Michael Clayton is on the bubble to make the Bucs roster
Wide Receiver Michael Clayton of Tampa Bay was in uniform for Saturday’s preseason game against Jacksonville but did not play.
The move was curious for various reasons, especially since the Bucs are still in the process of identifying who will fill the role of “Z” receiver in their offense.
Clayton is currently listed No. 4 on the depth chart opposite Mike Williams despite having more experience than the players ahead of him–Maurice Stovall, Sammie Stroughter, and Arellious Benn.
Coach Raheem Morris downplayed the lack of playing time for Clayton, saying that he just wanted to give others a chance to show him what they could do.
“We got the chance to evaluate some of Reggie Brown and Arrelious Benn,” Morris said. “Really, we got a chance to look at those guys. We’ve already seen a lot of Michael Clayton and we’re going to see a little bit of Michael Clayton next week as well.”
Clayton said that he still fully expects to be a part of the team once the season begins.
“I have full confidence that I will be here,” Clayton said. “You never know what’s going to happen. With our youth, with everything that we’ve got going, I would say in my opinion, it would be beneficial that I would be here. That’s just my opinion. I know it doesn’t count.”
Clayton has fallen off drastically with his production since his rookie season in 2004, when he had 80 receptions for 1,193 yards and seven touchdowns. In the six seasons since, he hasn’t eclipsed more than 38 catches and has caught just three touchdowns.