Rudy

Carpenter

Carpenter was a favorite of the old Tampa coaching staff, but the new regime didn’t even want to keep him on a minimum salary of $615,000. It’s probably not a great sign for Carpenter’s career. Carpenter did play college ball under Dirk Koetter at Arizona State. Perhaps he’ll resurface in Falcons camp.

The former Arizona State star has spent the majority of the past two seasons on the Bucs’ practice squad. With Kyle Orton and Stephen McGee behind Tony Romo, Carpenter is a roster longshot in Dallas.

It’s a sign Josh Freeman (shoulder) will be a true game-time decision Sunday against the Panthers. Carpenter will back up Josh Johnson if Freeman can’t go. A third-year undrafted free agent, Carpenter has yet to attempt an NFL pass.

Dallas showed its lack of confidence in McGee when they signed Kyle Orton to back up Tony Romo. Additionally, Rudy Carpenter was claimed off waivers and may have an edge on McGee for the No. 3 job because he’s eligible for the practice squad. Ellis considers McGee a candidate for trade or release.

Reporter Tim MacMahon believes McGee will be forced to compete with waivers pickup Rudy Carpenter for a roster spot. McGee has completed just 46 of his 82 career passes, throwing for 420 yards, three touchdowns and six interceptions across parts of three games. He wasn’t particularly impressive last preseason.

Carpenter couldn’t make the Cowboys out of camp last season. The 2009 undrafted free agent has yet to attempt a regular-season pass, and likely never will.

Leftwich was Tampa’s No. 3 QB behind Josh Freeman and Josh Johnson. The Bucs used Leftwich’s banged-up elbow to justify the move to I.R., but wanted to bring in youngster Rudy Carpenter from Dallas’ practice squad anyway. With a $3.5M roster bonus due him in March 2010, Leftwich won’t be back with the Bucs. The Steelers will likely show interest in him after he’s cut.

Projected to be a high first-round pick before the start of the 2009 season, Snead ended up as the biggest name of the undrafted players. The Bucs had just Rudy Carpenter behind Josh Freeman and Josh Johnson, so he should at least have an opportunity to make the final roster.

Tampa Bay is relatively healthy, as none of their starters on either side of the ball are inactive. Carpenter will serve as the emergency third QB behind Josh Freeman and Josh Johnson.

Mike Williams and Kellen Winslow were the only offensive players on the injury report this week, and both players are starting against the Lions.