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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have begun the process of finalizing their 53-man roster with the release of kicker Matt Gay as well as running back Dare Ogunbowale;
#Buccaneers are waiving K Matt Gay, sources tell me and @TomPelissero. Last year's fifth-round pick. Ryan Succop takes over in Tampa.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 4, 2020
The #Bucs are cutting RB Dare Ogunbowale, source said, a special teams captain and core contributor who has been with the team since 2018. The RB room was crowded thanks to the addition of Leonard Fournette.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 4, 2020
The big question following the addition of Leonard Fournette was who the odd man out was going to be. Many speculated third round pick Ke'Shawn Vaughn could be shown the door. Instead, it's Ogunbowale who is sent packing.
As for Matt Gay, who struggled in camp against Elliott Fry, we knew once the Bucs signed Ryan Succop that Gay could be in trouble. Turns out the Bucs opt to go with the healthy veteran over the fifth round pick of 2019 who struggled down the stretch last season.
UPDATED 9:24 AM EST
And the cuts continue with D’Cota Dixon, who was really making an impression last year before going down with a season-ending injury in 2019. He was considered a long-shot to make the team, but certainly had a chance.
Bucs continue their cuts with safety D’Cota Dixon. Strong candidate to be back on practice squad as they’re likely only keeping four safeties on the 53 ...
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) September 4, 2020
UPDATED 11:37 AM EST
Three more players have been released. Rookie running back —and seventh-round pick—Raymond Calais, rookie wide receiver Josh Pearson, and receiver Bryant Mitchell. Calais and Pearson are certainly two candidates for the practice squad.
Source tells me that the Bucs have cut wide receivers Bryant Mitchell and Josh Pearson. They’re considering Pearson for the practice squad, I’m told.
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) September 4, 2020
Bucs have told seventh-round pick Ray Calais, the running back from Louisiana, that he's being waived. He has an invite to sign back on practice squad if he clears waivers. Caught up in additions of McCoy and Fournette.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) September 4, 2020