The rookie tight end made an impact on his one play in Week 16, corralling a 30-yard reception. However, with both O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate healthy for the finale and Tanner Hudson (concussion) returning to back them up, there was no room or need for McElroy in the finale.

The undrafted rookie made his one catch count, recording the longest gain of the day through the air for the Buccaneers. McElroy is part of an all-hands-on-deck approach for Tampa's pass-catching corps necessitated by multiple injuries at the tail end of the season, and he should therefore have an opportunity showcase his skills working behind starters O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate in Week 17 versus the Falcons.

McElroy joined Tampa Bay's practice squad in late October and will now get a chance on the active roster for the closing stretch of the season. The 27-year-old is unlikely to see much playing time with O.J. Howard, Cameron Brate and Jordan Leggett currently healthy and ahead of him on the depth chart.

McElroy had a workout with Tampa Bay in late September, but it took some time before he ended up joining the organization. Both O.J. Howard (hamstring) and Cameron Brate (ribs) didn't practice Wednesday, so McElroy provides some added depth at tight end for Tampa Bay.