TAMPA, Fla. — Now that the NFL's most prominent suspension is ending, the circus commences.
Seven-time Pro Bowl receiver Antonio Brown, equal parts controversial and clutch, is expected to engage in his first walk-through as a Buccaneer on Wednesday, marking the end of his eight-game suspension by the NFL.
The 32-year-old Miami native formally was added to the active roster Tuesday, with receiver Cyril Grayson being waived to open the spot. His role for Sunday night's NFC South rematch against the Saints? Your guess is as good as that of coach Bruce Arians.
"It really depends on how the game goes," Arians said Tuesday. "If we're successful with the package we put him in, we'll probably run it more. He'll have his role, and it could be 10 plays, it could be 35 plays. I wouldn't anticipate 60 plays for sure, but we'll just see how it goes."
Deemed an "insurance policy" by Arians to compensate for injuries at arguably the Bucs' deepest spot, Brown has posted seven 1,100-yard seasons but has appeared in one game since 2018. Since then, he has been with three organizations including the Bucs.
He spent nine seasons with the Steelers before reportedly growing dissatisfied with his role. Pittsburgh traded him to Oakland in March 2019, but the Raiders released him after six bizarre, chaotic months.
His lone 2019 contest came for New England in Week 2 (four receptions, 56 yards, one touchdown in a 43-0 rout of the Dolphins), but he was released shortly thereafter following a report that he sent threatening text messages to a woman who had accused him of sexual misconduct.
His eight-game suspension stemmed from his arrest in January, when he was accused of attacking the driver of a moving van. He pleaded no contest in June to a felony burglary with battery charge and two lesser misdemeanor charges.
Still, his arrival seemingly has been embraced by his new peers. Quarterback Tom Brady has confirmed Brown is residing with him at the sprawling Davis Islands rental home he's renting from Derek Jeter.
Similarly, receiver Mike Evans, who indicated he was consulted by team management before it decided to sign Brown to a one-year deal, seems on board with the new addition.
"Yeah, they came to me, of course," Evans said following Monday night's 25-23 win against the Giants in East Rutherford, N.J.
"It just made sense. We didn't anticipate having all these injuries at the receiver position. He's going to be a big boost; he's one of the best receivers of all time. He's going to open up things for me, Chris (Godwin) and Gronk (tight end Rob Gronkowski), and he's going to make plays for us, I know that."
Though Evans has been nagged by lingering ankle and hamstring issues, he said after Monday's game (when he had five catches for 55 yards and touchdown) that he feels close to 100%. Godwin, however, remains sidelined for now with a fractured index finger.
"(Brown) will have a role, and we'll see how much we can get him taught," Arians said.
"The first practice (Wednesday) will be a walk-through because we've got a short week coming off Monday night ... so it will be a walk-through practice and basically all learning."
