Tampa, Fla. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte activated inside David and was driving back Giovanni Bernard from injured reserve ahead of Sunday's wild-card game against the Philadelphia Eagles, the team announced Saturday.
David and Bernard are officially listed as suspects for Sunday's game.
Both players, with Leonard Fournett behind, began their 21-day practice window this week to return from IR. A source told ESPN that Fournette, who is recovering from a hamstring injury in week 15, will not be active for Sunday. The Bucks had until 4 pm. A decision has to be taken on Saturday.
David suffered a leg sprain at week 15, and Bernard sprained his knee and a stretched tendon in his hip at week 14.
The longest-serving Buccaneer at 10 seasons, and regarded as the "heart and soul of the Bucks' defence", David could be instrumental in helping to halt the Eagles' top-order's rapid onslaught. Prior to the injury, David had 118 combined tackles, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery and 4 pass breakups. His 26 combined tackles last year were the second most of any player on any team in the post season, as was his five pass breakups.
Barnard helps provide depth and experience for a fast attack without his top two backs in Fournett and Ronald Jones, who were ruled out of an ankle injury on Friday. Ke'Sean Vaughn will be active in the Bux, along with Le'Von Bell, who signed with the club last month.
In 12 games this year, Bernard had 181 scrimmage yards on 31 touches, including 23 catches for 123 receiving yards. Sunday will be his fourth career postseason game and his first since 2015.
In addition, Tampa Bay removed Kenjon Barner and tight end Cody McElroy from the practice squad for Sunday's game on the active roster and waived cornerback Rashard Robinson and wide receiver Justin Watson.