Tampa Bay Buccaneers release Rudy Carpenter, practice suggests other roster cuts

The Buccaneers have made their first official roster cut of the day, cutting backup quarterback Rudy Carpenter according to the Tampa Tribune. The NFL has eliminated the third-quarterback rule in favor of an extra active roster spot. The Bucs plan to take advantage of this roster spot by having Micheal Spurlock on the roster, who can act as an emergency quarterback in addition to contributing as a receiver and returner. 

The Bucs have offered Carpenter a spot on the practice squad, but the third-year player will have to clear waivers before signing on. 

In addition, Stephen Holder reports that a lot of players are missing from practice today, suggesting that cuts have been made. WR Ed Gant, RB Mossis Madu, TEs Nathan Overbay and Ryan Purvis were all missing from practice. I expected all four of those player to make the roster. In addition, LBs Derrell Smith and Simoni Lawrence were missing from practice. 

S Devin Holland, DE George Johnson, CB Anthony Gaitor and WR Preston Parker were all present, which probably means they have made the roster. Devin Holland making the roster is a bit of a surprise. The undrafted rookie has made some really dumb plays on special teams, but does have the physical ability to succeed as a core special teamer.