Jason Pierre-Paul Reportedly Set to Make NFL Return as Bucs Eye Playoff Bracket Spot

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers reportedly are calling up a veteran as they look to clinch a playoff spot.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Bucs are elevating 36-year-old linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul from the practice squad to play in Sunday's matchup against the Carolina Panthers. It will mark his first game in more than two years.

The Bucs signed Pierre-Paul to their practice squad earlier this month as the three-time Pro Bowler looked to make his NFL return. While he hasn't played since the 2023 season, he's said on social media that he's stayed in shape since playing his last NFL snap.

"He's also in play for this week," head coach Todd Bowles told reporters regarding Pierre-Paul playing. "We've got a lot of guys up. It's going to be hard putting a lot of people down. We have some decisions to make."

Pierre-Paul, a first-round pick in 2010, spent the first eight seasons of his career with the New York Giants, where he earned a pair of Pro Bowl nods and won a Super Bowl in 2012.

He was traded to the Bucs in 2018 and had four solid seasons with Tampa Bay, making a Pro Bowl and winning his second Super Bowl in 2020. After his first stint with the Buccaneers, he spent one season with the Baltimore Ravens in 2022 in what would be his last full season in the NFL.

Pierre-Paul started the 2023 campaign on the New Orleans Saints' practice squad and appeared in one game before being picked up by the Miami Dolphins. He appeared briefly in two games for the Dolphins, which was the last time he played in the NFL.

Sunday's game couldn't get much bigger for the Bucs. They'll face the Carolina Panthers, and the winner will take control of the NFC South since both teams are sitting at 7-7. They'll then meet again in Week 18 in what could be one of the most decisive games of the season.