The Bucs’ secondary will be shorthanded for Monday's game and a notable stretch beyond that. Cornerback Jamel Dean was placed on injured reserve Monday, per a team announcement.
Dean is dealing with a hamstring injury, and a multi-week absence was recently floated as a possibility. Monday's move ensures he will be sidelined for at least the next four games, something which will be acutely felt at the cornerback spot for Tampa Bay. Dean has remained a full-time starter in 2024, his sixth season with the Buccaneers.
The former third-rounder saw a notable jump in playing time during the 2020 campaign, and since then he has been a staple in the secondary. Especially with Carlton Davis being traded away in the offseason, Dean’s presence has been key this year. He has amassed 43 tackles and four pass deflections while not allowing a touchdown in coverage. With Tampa Bay ranking 29th against the pass this year, losing a first-team corner contributor will hinder the team’s ability to improve over the short term.
2022 fifth-rounder Zyon McCollum has handed starting duties this season, and he will be counted on to remain a central figure on Tampa’s defense moving forward. Tykee Smith has had a strong rookie campaign in the slot, but it will be interesting to see who takes over for Dean on the perimeter. Free-agent addition Bryce Hall is uncertain to return this season after he suffered a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle in Week 2. With Dean now out of the picture, the team’s CB depth will be tested.
In addition to Dean, undrafted rookie receiver Kameron Johnson has been moved to IR. The latter has made four appearances this season, seeing rotational usage on offense and special teams. Bringing him back into the fold, just as in Dean’s case, will require using an in-season activation.
On that note, the Bucs activated defensive end Earnest Brown from IR in time for Monday's contest against the Ravens. Brown had his 21-day practice window opened on Oct. 9, so the team had time to wait with respect to activating him, but he will now be positioned to make his season debut. Tampa Bay has six IR activations remaining.
