When the Bucs traded up in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft to select Jaelon Darden, the hope was that he would serve as the team’s top return man. But through two preseason games, Darden has yet to impress in that area. According to head coach Bruce Arians, the return job is far from wrapped up for the rookie.

“No, it’s his job to win,” Arians said. “I know what [Jaydon Mickens] can do. I’ve seen ‘Mick’ for awhile now. I want to see a little bit more out of Scotty [Miller] having a chance. It’s probably [Darden’s] to win rather than his to lose.”

Bucs WR Jaelon Darden – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

After receiving zero punt return opportunities against the Bengals, Darden fielded three punts for 34 yards against the Titans. One of Darden’s returns went for 19 yards, but it was aided by a holding penalty. On another return, the North Texas receiver fumbled after picking up a few yards. Mickens did not fumble or muff a single kick last year.

Darden has just one kick return for 12 yards in two games.

If Darden can’t impress on Saturday against the Texans, he could be looking at an inactive role in Week 1 against the Cowboys. The top five receiver spots are locked up for the Bucs, which means the sixth receiver will either be Darden or Mickens. Whoever wins the return job will likely be active Week 1. That is, unless Miller surprises.

Mickens wasn’t dynamic as a punt returner for the Bucs last season, but he was sure-handed and smart. His vision as a kick returner was a huge asset for the team, especially in the playoffs. Darden hasn’t yet shown that reliability, and neither has Ke’Shawn Vaughn. The Bucs are very high on Darden’s future, it just may be delayed a bit if he can’t win the return job.

“Jaelon’s done a really good job,” wide receivers coach Kevin Garver said on Wednesday. “I think that any time you come in as a rookie there’s a lot of things you have to learn. He’s getting in the playbook, learning as he goes, taking each rep one at a time, learning from his mistakes. I think there is a really talented guy, really talented player. He brings a lot to the table. I think he can be explosive, and he is very shifty. I think when he gets the ball in his hands, he can make a lot of plays.

Bucs KR Jaydon Mickens – Photo by: USA Today

“It’s just about getting him there. Being in the right spot at the right time [and] quarterbacks trusting him. Those are the little things that he is working on every day. I’m going to continue to work with him, and he really wants it – [he is] putting the time in to study. So, I like the way he is progressing.”

Mickens has taken Darden under his wing since OTAs despite the competition between the two players. The veteran return man has constantly offered Darden tips and instructions on fielding kicks, while knowing the rookie could take his roster spot. Darden recognizes and appreciates Mickens’ intentionality.

“He is a vet as well, so like I said, I’m a sponge,” Darden said. “I like learning from other people. He has been in the game for a long time, so why not learn from all the tidbits that he has to help my chance when my opportunity comes? I feel like it’s a great experience.”

If Darden isn’t ready for an on-field role in Week 1, it probably means the Bucs need to keep seven wide receivers on the 53-man roster. It’s rare to see that many wideouts on a final roster, but not totally uncommon. The Bucs have the deepest wide receiver room in the NFL, so it makes even more sense for them.