Buccaneer head coach, Raheem Morris, addressed the status of linebacker Quincy Black during his press conference on Thursday. Tampa Bay’s starting Sam linebacker injured his ankle during last week’s game at Minnesota against the Vikings. Black did not participate in workouts with his teammates again, however, his status is improving. 

“Yes, he did not participate again,” Morris said. “Still very hopeful. We will see where he is. He stayed behind [and] stayed with Todd the trainer and he is walking around. He is starting to run a little bit [and] starting to jog. We just have to see where he is.”

Morris is not sure on which play his linebacker injured himself on; however, once he saw Black limping he pulled him and put linebacker Dekoda Watson in his place.

“I am not sure exactly,” Morris said. “I didn’t go back and look at it. I am kind of the next man up theory. Once I saw him get hurt [and] I saw him limping and I saw him really look bad on that one play in the flat because he couldn’t bend [or] turn his ankle the way he normally would [so] we got him out of there [and] put Dekoda (Watson) out there. He tried to come back off of the injury. I remember in the game around what time, but I don’t remember the exact play. I didn’t go back and look and see a twist or anything. I know Todd did. That is kind of what had to do with reports in the league and all that type of stuff.”

If Quincy Black is not available to play this Sunday against the Falcons, Morris said rookie linebacker Mason Foster will be the one calling the plays. The choice has nothing to do with Watson’s play. On the contrary, the decision has to do with Morris seeing a smart player in Mason Foster.

“Mason will call the plays if Quincy doesn’t go,” Morris said. “He’s not that deficient. I was just trying to take something off his plate. Mason is sharp, smart, he’s dying to get the green thing in his helmet anyway. He wants all the information, but you know, he’s doing well. He probably could have done it right from the beginning. I was just trying to make it easy on him. He’s not that type of guy. He’s a tough dude. He’ll play all situations this week. He’ll get a chance to be in nickel, he’ll be in base, so he’ll get a chance to wear the helmet.”