The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will look to bounce back following a disappointing loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 11. The two teams went back and forth; however, a few mistakes ultimately led to the Bucs falling 44-32, which became their third loss in their last four games.
Not only did the team lose an important game in terms of the season standings, but the team’s injury woes continued as a number of players, including cornerback Jamel Dean, were banged up along the way.
What Happened to Jamel Dean, and What Is His Status Heading Into Week 12?
Things are not about to get any easier for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following their high-scoring affair with the Buffalo Bills, as the current NFC South division leaders will make their way to Los Angeles for a date with the Rams. It could be an even tougher matchup if the team were to be without Jamel Dean, who exited their Week 11 matchup with an apparent hip injury.
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles addressed the media regarding the health of his superstar cornerback, providing some clarity on his situation. “He’s got a hip flexor strain. Right now, he’s day-to-day. He’s got to get more tests run, and we’ll see later on this week,” Bowles said when asked about Dean.
It remains to be seen if Jamel Dean will be able to dress for the Buccaneers during their important NFC battle with the Rams; however, if he were to miss time, it would be a significant blow to the team’s defense. According to PFSN’s Cornerback Impact, Dean ranks 10th in the NFL at the position, while also sitting tied for second at corner with three interceptions.
Injuries have defined the 29-year-old’s career so far; however, when he is healthy, he continues to prove why he is one of the best in the NFL. Dean has had a relatively clean bill of health this season, having appeared in all but one game so far, not including his early exit in Week 11.
A third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Jamel Dean has been a staple of the team’s defense since he first cracked the roster, even helping the Buccaneers win the 2020 Super Bowl in only his second season in the league. Rookie Benjamin Morrison took over for Dean following his early exit and will likely step into the starting role against the Los Angeles Rams if Dean is ultimately ruled out.
