It hasn’t taken long for Bucs CB Richard Sherman to get acclimated in Tampa Bay. One day after Sherman and head coach Bruce Arians indicated the All-Pro likely wouldn’t play in Week 4, defensive coordinator Todd Bowles left the door cracked for him.

“It’s still early,” Bowles said on Thursday. “We’ve still got a lot of injuries to go over and everything else like that. But he’s practicing and we’re letting him learn some things. So in case he has to, he can go out there and function at a high level and do the right things.”

Sherman has long been heralded as one of the smartest players in the NFL. He’s thrived at cornerback due to his football IQ, instincts and ball skills, not because he was an elite athlete. It hasn’t taken long for Sherman to show those traits still exist in Tampa Bay either. On Thursday, Sherman came down with a leaping interception in zone coverage during Bucs practice.

“[He’s] smart,” Bowles said. “I’m still observing him. He’s got to get into football shape, obviously. But I’ve watched him play for a long time. He’s still smart, savvy and understands the ballgame. He’s just got to get his legs under him.”

Considering this is Sherman’s second day practicing in the Florida heat, so far so good.

The 10-year veteran will likely suit up for his first game as a Buc on Sunday Night Football in New England.