J.R. Sweezy still not practicing as Bucs make roster moves

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed running back Antone Smith and running back waived Russell Hansbrough, the team announced today. Hansbrough was promoted to the active roster two weeks ago, but failed to play a single snap on offense in the one game the team has played since then.

Smith has 30 career carries for 297 yards and two touchdowns, plus 15 catches for 232 yards and three touchdowns in a seven-year career. Five of those years were spent with the Atlanta Falcons under now Bucs defensive coordinator Mike Smith. Almost all of that yardage came on just eight plays, though, each of those going for at least 38 yards — Smith is the definition of a boom-or-bust player.

The Bucs also started Louis Murphy’s practice period. The wide receiver now has 21 days to return to the 53-man roster, or he’ll remain on the phyiscally unable to perform list for the rest of the season.

Curiously, J.R. Sweezy’s 21-day practice period hasn’t started yet, which suggests that he isn’t all that close to returning. Yet another setback for the player who was supposed to be one of the team’s most important additions this offseason. Thankfully, Kevin Pamphile has played well in his stead.