In a season the place accidents have come at each flip, it feels just like the Bucs are getting good harm information for the primary time in fairly some time. Tampa Bay introduced on Monday that they’ve opened up the 21-day follow window for beginning cornerback Jamel Dean to return off of injured reserve. Dean could be activated to the energetic roster at any time over the subsequent three weeks.
Dean has missed the earlier 4 video games because of a hamstring harm. The 4 video games are the minimal quantity of video games required to be out for when inserting a participant on injured reserve, plus he positive aspects an additional week with the Bucs on a bye. He was initially damage in Week 6 when the Bucs defeated the Saints 51-27 on the highway. Dean exited the sport early in that one, enjoying simply 10 defensive snaps.
Bucs CB Jamel Dean – Picture by: USA At present
Bucs Protection Will get A Big Increase
The return of Dean comes at a welcomed time. The Bucs are gearing up for a playoff run and basically have to both win out or go 6-1 down the stretch. Amongst a number of components for why Tampa Bay has gotten right into a 4-6 gap, the poor defensive play, particularly within the passing sport, is on the high of the checklist.
Ranked thirtieth within the league with 389.3 yards allowed per sport and likewise thirtieth with 264.1 passing yards allowed per sport, Tampa Bay simply hasn’t had the solutions to get stops when needed. Though the Bucs have gotten good play from beginning cornerback Zyon McCollum, that has not been the case on the opposite aspect.
Bucs CB Jamel Dean – Picture by: Cliff Welch P/R
As soon as Dean was out, Tampa Bay went with rookie undrafted free agent Tyrek Funderburk to start out for the subsequent two video games. When he struggled, the Bucs opted for Josh Hayes, who didn’t give significantly better outcomes. Opponents constantly picked on whoever was on that aspect and it consistently damage the protection.
Of their final sport towards the 49ers, McCollum tweaked a hamstring late that means that Hayes and Funderburk had been on collectively as the 2 corners. It wasn’t all their fault, however San Francisco was in a position to drive down the sphere in slightly over 40 seconds to arrange the game-winning area purpose and win. One may solely marvel how it might’ve gone if Dean and McCollum had been obtainable.
Dean has 43 tackles and 4 cross breakups in six video games this season. He is not going to save the Bucs, however he definitely makes them a greater group with him in. Tampa Bay has but to file an interception since that sport towards the Saints when Dean final performed, so possibly his return may assist spark a play arising of their subsequent sport.
