Pat O'Connor - NFL News, Rumors, & Updates | FOX Sports

Finds new home O'Connor signed a contract with the Lions on Thursday.

Impact O'Connor's addition to Detroit's defensive line comes after John Cominsky suffered an MCL tear during Tuesday's practice. The former spent the last six seasons in Tampa Bay, most recently suiting up 11 times in 2023, but seeing just 41 snaps on defense.

AUGUST 1 • ROTOWIRE

Let go by Tampa Bay The Buccaneers released O'Connor on Tuesday, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

Impact The move corresponds with the Bucs signing quarterback John Wolford off their practice squad to their active roster. Should O'Connor clear waivers, he'll be able to explore his next options. He played 14 snaps across three games this season without accruing a stat.

OCTOBER 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Let go by Tampa Bay The Buccaneers released O'Connor on Tuesday, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

Impact The move corresponds with the Bucs signing quarterback John Wolford off their practice squad to their active roster. O'Connor played 14 snaps across three games this season without accruing a stat.

OCTOBER 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Bucs' barefoot bunch: Why 3 Tampa Bay players take the field without shoes before games

Three Buccaneers players take part in an unconventional tradition before games: walking barefoot through the field. "We've just got to do it...

SEPTEMBER 15, 2023

Bucs' barefoot bunch: Why 3 Tampa Bay players take the field without shoes before games

Signed by Tampa Bay O'Connor agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Buccaneers on Saturday, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Impact O'Connor will now return to the Buccaneers, where he's spent the entirety five-year career. While the 2017 seventh-round pick may not have seen a lot of playing time on defense, he's been a key special teams contributor throughout his career and will likely have a similar role for the upcoming season.

MARCH 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Participating in offseason workouts O'Connor (knee) participated in the Buccaneers' offseason practice Tuesday, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

Impact O'Connor led the Buccaneers in special-teams snaps last year despite missing the final five games of the season due to a PCL injury. He re-signed with the team this offseason, and his participation at practice suggests the knee issue shouldn't be a problem heading into the 2022 season.

MAY 17, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Staying with Tampa Bay O'Connor (knee) signed a contract to remain with the Buccaneers on Tuesday, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

Impact O'Connor did not receive a qualifying offer from the Buccaneers as a restricted free agent this offseason, but he'll return to the team after all. The fifth-year defensive lineman was Tampa Bay's team leader in special teams snaps with 341 last season, despite suffering a PCL injury that forced him to miss the final three games of the 2021 campaign, plus two playoff contests. O'Connor should be ready to reprise his role as a core special teamer and rotational defensive lineman this coming season, once he's healthy.

APRIL 12, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Lands on IR O'Connor (knee) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Impact O'Connor has been one of the team's top special teams performers this season, so his absence will be a big blow to those units. The severity of the injury remains unknown, but Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that it's potentially a season-ending PCL tear. O'Connor will be sidelined for at least three weeks with the over IR, but he will receive a second option before determining if his season is over.

DECEMBER 21, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Sustains knee injury O'Connor didn't return to Sunday's loss to the Saints due to a knee injury, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Impact O'Connor was banged up in the fourth quarter of Sunday's matchup and was unavailable late in the game. He didn't record any counting stats prior to his departure, and it's not yet clear whether he'll be able to suit up against Carolina on Dec. 26.

DECEMBER 20, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Full participant Tuesday O'Conner (calf) was a listed as a full participant for Tuesday's walkthrough.

Impact O'Conner missed Sunday's win over the Dolphins due to the calf injury, but it appears his absence will be limited to one game. The 27-year-old has played only one defensive snap through four games this season.

OCTOBER 13, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out for Week 5 O'Connor (calf) has been ruled out for Tampa Bay's Week 5 contest against the Dolphins, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Impact O'Connor injured his calf during the week and will be unable to play in Week 5. Steve McLendon could see more snaps at defensive end Sunday with the former seventh-round pick by Detroit ruled out. O'Connor's next chance to play will be in Week 6 on Thursday night against the Eagles.

OCTOBER 8, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Driskel benched, Broncos fall to 0-3 after loss to Bucs

Broncos starting quarterback Jeff Driskel was benched

SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS