Despite returning to practice this week after missing most of training camp and all of the preseason, Buccaneers second-round pick Benjamin Morrison will be held out of the season opener against the Falcons.
According to head coach Todd Bowles, Morrison should be back next week, so his absence is more due to the extensive time he missed during the offseason and install periods. With another week to properly prepare, Morrison should be up to speed for Week 2.
The news is disappointing, as the Buccaneers drafted Morrison as part of an overhaul to their cornerback room after injuries and a lack of depth plagued the defense throughout the entire 2024 season.
With a healthy offseason, Morrison was expected to even have a chance to battle veteran Jamel Dean for the starting outside cornerback spot opposite Zyon McCollum, but the nagging hamstring injury prevented him from getting the opportunity to compete.
The Buccaneers have had their fair share of injury-prone defensive backs, and the hope is that they didn’t just draft another one in the second round in Morrison, but his nagging hamstring injury has kept him out since early August.
Morrison registered an impressive nine interceptions in three seasons at Notre Dame. PFF gave him an incredible 90.5 coverage grade, and he allowed just a 44.1 passer rating when targeted.
He was one of college football’s best cover corners, when healthy. The problem? Morrison has an extensive medical history that includes two hip labrum repairs along with shoulder surgery. Seeing him already miss time due to injuries in Tampa Bay isn’t exactly the most encouraging first impression.
The Buccaneers have had their fair share of injury-prone defensive backs, and the organization is holding their breath in hopes they didn’t just draft another one in the second round in Morrison.
If he can stay healthy, Morrison has the talent to transform Tampa Bay’s secondary and give the Buccaneers exactly what they envisioned when they drafted him.
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