Tampa Bay Buccaneers Begin Making Cuts and More NFC South News

Even though the NFL deadline to trim rosters to 53 players isn’t until 9 p.m. ET on Friday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers started early. Pewter Report confirmed with the team that running back Mossis Madu was one of four players released Thursday.

Madu was competing with rookie Michael Smith for a spot on the back end of Tampa Bay’s depth chart. Madu has the speed necessary to thrive on special teams, but Smith is a more versatile option.

Defensive tackle Frank Okam was waived, as well. At least that was the tone of his tweet Thursday. Okam played in nine games last year and started three. He recorded 16 tackles.

These are just two of 22 cuts necessary to meet Friday’s roster deadline.

Here is some more news from around the NFC South:

Atlanta Falcons

Kevin Cone is locked in a battle for the final wide-receiver spot on Atlanta's roster. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution wrote that head coach Mike Smith was impressed with Cone's 49-yard touchdown catch, especially after he dropped a pass earlier in the game.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that quarterback Chris Redman was stunned by his release this week.

Carolina Panthers

Justin Medlock just won the kicking job over Olindo Mare this week and then went out and missed a game-winning field goal attempt Thursday (via The Charlotte Observer).

With all the starters inactive for Carolina's final preseason game, The Charlotte Observer wonders if four games are actually necessary.

New Orleans Saints

The Times-Picayune has 11 observations from training camp and the Saints' preseason.

Drew Brees spoke about how tough it will be to be without Joe Vitt for six weeks to start the season (via The Times-Picayune). 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers are wealthy in terms of depth at the safety position. That means Cody Grimm will spend Thursday worrying about his roster spot (via The Tampa Tribune).

The Tampa Bay Times predicts the 53-man Buccaneers roster.