After a week of uncertainty, the Bucs are getting some good news regarding two injured players. According to Greg Auman of the Athletic, cornerback Jamel Dean and returner Jaelon Darden have cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol. Both are expected to play Sunday versus the Bills.
More good news for Bucs on the injury front: CB Jamel Dean and WR Jaelon Darden have both cleared concussion protocol and can play in Sunday’s game against Bills.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) December 11, 2021
Dean left early in last week’s victory over the Falcons and did not return. He has been the most consistent corner for the Bucs this season. Dean has been playing through multiple injuries this season, while still performing at a high level. His 80.6 coverage grade is the sixth best in the league, per Pro Football Focus. His availability will allow Tampa Bay to roll out their top corners for the second week in a row.
Darden’s head injury occurred against the Colts. He missed the game against the Falcons, thrusting Giovani Bernard into a return role. Bernard didn’t exactly light the world on fire with just two returns for seven yards. Darden hasn’t fared much better at the position himself. On the season he has 10 punt returns for 87 yards, 43 of them coming on one run back. He’s been a bit better on kickoffs, totaling 212 yards on 10 attempts. Darden’s 21.2 yards per return puts him middle of the pack in the league
The Bucs face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.