After two weeks of practicing to get back into game shape, it looks like cornerback Carlton Davis will return for the first time since Week 4. It’s a huge upgrade for the Bucs to get their No.1 corner back in the lineup, especially with the myriad of injuries they’ve faced at the position.

Davis spoke publicly on Thursday for the first time since his injury, revealing that his pulled quad injury was actually a torn muscle. He gave an update on how he’s feeling since being back.

“I feel really good,” Davis said. “Probably the best I’ve felt in a while. I feel really confident in coming back this week, so we’ll see.

Though he hasn’t been on the field, Davis has been present with the team each week. He admitted it was difficult watching from the sidelines as he watched others make plays that he was once doing himself earlier in the season.

“It’s been tormenting just watching DBs catch interceptions and make plays,” Davis said. “It sucks. It’s like I’m a kid in timeout watching everybody play on the playground. I want to go play, too, I want to have fun on the monkey bars. It’s a part of the game. I just used that time and worked on myself physically and mentally. Come back and help for this playoff run.”

Bucs CB Carlton Davis III and S Jordan Whitehead – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Like your favorite band coming back together, the Bucs will have their top three corners – Davis, Sean Murphy-Bunting and Jamel Dean reunited for the first time since Week 1. Davis is relishing the chance to be back with some of his closest friends on the team.

“It will be fun,” Davis said. “I’ve missed those guys so much. Just playing with them and being around them. Having your brothers’ back – there is nothing like it. The chemistry between us is crazy. To be back out on the field with them will be fulfilling for me because I miss it so much. I felt like – like I said earlier – the kid who just couldn’t play and had to watch everybody else play. Going back out there with those guys should be a ton of fun.”

When any player comes back after a long time away, there’s always the question of conditioning. Not for Davis, though, who confidently asserted that he can play a whole game instantly.

“I’m good to go right now,” Davis said. “75 plays, let’s do it.”

When told of David’s desire to go the distance on Sunday, defensive coordinator Todd Bowles laughed.

“Carlton loves Carlton,” Bowles said, smiling.

The Bucs love Carlton too. And it will be great to see him back on the field in red and pewter this Sunday.