performance did not go unnoticed. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that Shepard’s efforts have earned him a spot on the Buccaneers’ active roster as they prepare for a Week 5 NFC South matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football.
“The Buccaneers are signing WR Sterling Shepard to the active roster from their practice squad, source says,” Garafolo posted on X (formerly Twitter) on October 1. “A few days after catching three passes for 51 yards against the #Eagles, Shepard is up to the 53-man roster.”
Shepard, who played college football with Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield at Oklahoma, signed a one-year, $1.37 million contract with the Buccaneers this past June. After initially being released on August 26 and stashed on the practice squad, his return has been crucial as injuries have decimated the Buccaneers’ receiving corps.
Tampa Bay’s wideouts Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Trey Palmer (concussion) are currently sidelined, along with Kameron Johnson (ankle). With these key players out, Shepard’s experience and connection with Mayfield have been vital for the Buccaneers as they navigate through a tough stretch in their schedule.
Shepard and Mayfield’s College Connection
Sterling Shepard’s bond with Baker Mayfield traces back to their time together at Oklahoma in 2015, where their chemistry helped jump-start Shepard’s NFL career. That season, Shepard posted career-best numbers with 86 receptions, 1,288 yards, and 11 touchdowns, catapulting him into NFL draft boards. He was eventually selected by the New York Giants in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Shepard’s NFL journey mirrors the career of his father, Derrick Shepard, who also played wide receiver at Oklahoma before enjoying a six-season stint in the NFL. Sterling went on to become a key player for the Giants, earning an NFL All-Rookie Team nod in 2016 and securing a four-year, $41 million contract extension in 2019.
Unfortunately, back-to-back season-ending injuries — a torn Achilles in 2021 and a torn ACL in 2022 — slowed Shepard’s career, limiting him to just 10 catches for 57 yards and one touchdown in 2023.
Sterling Shepard still got it 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/OI4VRsiJYT
— ً (@Racermf) September 29, 2024
Looking Ahead
With Tampa Bay’s depth chart already stretched thin due to injuries, Shepard’s presence on the active roster brings much-needed veteran stability to the team. As the Buccaneers prepare for a crucial divisional battle against the Falcons, Shepard’s familiarity with Mayfield and his past success could prove essential in helping Tampa Bay maintain their momentum.
For the Buccaneers, the hope is that Shepard can continue to step up, providing a reliable option alongside Mike Evans and Chris Godwin as the team looks to stay competitive in the NFC South.
