The Bucs are working out two veteran cornerbacks this week, which could be a sign that they might have to play Sunday’s game at New Orleans without Carlton Davis III or Jamel Dean – or both. NFL insider Aaron Wilson broke the news that Tampa Bay is working out William Jackson III and Tae Hayes.

Bucs’ Starting Cornerbacks Dealing With Injuries

Both of Tampa Bay’s starting cornerbacks are dealing with injuries. Carlton Davis III has missed the last two games with a painful toe injury. He was limited in practice last week, so there is a chance he plays in New Orleans on Sunday.

But the team could decide to hold him out considering the bye week is next week. That would give Davis an additional two weeks to heal before playing against Detroit on October 15.

Bucs CB Dee Delaney – Photo by: USA Today

Jamel Dean injured his shoulder midway through the Bucs’ Monday night loss to the Eagles, 25-11, and did not return. The severity of his injury is unknown, but his replacement, Dee Delaney, was also injured after recording interception in the second half.

Delaney’s injury is undisclosed at this time, and his status for Sunday’s game remains in question, although he did return to play on special teams against the Eagles late in the fourth quarter. The only two healthy Bucs corners at this time are Zyon McCollum and Derrek Pitts, an undrafted free agent.

It makes sense for the Bucs bring in a veteran corner for depth this week, and the team is trying out a couple this week.

Thirty-year old William Jackson III was a former first round pick of Cincinnati in 2016. Jackson, 6-foot, 189 pounds, has started 64 games in the NFL and has five interceptions and 51 pass breakups in his career. He’s played for both the Bengals (2016-20) and the Washington Commanders (2021-22).

Tae Hayes, 26, is a smaller cornerback at 5-foot-9, 188 pounds. He entered the league in 2019 with Jacksonville as an undrafted free agent and has played for five times over the past four seasons – most recently with Carolina (five games) and New England (two games) last year. Hayes has played in 13 games with two pass breakups, one fumble recovery and no interceptions.