The Bucks acquired two veteran cornerbacks this week, which could mean they will have to play Sunday’s game in New Orleans without Carlton Davis III, Jamel Dean, or both. It may be suggested. NFL insider Aaron Wilson broke the news that Tampa Bay is developing William Jackson III and Te Hayes.
Bucs starting cornerback deals with injury
Both of Tampa Bay’s starting cornerbacks are injured. Carlton Davis III has missed the last two games with a toe injury. He was limited in practice last week and could play in New Orleans on Sunday.
However, the team could decide to keep him considering next week is a bye week. This will give Davis an additional two weeks to heal before the Oct. 15 game against Detroit.
Jamel Dean injured his shoulder midway through. The Bucks lost to the Eagles 25-11 on Monday night. And didn’t return. Substitute Dee Delaney was also injured after recording an interception in the second half, although the extent of the injury is unknown.
Delaney’s injury is not disclosed at this time, and his availability for Sunday’s game remains in question, but he returned to play on special teams against the Eagles late in the fourth quarter. The Bucks currently have only two healthy corners: Zion McCollum and undrafted free agent Derek Pitts.
It would make sense for the Bucks to bring in a veteran corner to add depth this week, and the team is experimenting with several corners this week.
30 years old William Jackson III The 6-foot, 189-pound Jackson has started 64 games in the NFL and has five interceptions and 51 pass breakups. He played for both the Bengals (2016-20) and Washington Commanders (2021-22).
Tae Hayes, 26, is a diminutive cornerback at 5-foot-9 and 188 pounds. He entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Jacksonville in 2019 and has played five times over the past four seasons, most recently with Carolina (five games) and last year with New England (two games). Hayes played in 13 games and had two pass breakups, one fumble recovery and no interceptions.