It may look like that help is on the way for the Bucs at outside linebacker since the team announced that they opened up the 21-day practice window for Markees Watts to come back from injury.

Bucs OLBs Anthony Nelson, Yaya Diaby, and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka – Photo by: USA Today

Watts injured his quad in Week 5 against the Saints and has been on injured reserve ever since. Ironically, in that 51-27 win for Tampa Bay, they had the return of defensive tackle Calijah Kancey and free safety Antoine Winfield Jr. Cornerback Jamel Dean ended up getting injured early and missed a while, as did Watts.

Bucs OLB Outlook 

There are some questions lurking about the Bucs when it comes to the outside linebacker position. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka sprained his ankle last week against the Giants and missed the rest of the game. While we saw him at practice on Wednesday in a walkthrough setting, he was technically listed as did not participate.

If JTS isn’t available, this leaves Yaya Diaby as the starter with Anthony Nelson bumping up and rookie edge rusher Chris Braswell waiting in the wings to go. Believe it or not, Nelson leads all of the Bucs outside linebacker with three sacks on the season. Diaby has two, as does Tryon-Shoyinka.

Bucs OLB Markees Watts – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Tampa Bay has Jose Ramirez on the roster, but have failed to make him available except for two games. During the preseason, he impressed having a hat trick of three sacks in a game, but apparently that wasn’t enough for the Bucs’ coaches and front office to get him playing in the regular season.

Rumors popped up this week that former Bucs outside linebacker Shaq Barrett has filed papers to come back to the NFL after he announced his retirement in July. He is still under contract with the Dolphins, so until he’s released, we’ll save that conversation for when he becomes available.

Markees Watts has played in 17 career games and recorded one career sack and one tackle for loss. This season, he’s played in five games before going on injured reserve.

Many have been waiting for Watts to breakout. But as an undrafted free agent, it’s very far from a guarantee that he’ll end up being a contributor.  Watts can help with what Tampa Bay’s pass rush if they put him in specific pass rushing positions moving forward. We’ll find out if Todd Bowles makes those adjustments when Watts becomes available in the coming games.