It’s been a season filled with injuries at various milestones, but it feels like the Bucks have received some good injury news for the first time in a while. Tampa Bay announced Monday that starting cornerback Jamel Dean has missed 21 days of practice to return from injured reserve. Dean can be added to the active roster at any time during the next three weeks.
Dean has missed the past four games with a hamstring injury. Four games is the minimum number of games a player must miss in order to be placed on injured reserve, plus he gets an extra week with a bye against the Bucks. He was first injured in Week 6, when the Bucks defeated the Saints 51-27 on the road. Dean left the game early after playing just 10 defensive snaps in the game.
Bucks CB Jamel Dean – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Bucks defense greatly strengthened
Dean’s return comes at a welcome time. The Bucks are gearing up for their next goal. playoff run Basically, you need to win or advance 6-1. There are several reasons why Tampa Bay is in a 4-6 hole, but poor defense, especially in the passing game, is at the top of the list.
Tampa Bay ranks 30th in the league with 389.3 yards allowed per game and 30th with 264.1 passing yards allowed per game, but they don’t have the answers to make stops when they need to. The Bucs got some good play from starting cornerback Jyon McCollum, but their opponents didn’t.
Bucks CB Jamel Dean – Photo by Cliff Welch P/R
With Dean out, Tampa Bay started undrafted free agent rookie Tyreke Funderburk to start the next two games. When he struggled, the Bucks selected Josh Hayes, but the results weren’t as good. Opponents, no matter which side they are on, continually make accusations and it always hurts the defense.
In the final game against the 49ers, Hayes and Funderburk were forced to play together as the second corners due to McCollum adjusting his hamstring in the second half. It wasn’t all their fault, but San Francisco ran down the field in just over 40 seconds and hit the winning field goal to win. One can only wonder what would have happened if Dean and McCallum had been available.
Dean has 43 tackles and four pass breakups in six games this season. He won’t save the Bucks, but his addition will definitely make them a better group. Tampa Bay has yet to record an interception since Dean’s last game against the Saints, so maybe his return will help spark some play down the road. their next match.
