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Tanard Jackson has been reinstated by the NFL

Tanard Jackson has been reinstated by the NFL, per Adam Schefter. Jackson was suspended indefinitely for violating the substance abuse for a third time last season. He was eligible for reinstatement following week 2 of this season, but his status remained up in the air until today. 

When on the field, Jackson is one of the better safeties in the NFL. He has hitting power, instincts and range in pass defense and should provide a boost to the Bucs defense once he gets on the field. It is unclear whether he is ready to take the field, however, as he has not played football in over a year. He was reported to be in shape during an offseason workout with fellow Buccaneer players, but this doesn't mean that he is ready to play and start in an NFL game. 

The Bucs will likely be granted a roster exemption for a few weeks while they figure out what to do with Tanard Jackson, as the NFL has granted such exemptions in previous cases. Once that exemption expires the Bucs will be forced to either cut Jackson, or cut another player to keep Jackson on the roster. 

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.