# Bucs Elevate Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu

> Bucs add safety Ifeatu Melifonwu to active roster after practice squad promotion.
- Title: Bucs Elevate Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu · NBC Sports | Shortify
- Summary: Bucs add safety Ifeatu Melifonwu to active roster after practice squad promotion. Bucs promoted safety Ifeatu Melifonwu from practice squad to bolster…
- Keywords: bucs, ifeatu melifonwu, practice squad, safety, special teams, nfl, tampa bay buccaneers, sports, Elevate, Ifeatu, Melifonwu, NBC Sports
- Source: NBC Sports — https://nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/bucs-elevate-s-ifeatu-melifonwu-from-practice-squad
- Published: 2026-09-26T20:16:20.27+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: bucs, ifeatu melifonwu, practice squad, safety, special teams, nfl, tampa bay buccaneers, sports
## Bucs promote safety
The Buccaneers elevated safety Ifeatu Melifonwu from the practice squad on Saturday, the team announced.
## Final elevation for Melifonwu
It is the final elevation for Melifonwu, as he played in the first two games.
## Roster impact
The Bucs will have to add Melifonwu to the 53-player roster for him to play again this season.
## Special teams role
Melifonwu’s elevation gives the Buccaneers help on special teams and insurance at safety.
## Current roster status
Starters Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tykee Smith and backup Miles Killebrew are the only safeties on the 53-player roster, with rookie defensive back Keionte Scott playing in the slot.
## Special teams experience
Melifonwu has logged 32 snaps on special teams.
## Key takeaway

Bucs promoted safety Ifeatu Melifonwu from practice squad to bolster special teams and provide depth at safety for the 2026 season.