The Buccaneers have officially placed rookie running back Charles Sims on the injured reserve with the designation to return, clearing a roster spot to re-sign veteran safety Major Wright, according to Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune (via Twitter). Wright was among Tampa Bay’s final cuts when the team reduced its roster from 75 players to 53.
As the Bears’ full-time starter at strong safety last season, Wright grabbed a pair of interceptions, and racked up more than 100 tackles, but earned the dubious honor of ranking dead-last out of 86 qualified safeties, according to Pro Football Focus’ grades (subscription required). According to PFF’s data, quarterbacks completed 77.8% of their passes when throwing at Wright’s coverage, with a QB rating of 146.8.
Still, 2013 may have been an aberration for the former third-round pick. In Chicago under Lovie Smith, who is now the Bucs’ head coach, Wright’s PFF grades looked significantly better in 2011 and 2012, and at age 26, there’s still room for growth.