Tampa Bay, Fla. – The Buccaneers announced on Saturday that they have moved Easton Stick from the practice squad to the active roster as the backup quarterback for Sunday’s home game against the Green Bay Packers. Stick will sit behind Jalon Daniels, the undrafted rookie from Kansas who is making his first career start.
Why the change matters for Tampa Bay fans
Regular starter Baker Mayfield remains sidelined with a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand, an injury that is expected to keep him out for three games. The promotion of Stick gives the coaching staff a veteran presence who has spent several seasons in the league, providing a safety net should Daniels need relief.
Stick’s NFL background
Easton Stick, 31, joined the Buccaneers’ practice squad on Sept. 1. He has appeared in six NFL games, all with the Los Angeles Chargers, compiling 1,133 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception. In 2023, Stick started four games for the Chargers while Justin Herbert was injured, finishing 0‑4 in those outings. He was with the Chargers from 2019‑2024 and spent the 2025 season on the Atlanta Falcons roster.
Additional depth added
To further bolster the quarterback room, Tampa Bay also signed veteran Brett Rypien to the practice squad on Wednesday. Rypien, 30, has logged 11 NFL games (four starts) with the Denver Broncos (2020‑2022), Los Angeles Rams (2023) and Cincinnati Bengals (2025). He has completed 58.3% of his passes for 950 yards, four touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Other roster moves
The Buccaneers also elevated linebacker Caden Fordham from the practice squad to the 53‑man roster for Sunday’s contest. If Fordham sees playing time, it would mark his first career NFL game.
What fans can expect
With Mayfield out, the Buccaneers are leaning on the youthful energy of Daniels and the seasoned backup experience of Stick. The team hopes the combination will keep the offense steady against a Packers defense that has shown resilience this season. Tampa Bay’s coaching staff emphasized that the depth moves are about ensuring continuity and preparedness, rather than signaling any long‑term shift in the quarterback hierarchy.
Local supporters are encouraged to attend the game at Raymond James Stadium and to follow the Buccaneers’ official channels for any further updates on the lineup.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
