Bucs elevate P Jack Browning, S Ryan Neal from the practice squad

The Buccaneers elevated punter Jack Browning and safety Ryan Neal from the practice squad for Sunday's game against the Chargers, the team announced.

It marks the second elevation of the season for Browning and the first for Neal.

Browning will handle the team's punting duties for the second week in a row after the waiver of Trenton Gill on Dec. 2. In his NFL debut last Sunday against the Raiders, Browning punted three times for 128 yards with a long of 49, compiling a 42.7-yard gross average and a 32.7-yard net average.

Browning also handled kickoff duties, hitting four of his five into the end zone to force three touchbacks, and he was the holder on four successful extra point attempts.

Neal, who spent all of last season on the Buccaneers' active roster, was re-signed to the team's practice squad on Dec. 4. He started 13 of the 15 games he played in 2023, contributing 76 tackles and four tackles for loss.

The Buccaneers needed reinforcements at safety after losing All-Pro Antoine Winfield Jr. to a knee injury against the Raiders. The team's other starter, Jordan Whitehead, also is on injured reserve, and Mike Edwards will miss his second consecutive game with a hamstring injury. In addition, safety Christian Izien is questionable to play with a groin injury.