Veteran quarterback Byron Leftwich, a top-ten pick of the Jaguars who was unexpectedly exiled from Jacksonville shortly before the start of the 2007 season, signed with the Bucs after winning a Super Bowl as a backup in Pittsburgh.
Though first-rounder Josh Freeman suggested after the draft that signing Leftwich was aimed at hiding the team’s interest in Freeman (we suggested it before the draft), Leftwich ultimately won the Week One starting job from Luke McCown, who was then traded to Jacksonville.
Of course, it didn’t last very long, with Leftwich yielding to Josh Johnson, who ultimately was replaced by Freeman.
Now, despite not playing for several weeks, Leftwich has been placed on injured reserve. Per the St. Petersburg Times, Leftwich has been complaining of soreness in his elbow.
The team announced the move earlier in the day.
The Bucs also signed quarterback Rudy Carpenter from the Cowboys’ practice squad, and receiver Terrence Nunn from the Pats’ practice squad. Cornerback Mike Mickens, who had been signed from the Dallas practice squad earlier this month, has been cut.