Anthony

Walker

The former fifth-round pick enjoyed a successful playing career. Walker spent his first four seasons in the NFL with the Colts after being drafted in 2017. From 2021 to 2023, Walker signed three one-year deals with the Browns and, unfortunately, spent time on injured reserve in all three campaigns. He played for the Dolphins in 2024 and the Buccaneers in 2025. Across his nine-year career, Walker totaled 581 combined tackles, 362 solo tackles, 5.5 sacks and four interceptions.

A knee injury kept Walker sidelined throughout the Buccaneers’ training camp. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported earlier this week that Walker is “healthy and ready to go” and the Colts were evidently pleased with his workout performance.

He played with the team until 2020 and the team has a gaping hole at middle linebacker with Jaylon Carlies heading to injured reserve, so it’s certainly a pairing that makes a lot of sense. The Colts currently have Joe Bachie and Cameron McGrone as inside linebacker possibilities next to Zaire Franklin.

Walker was reportedly sidelined throughout training camp, and the team chose not to place him on the reserve/non-football injury list. This ostensibly benefits Walker. Any player placed on the reserve/non-football injury list is required to miss at least four games and the team is not required to pay him during that span. Although Walker has remained on the physically unable to perform list this month, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Walker is now “healthy and ready to go.” He totaled 43 tackles, one interception, six quarterback pressures and one sack with the Dolphins last year.

Walker is an eight-year veteran of the league who started eight of the 14 games he played for the Dolphins last season. His move to Tampa correlates with former Buccaneers linebacker K.J. Britt’s signing with the Dolphins, as Walker will likely replace Britt’s role from 2024. Walker totaled 68 tackles and one sack last season while also forcing an interception. He’s a solid depth signing who can provide starting caliber snaps when necessary.

Huntley was activated off injured reserve Thursday, but he’ll be the emergency quarterback for Thursday’s bout against Green Bay. Skylar Thompson will be the backup for Tua Tagovailoa versus the Packers instead.

Walker was emotional when exiting the field in Sunday’s win over the Patriots, but it sounds like he avoided the worst with his latest injury. The veteran linebacker is at risk of missing at least one game but will have a chance to return in Week 14 against the Jets. Walker has totaled 48 tackles and one interception in his first year with the Fins.

Walker Jr. was backpedaling into coverage, came up hobbling, and asked for a substitute. He walked off the field with tears in his eyes and immediately got hugs from his teammates, which is likely not a good sign for his return this week. Tyrel Dodson will replace him in the starting lineup, but it could be a big loss for Miami over the middle of the field.

Walker, a former fifth-round pick, spent the first four years of his career in Indianapolis before signing with the Browns. Injuries were an issue for him in Cleveland as he appeared in just 27 of a possible 50 games in his three seasons with the team. He started 12 games in 2023, totaling 44 tackles, four pass breakups, and one TFL. Walker will slot into a starting role for a Miami defense that is bleeding talent because of their cap situation this offseason.

Walker missed the last few games and the playoff game with a knee injury but said that he could’ve returned in a month or so if the injury had happened earlier in the year. Walker missed five games with injuries this year, posting just 23 tackles and four passes defended. He’ll be a free agent this offseason.