The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ secondary has been dealt another significant blow, as the team placed starting cornerback Jamel Dean on injured reserve Monday due to a right hamstring injury suffered in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints. Dean, the Bucs’ most experienced outside corner with 57 regular-season starts, will miss at least the next four games per NFL rules.
Dean’s injury occurred while making a tackle on Saints receiver Bub Means, with his right leg buckling awkwardly underneath him. He did not return to action following the play. The loss of Dean further depletes a Buccaneers secondary already missing backup cornerback Bryce Hall, who suffered a season-ending fractured fibula and dislocated ankle in the season opener.
Young Cornerbacks Thrust Into Larger Roles
With Dean sidelined, the Buccaneers will need to rely heavily on their young cornerbacks to step up and fill the void. Rookie Tyrek Funderburk, who saw his first NFL defensive snaps last week against the Saints, is expected to see an increased role in Dean’s absence. Josh Hayes, one of Tampa Bay’s top special teams performers, may also be called upon to contribute more on defense.
The timing of Dean’s injury is particularly challenging for the Buccaneers, as they prepare to face the high-powered Baltimore Ravens offense led by dynamic quarterback Lamar Jackson on Monday Night Football. Jackson’s dual-threat abilities and the Ravens’ potent rushing attack will put immense pressure on Tampa Bay’s undermanned secondary.
Punter Battle Looms
In addition to placing Dean and rookie wide receiver Kameron Johnson (ankle) on injured reserve, the Buccaneers made several other roster moves Monday. The team activated defensive lineman Earnest Brown IV from injured reserve and elevated punter Trenton Gill from the practice squad.
Gill’s elevation marks his third consecutive week on the active roster, setting the stage for a potential punter competition with incumbent Jake Camarda. Camarda, a third-year pro, has struggled early this season, averaging just 45.3 yards per punt through the first four games after ranking fifth in the NFL with a 50.1 average in 2023.
Resiliency Key for Buccaneers
As the Buccaneers navigate this latest wave of injuries, their resiliency will be put to the test once again. The team has already weathered numerous challenges this season, from extreme weather conditions to a rash of key player absences. Head coach Todd Bowles will need to rely on his team’s depth and adaptability to overcome the loss of Dean and other injured players.
Adversity is nothing new to this group. We’ve faced our share of challenges this year, but our guys always find a way to step up and compete. It’s the next-man-up mentality that defines our team.
– A source close to the Buccaneers organization
With Dean sidelined for the foreseeable future, the spotlight will shine brightly on Tampa Bay’s young cornerbacks as they attempt to hold their own against some of the NFL’s most potent offenses. The Buccaneers’ ability to weather this latest storm could prove pivotal in their quest to remain atop the NFC South and secure a playoff berth.
