Jamel

Dean

Dean returns to the active roster after missing the minimum four games with a hamstring injury. The Buccaneers are not yet out of playoff contention, making Dean’s return off the utmost importance for a defense allowing the third most passing yards per game.

Dean practiced in full all week but the Buccaneers are handling his return very conservatively. The 4-6 Bucs are technically still in the hunt for the NFC South’s No. 1 playoff seed so keeping a season-long perspective in mind is appropriate. They should have their No. 1 CB back soon enough though.

Dean told reporters on Monday that he was “ready now.” His full participation on Wednesday effectively confirms it. The Bucs should have their No. 1 CB back in the lineup for Week 12.

That opens his 21-day practice window. Dean held a presser today and told reporters he was “ready now,” so it would not be surprising to see him officially activated ahead of Tampa’s Week 12 game against the Giants. Dean initially suffered the injury against the Saints in Week 6.

Dean has a hamstring injury that will keep him out for at least the next four weeks. The 28-year-old will have a chance to return in Week 11, and in the meantime Tyrek Funderburk will likely start in Dean’s place.

Dean went down with the hamstring issue in the first quarter and was carted to the locker room. The Bucs ruled him out shortly after. Dean has four pass breakups and 42 total tackles this year.

Buccaneers S Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot) and backup DB Josh Hayes (ankle) are also hurt at the moment. Dean’s injury comes at an inopportune time though his Wednesday LP is potentially a positive for Week 3.

Dean, a standout corner, was in obvious pain on the Tampa sideline after sustaining a back injury in the fourth quarter. He was carted to the Bucs locker room and doesn’t appear likely to return in the Divisional Round matchup.

Also inactive for the Buccaneers are QB John Wolford, RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn, CB Jamel Dean, LB Devin White, and OL Brandon Walton. Vea is one of three key defenders out for the Buccaneers, with Dean and White also out against the Falcons. The Buccaneers defense will have to manage with a weaker front seven and secondary as a result. Vaughn continues to be an inactive from the Buccaneers backfield as the team’s fourth running back.

Vea didn’t practice all week, meaning he’s likely trending toward missing Week 14 despite the questionable tag. The veteran defensive tackle has played in 11 games for the Bucs this season, totaling 33 tackles, nine TFLs, and 5.5 sacks. In his sixth season, Vea is in the middle of a career-year, which would make his absence against the Falcons all the more impactful. While Vea is questionable, corner Jamel Dean (ankle/foot) has already been ruled out.