Bucs rookie defensive back Keionte Scott is going to miss rookie mini-camp due to a wrist injury. The fourth round pick out of Miami had his introductory press conference local media today and was seen with a wrap over his left wrist. It came as a surprise as it had not been previously reported that he had any kind of medical procedure done or would have to miss any practices.

He had a plate removed and is going through the recovery process at the moment. Scott detailed what happened and how it came to this decision.

“It was something that was bothering me, (during the season),” Scott said. Now we’re on the better side of it. Just got the plate out of it now, so now we’re on the better side of it. Now we’ll get better here, and the cast will come off in 10 days.

“I was going through it, throughout the playoffs. It was something that was bugging me all year. Got it taken care of before the Combine, obviously didn’t want it to get flagged. So now we’re on the back end of it.”

The bright side of it is that Scott will be good to go for OTAs and the team mini-camp. So for the time being, Scott is just going to be a student of the game. Thankfully he won’t have to wait long before hitting the field and making an impact to help the Bucs this season.

Keionte Scott Reflects On Joining The Bucs

Scott is expected to be a big time contributor for Tampa Bay this season. He’ll have an opportunity to potentially start at the nickel position or be involved in a number of different packages that head coach and defensive play caller Todd Bowles come up with.His extremely quick speed will allow Scott to blitz off the side and get to the quarterback, which he did often on the same side as Bucs fist round pick Reuben Bain Jr. while at Miami.

“It’s a star position on certain teams and definitely on this team in coach Bowles defense,” Scott said. “I pride myself on just being able to play any position, but the fact that I’m going to be in the nickel and also learn from the vets, learning from the guy’s that have been before me, just try to soak everything up, and try to just get involved anywhere I can, whether that be special teams, anywhere. Just trying to evolve and help my team.”

Bucs DB Keionte Scott – Photo by IMAGN Images – Jeff Romance

Along with his role at nickel, Scott may also end up backing up Anotine Winfield Jr. and Tykee Smith at safety. His versatility gives the Bucs a couple of options for what they decide to do with him. Although it will have to wait over a week before they can decide anything before he returns to playing.

“It was super crazy, just walking around and even seeing my locker today with the jersey in it. Just super blessed and grateful for the opportunity.”

Learning From Former DB In Todd Bowles

Miami DB Keionte Scott – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Jerome Miron

Another benefit that Scott will have his knowing that Todd Bowles was a defensive back in the NFL having won a Super Bowl championship. While he’s had struggles as a head coach, Bowles has thrived in the development of corners and safeties in his defense.

“I think it brings another perspective,” Scott said. “Your head coach is a defensive guy. He wants to make sure the defensive side of the ball is unlocked for sure, especially with him being the defensive coordinator. I think it just put a little bit more pride behind the defensive guys, understanding that head guy’s over here. He wants to make sure that the defense is doing their job for sure.