NFC South Notes: Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers

Buccaneers

• Rick Stroud notes that with Buccaneers DT Beau Allen still out of practice with a foot injury, he would think first-round DT Vita Vea has a “real good chance” of playing in Week 4.
• According to Howard Balzer, the Buccaneers tried out Andrew Adams (signed) and Marwin Evans on Wednesday.

Falcons

• Falcons FB Devonta Freman (knee) returned to practice on Thursday and put in a limited session.

Panthers

The Panthers signed S Eric Reid to a one-year contract on Thursday.

Regarding the move, Panthers GM Marty Hurney explained that they simply felt that this move will help to improve their secondary, given that Reid is someone with a “real knack for the football.”

“I definitely think he helps improve us as a football team and in the secondary. That’s why we made the move,” Hurney said, via Panthers.com. “He’s a very physical player and he’s got a real knack for the football.”

Hurney mentioned that the injury to Da’Norris Searcy prompted them to reach out to Reid.

“We put Searcy on IR on Friday and we got through the game. Then Ron (Rivera) and I talked first thing Monday morning about the safety position,” Hurney said. “I called Eric’s agent on Tuesday, and (director of football administration) Rob (Rodgers) started talking to him later that day when we were told that Eric would be interested. Then we brought him in Wednesday night.”

Carolina is on bye this week, but Herny says they see how Reid does this week before knowing whether he’ll start for them in Week 5.

“That’s something that you just let progress and let it answer itself. He’ll come in and take part in practice Monday, and it will be a coaching decision as to when they think he’ll be ready to go,” Hurney said. “He’s a player who has obviously played at a high level in this league. He’s a very physical player who has good ball skills and really good playmaking ability.

“I think he comes in and helps our football team.”