Anthony

Gaitor

Gaitor has been sidelined since early in the preseason. The second-year pro can’t resume practicing for six weeks. Gaitor appeared in just eight games last season, making five tackles. It’s possible the move to injured reserve saved his roster spot.

According to coach Greg Schiano, Gaitor “will have a role on Sunday” against the Eagles. Gaitor had yet to play before being sent to injured reserve in October, and made only eight appearances as a seventh-round rookie in 2011. Circumstances have changed with both Aqib Talib and Eric Wright out of the fold, however. Gaitor will be fourth or fifth on the depth chart.

The Bucs’ coaching staff has been high on Gaitor’s talent the past two seasons, but he can’t stay healthy. He missed much of last year with a hamstring injury and will spend 2013 on I.R. He’s still under contract for 2014.

Gaitor was originally drafted by the Buccaneers, and GM Dennis Hickey has a Tampa Bay background. Gaitor got beat out by Walt Aikens and Jalil Brown.

The Bucs waived RB Brendan Bigelow and WR Quintin Payton in corresponding moves. Gaitor was Tampa’s seventh-round pick in 2011, and appeared in 12 games for them before tearing his ACL last summer. Health has always been an issue.

Gaitor was cut loose by Tampa two weeks ago. He tore his ACL last summer and missed the entire season. Gaitor made 12 tackles and broke up five passes across 12 games for the Bucs from 2011-2012. At 5-foot-10 and 182 pounds, he profiles as a slot corner but will be competing for a spot on special teams.

Gaitor appeared in just four games over the last two seasons, battling hamstring woes in 2012 and sustaining a torn ACL during camp last year. A Mark Dominik-regime holdover, Gaitor was a seventh-round pick of the Bucs in 2011.

A four-year starter and three-time All-Conference selection, Gaitor is a size-challenged corner with decent ball skills. If he hits his ceiling in a year or two, the Bucs may have a nickel or dime corner on their hands. For what it’s worth, NFL Network’s Mike Mayock and Charles Davis both loved his game tape.

Most analysts have referred to Gaitor as a steal at No. 222 overall. A four-year starter at Florida International, he’s a good bet to make the team even though Aqib Talib is sticking around.