Buccaneers: Week 16 game changers against Carolina
By Bailey Adams
Adam Humphries
The injuries to the defensive side of the ball are tough. But the offense isn’t immune to the injury bug either. DeSean Jackson and O.J. Howard both left Monday’s game early and didn’t return. With the Bucs at 4-10 with two games to go, does it make sense to bring either guy back? I’d personally say no. It doesn’t seem worth it, especially when guys like Chris Godwin and Adam Humphries are able to step in for Jackson. Obviously, Cameron Brate is able to pick up Howard’s production. But the guy to focus on here is Humphries.
After a breakout 2016 season, Humphries has seen a lesser role this year. With additions in the offseason, that was expected. But by no surprise, he is still finding ways to contribute. He has done a good job as the team’s punt returner, but is also maintaining a spot as a backup receiver. The Clemson product still has 51 catches on 69 targets for 478 yards and a touchdown. With Jackson sidelined, Hump could have in increased role over the final two weeks.
Who knows? Perhaps the Bucs could benefit from getting back to the basics this week. Tampa Bay’s offense clicked last year with Mike Evans, Humphries and Brate as the main targets. The new additions have certainly added to the offense, but with some inconsistencies throughout the year, it could be a positive for the guys to get back to what they were doing a year ago. If they can click together, adding Jackson and Howard back in during the offseason might be a welcomed fresh start.
Next: Buccaneers Pick Six: Most heartbreaking loss of the year
Who do you think will change the outcome of Sunday’s game, Bucs fans? Let us know in the comments, on Twitter or on Facebook.
"Injury moves, roster moves, and Jason Licht news! All on the Locked on Bucs Podcast!"