Bucs wide receiver Cole Beasley has only been in Tampa for less than a week. But due to injuries and suspensions, Beasley might be needed right away for when the Bucs host the Packers on Sunday.

How ready can he be? Is he up to speed? Beasley signed with the Bucs on Tuesday, which means he got practices in on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in preparation for Week 3.

“I think so,” Beasley said on Wednesday. “I mean, I won’t know everything, but it’s a little easier when you’re just studying the game plan, not the whole offense. That always helps in your favor. I just got here yesterday, so I’ve mainly been with the receivers coach a little bit. Other than that, I’ve been talking with the other wide receivers.”

Bucs OC Leftwich Still Undecided On Beasley’s Status

Offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich was pretty blunt when asked if Beasley would be ready by Sunday. He didn’t totally know yet on Thursday, as he had only seen him for two practices.

Bucs QB Tom Brady and OC Byron Leftwich – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“I don’t know yet, really,” Leftwich said. “I can’t really answer that question. We’re just getting finished, really, with day two. I want to look at the film, grade the film – but he’s been doing well since he got here.”

Leftwich did give a vote of confidence about how Beasley has looked since entering the building.

“He’s got fresh legs,” Leftiwich said. “Cole is a veteran guy. When you first see him, you understand that he’s been around football a long time. You see why he’s had the success [that] he’s had. He’s very detailed – he’s come in and actually had two good days of practice. Obviously, it’s the first two days, but he looked good the first two days. We’re trying to get him caught up on the system, the wording, everything – where he’ll need to be, if he’s needed. We’re just trying to get everyone ready.”

Bucs Have Experienced This Before

The Bucs have been in this situation before where they’ve had to ask a newly signed player to be involved for significant minutes in less than a week. Last season, they signed cornerback Richard Sherman in Week 4 and he was immediately playing when the Bucs battled with the Patriots on Sunday Night Football in Week 5.

Sherman needed to play because of injuries to the secondary and ended up recovering a fumble in the 19-17 win. It’s not exactly the same, but it’s a similar situation that the Bucs have going on this year with Beasley.

Bucs WR Cole Beasley – Photo by: USA Today

On Friday, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles felt pretty good about using him on Sunday if it was needed.

“I think he could,” Bowles said. “He’s quick, catches up to speed [really] fast, he understands the system. He’s played and he’s got a lot of reps under him, so if we needed him, I think he’ll be ready.”

Quarterback Tom Brady is going to want him for Sunday given the amount of drops that other Bucs receivers have had. He spoke on what he likes about Beasley during the week, pointing out the many games he’s played against him.

“I’ve watched him a long time,” Brady said. “He’s been around a long time and I’ve watched him play [and] competed against him. He’s been on the other team – I think at Dallas once and at Buffalo quite a few times. He’s a great player. I really think he’s a great player.”