Bucs CB Richard Sherman lasted just six plays into his third game with Tampa Bay, pulling his hamstring in a non-contact injury. The 11-year veteran was immediately ruled out of the Week 6 game, replaced by Dee Delaney. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Sherman will likely avoid injured reserve.

With the MRI results in hand, the Bucs can avoid placing a third cornerback on injured reserve this season. Starting cornerbacks Sean Murphy-Bunting and Carlton Davis are already on IR. Sherman was signed to help alleviate injuries in the secondary, but now that responsibility will fall on Delaney and Pierre Desir. One of those two will start alongside Jamel Dean and Ross Cockrell on Sunday against the Bears.

As for Sherman, it seems likely he won’t play in Week 7, but Week 8 remains a possibility. The Bucs play the division rival Saints that day, and almost certainly won’t have Davis or Murphy-Bunting. The Saints have the NFL’s 31st-ranked passing attack, but always seem to give the Bucs a challenge. Tampa Bay’s open date is in Week 9, so Sherman will have ample opportunity to recover if the Bucs hold him out until then.

Tampa Bay (5-1) returns to action when they host the Bears (3-3) on Sunday, October 24.