After missing multiple weeks of action, the Buccaneers have finally gotten rookies Devin White and Jamel Dean back onto the practice field.
As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers open practice on Wednesday and prepare to take on Division rival New Orleans Saints, two numbers stand out amongst the rest of them. Number 45, rookie linebacker Devin White, who selected fifth overall out of LSU, and number 35 rookie cornerback Jamel Dean selected 94th overall out of Auburn.
Devin White returns from an MCL sprain he suffered in week two against the Carolina Panthers. While veteran Kevin Minter has played well in his absence, the return of White is huge news for a team that expected him to make an immediate impact. Devin White was wearing a brace but just having him back on the field is a great sign as the Bucs look to get another division win.
Along with White, third round pick, Jamel Dean is back in practice as well after missing the last two games with an ankle injury. After battling injuries throughout his college career at Auburn, it looks like he has fully recovered; hopefully this ankle injury is a minor blip on the radar, but his past is concerning.
#Bucs LB Devin White was back on the practice field. Still has a brace on his left knee, but a good sign for him getting back in action, possibly this week vs. New Orleans pic.twitter.com/GyaMFXNpiq
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) October 2, 2019
Dean will join a secondary group that desperately needs some help as the Buccaneers have been torched through the air over the past two weeks; one of the youngest groups in the NFL, they have allowed over 318 passing yards per game this year. Although he has only played on special teams so far, this will at the very least give defensive coordinator Todd Bowles some options.
It isn’t clear how much playing time both will get on Sunday, but this is the perfect game to get both Devin White and Jamel Dean back as they go up against Saints backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Hopefully they are both ready to go as the Buccaneers look to get out to a 2-0 advantage against NFC South opponents.