One of the things that players appreciate about Bucs head coach Bruce Arians is that he rarely minces words. If you’re struggling, he’ll tell you. If you’re regressing, he’ll tell you that too. And if you’re spinning your wheels like cornerback Herb Miller, Arians will tell you that too.

“He’s the same guy,” Arians said. “He missed OTAs, that hurt him. I haven’t seen the progress I was hoping [for], but he is still in a battle.”

Bucs CB Herb Miller – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Miller, who has been with the Bucs since the team signed him to the practice squad in 2019, has run with the second team defense throughout camp. The third-year corner has played 57 snaps over the Bucs first two preseason games, surrendering two catches on two targets for 17 yards. Miller has been outstanding in run defense, recording four tackles without a miss.

But Arians has had more praise for Dee Delaney and Antonio Hamilton, who appear ahead of Miller in the pecking order right now. Delaney has earned recognition for his work on special teams and in coverage, while Hamilton has been excellent in the slot. All three players have prevented big plays, but the battle for the final 1-2 cornerback spots rages on.

An undrafted free agent out of Florida Atlantic, Miller played the first 17 defensive snaps of his career last season for Tampa Bay. The 23-year old corner even recorded an interception against the Lions in Week 16. Miller played 57 special teams snaps last year as well. Saturday night against the Houston Texans may be Miller’s final opportunity to earn a roster spot with the 2021 Buccaneers.