Roberts is among TB's safety contenders pegged to make the 53, contrasting with Sanders as a likely cut risk. His inclusion in the projected five-safety list signals a potential push for depth behind Winfield and Merriweather, with Sanders as the odd man out in the current evaluation period.

Roberts, a UDFA safety for Tampa Bay, was making waves in camp and in his preseason debut against the Titans before suffering a significant knee injury that will end his rookie season. His absence creates a clearer path for Merriweather, Wisdom, and Sanders to claim backup safety roles and elevated special-teams duties. The injury also signals that the Bucs will lean on depth pieces to anchor the backend this season, underscoring the volatility of roster spots in the early reports.

Roberts may be TB’s answer to safety depth, bringing undrafted-rookie upside to TB’s backline. His ability to adapt to different Coverages and provide depth in a safety rotation could position him for significant snaps if starters rest and injuries strike.