Tampa Bay Buccaneers Starting Defender Designated to Return From IR

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could see a crucial starter back in the lineup in Week 12.

Oct 23, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) on the field in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could see one of their crucial defenders return to the team sooner than later.

Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean has been out of action ever since exiting the team's game against the New Orleans Saints with a hamstring injury. The Bucs haven't won since that game, and part of that could be the defense's struggles to replace him with players like Josh Hayes and Tyrek Funderburk.

Now, though, he could be back in time for Tampa Bay's Week 12 matchup vs. the New York Giants. Dean has been designated to return from IR on Monday, so he'll have 21 days to be activated. That can happen at any time, though, so the team could bring him back in time for Sunday's game.

Bucs have designated CB Jamel Dean for return from IR. He begins his 21-day window to return to the team today.

— River Wells (@riverhwells) November 18, 2024

The Bucs need to go on a huge run to make the playoffs, and that will start against the Giants. If Dean is in on Sunday, that would be a big help against the Giants and newly-crowned starting quarterback Tommy DeVito.

READ MORE: Former Buccaneers TE Rob Gronkowski Challenges Shaq to a Boxing Match at Tyson-Paul Fight

More Tampa Bay Buccaneers News

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers Predicted To Land Former All-Pro Texans WR in Free Agency

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2024 Midseason Mock Draft Round-Up

• Buccaneers Actually Climb Several Power Rankings After Loss

• Bucs Could be Leading NFC if Not For Abysmal Record in Close Games