The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have added linebacker depth ahead of Sunday's Week 7 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
Tampa Bay elevated rookie Caden Fordham from its practice squad Saturday, making him eligible to play against Carolina. According to the Buccaneers' official announcement, this marks Fordham's second elevation of the season after he made his NFL debut on special teams against the Green Bay Packers in Week 4.
The move follows Tampa Bay's decision to place linebacker Christian Rozeboom on injured reserve Thursday with a finger injury. Rozeboom must miss at least four games, leaving the Buccaneers with one fewer experienced linebacker available for their defensive rotation.
Fordham originally signed with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent out of NC State in May. He earned a spot on the team's initial 53-man roster before being waived in September and subsequently returning to the practice squad.
The 6-foot-1, 223-pound linebacker recorded 143 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions and five passes defended during his final college season in 2025, earning first-team All-ACC honors.
Fordham also showed promise in the preseason, finishing with 10 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a pass defended over three games. He recorded four solo tackles in kick coverage, the most in the NFL during the preseason.
His role Sunday will likely center on special teams, where he made his regular-season debut against Green Bay. With Rozeboom unavailable, Tampa Bay also gains another linebacker who can provide defensive depth if needed. Fordham's preseason kick-coverage production gives the coaching staff a specific reason to use him on special teams rather than relying solely on his college experience.
Fordham will wear No. 46 against Carolina. As part of standard practice squad elevation, he will automatically return to the practice squad after Sunday's game without passing through waivers.
The Buccaneers enter Week 7 at 1-5 and will look to earn their first NFC South victory of the season against the division-leading Panthers.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Buccaneers elevate rookie linebacker Caden Fordham for Week 7