The Bucs have been without two key contributors most of the season in cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting and wide receiver Scotty Miller. That could change this Monday night, as both players are nearing a return from injured reserve. On Friday, Bucs head coach Bruce Arians updated the status on Murphy-Bunting and Miller.

“They’re making really good progress,” Arians said. “Sean especially. We still gotta activate them. We gotta cut people. So we’ll wait and see who all is available for the roster. Who we’re bringing up [from practice squad] and who we’re not.”

Arians sounds all but certain that the duo will return from injured reserve this week. Tough roster decisions may have to be made at other positions, especially if Miller is active. Murphy-Bunting should be able to step right into a roster spot, given Richard Sherman’s move to injured reserve. Backup cornerback Dee Delaney remains in concussion protocol as well.

Bucs CB Sean Murphy-Bunting – Photo by: USA Today

Right now, the Bucs have only three healthy cornerbacks on the roster in Jamel Dean, Ross Cockrell and Pierre Desir. Blidi Wreh-Wilson, a veteran, will likely move up to the active roster this week. If Murphy-Bunting is activated, it seems likely that he’ll start on Monday night.

“I saw him in press coverage get his hands on people this week,” Arians said. “He’s made a couple interceptions. He’s using both arms. So yeah, I’ve seen good progress from Sean.”

Earlier in the week, Arians expressed optimism on the availability of both players for Week 11.

“I think they are both real close,” Arians said on Bucs Total Access this week. “The thing with Scotty, it’s just a matter of getting him active on Sundays. So it’s just a matter now of getting those guys, Sean especially, another good week of practice using that arm. Both of them can run, they’re fine. It’s just playing in game shape.”

The Bucs (6-3) return to action against the New York Giants (3-6) on Monday Night Football.