Buccaneers elevate rookie linebacker Caden Fordham for Week 7
The Buccaneers elevated linebacker Caden Fordham ahead of Sunday's game against Carolina after placing Christian Rozeboom on injured reserve.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers bolstered their linebacker corps ahead of their Week 7 game against the Carolina Panthers by promoting rookie Caden Fordham from the practice squad. This marks Fordham's second elevation of the season, following his NFL debut on special teams in Week 4. The decision comes after they placed linebacker Christian Rozeboom on injured reserve with a finger injury, leaving the Buccaneers one experienced linebacker short for their defensive rotation.
Fordham, an undrafted free agent from NC State, had a strong college career, recording 143 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, and five pass defensed during his senior season in 2025. He earned first-team All-ACC honors and also impressed in the preseason, contributing to Tampa Bay's special teams with notable kick-coverage stats.
With Rozeboom out for at least four games, the move to elevate Fordham provides the Buccaneers with additional defensive depth. Fordham, who wears jersey number 46 against the Panthers, will primarily serve on special teams, as his preseason performance showcased his abilities in that area. Following Sunday's game against Carolina, Fordham will return to the practice squad automatically without the need for waivers.
The Buccaneers are currently 1-5 and aim to secure their first NFC South victory of the season against the division-leading Panthers.
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