The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released offensive lineman Matthew Masifilo and promoted offensive tackle Reid Fragel to the 53-man roster, the team announced. Masifilo had converted from defensive tackle to guard this offseason and the Bucs were pleased with his progress, but apparently pressing needs make him dispensable at the moment.
The waiving of Masifilo may be a good sign for Logan Mankins, who missed the team's final two practices this week with a groin injury, given that the Bucs have no other healthy backup guards on the roster. On the other hand, they had tackle Kevin Pamphile practicing at left guard -- calling up Fragel would give them a backup for Donovan Smith and Gosder Cherilus, allowing Pamphile to stay at left guard.