Bucs cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting left the season opener against Dallas with an elbow injury on Thursday. On Monday he was placed on the team’s short term IR with a designation of a dislocated elbow. During Tuesday’s practice Murphy-Bunting was seen in a sling. After practice head coach Bruce Arians gave an update on the third-year corner’s injury status.

“Right now it could be anywhere from four [weeks] to the end of the season,” Arians said. “We’re still looking at some MRI stuff and a second opinion on what has to be done if anything. We’ll probably know more in two days whether it’s the season long or three to six [weeks].”

Arians added that there was nothing wrong “bone-wise” with Murphy-Bunting’s arm.

It’s a tough blow for the young cornerback, who had big aspirations for the season. It also leaves the Bucs defense scrambling to replace one of its’ top corners. There is still some optimism that a second opinion may reveal that the corner could come off injured reserve in as little as three weeks. The Bucs are preparing for the worst with the signing of Pierre Desir to the practice squad. Tampa Bay also has Herb Miller if they need to call up a fifth cornerback from the practice squad.