The Tampa Bay Buccaneers added a massive presence to their practice squad this week, but head coach Todd Bowles said the move had nothing to do with preparing for one of the NFL’s most scrutinized plays.

The Buccaneers announced Tuesday that they signed defensive tackle Desmond Watson, who weighs over 400 pounds, to their practice squad. The timing of the signing drew attention as Tampa Bay prepares to host the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles (3-0), known for their effective short-yardage “tush push” play.

Bowles dismissed the idea that Watson’s addition was tied to the upcoming matchup.

“He had a good workout,” Bowles said Monday. “But we’ll never bring him in just to stop a tush push. If we’ve got to bring in a guy to stop one play and the tush push never come

See Full Page