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About the Author: Jon Ledyard
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When the Bucs first signed Richard Sherman on Wednesday, head coach Bruce Arians laughed at the idea of the All-Pro playing on Sunday night.
“There’d be a bunch of guys hurt if he’s out there this week, but we’ll wait and see,” Arians said.
Well, now a bunch of guys are hurt, and it looks like Sherman may need to start. With Sean Murphy-Bunting on injured reserve, Jamel Dean nursing a sore knee and Carlton Davis questionable with an abdomen injury, the Bucs are in trouble. On Sunday morning, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Sherman is now expected to start vs the Patriots.
New #Bucs CB Richard Sherman, who only signed on Wednesday, is expected to start tonight vs. the #Patriots, sources say. Sherman picked up the defense faster than expected, and with some injuries at CB, he's slated to step right in.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 3, 2021
Sherman was Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded cornerback in coverage in 2019, but played just five games last year. The Pro Bowler dealt with a calf strain that forced him to miss more time than expected. Now the Bucs are hoping he can return to shape quickly, despite missing all of training camp. Sherman is great, but he’s 33, so having a plan to play him on rotation would help.
The Bucs promoted Pierre Desir to the roster in a move that should be permanent. Desir is a 7-year veteran who has played 77 career games with 44 starts. He adds 42 career pass breakups and eight career interceptions to Tampa Bay’s defensive backfield. If Davis doesn’t play, Desir and Sherman will likely split time at left cornerback, while Dee Delaney plays the right side and Ross Cockrell mans the slot. Newly signed CB Rashard Robinson was elevated from the practice squad as well.
If Davis does play, the Bucs could have their most talented cornerback tandem in ages on the field together. But the obvious caveat will be Davis playing hurt and Sherman still getting into football shape. Plenty of questions exist for the Bucs secondary as they face New England on Sunday Night Football. Hopefully Sherman can provide some answers.
