Sean

Murphy-Bunting

A former second-round pick, Murphy-Bunting played out his rookie deal with the Bucs before signing with the Titans for a year. He started all 14 games he was healthy for, racking up eight pass breakups, two interceptions, and three TFLs in the process. Murphy-Bunting isn’t a top-flight corner, but he can handle starting duties on the outside for Arizona. The Cardinals ranked 31st in EPA per dropback allowed in 2023.

Dillard suffered the concussion last week and was unable to return. Dillon Radunz took his place at left tackle and got in some work at left tackle during practice this week, so he should draw the start. Signed to a three-year contract in the offseason, Dillard has failed to live up to expectations in Tennessee. He may not have a starting spot to return to if Radunz plays well. Cornerback Sean-Murphy Bunting was also ruled out.

Week 10’s matchup against the Bucs would be a revenge game for Murphy-Bunting, who spent his first four seasons with the Buccaneers and was a part of their 2020 Super Bowl run. His absence is great for Baker Mayfield and company, although it looks like corner Roger McCreary is gearing up for a return after being sidelined since Week 6.

A thumb injury would seem possible for Murphy-Bunting to play through, so we’ll keep an eye out for his practice status in the next couple of days. If he were to miss time, that would be good news for Mike Evans and Chris Godwin ahead of the Titans’ showdown with the Bucs on Sunday.

Set to turn 26 in June, Murphy-Bunting went down early in 2022 with a dislocated elbow, playing in 12 games for the Bucs last season. He totaled two interceptions while breaking up seven passes, and earned a career-best 74.5 PFF coverage graded -- ranking 25th among qualified cornerbacks. Murphy-Bunting should help tighten up a defense that allowed the most passing yards and the fifth-most passing touchdowns in 2022, but their work to improve the secondary is far from complete.

Murphy-Bunting, who turns 26 in June, had six picks and 21 passes defensed in his first four seasons with Tampa Bay. The Titans continue to try to target younger, upside-focused free agents on defense. Murphy-Bunting was a second-round pick in 2019 and would likely play a real role if signed, though he has missed 13 games the past two seasons. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network said he “could land” with the Titans, suggesting this may be closer to a done deal than not.

Davis was a late addition to the injury report, getting in a limited practice Friday. This isn’t expected to keep Davis out but he’ll likely be playing at less than 100 percent for Sunday’s matchup. Bucs CB Sean Murphy-Bunting (hamstring) was also listed as questionable.

Murphy-Bunting suffered a dislocated elbow in the Bucs’ opener versus Dallas and has been sidelined ever since. His injury was the first of many that hit the Tampa Bay secondary. He should return to a starting role after starting 13 games and frequently playing every defensive snap for Tampa Bay last year. Murphy-Bunting snatched three interceptions during the Bucs’ playoff and should give their secondary a boost heading into their Monday matchup with the Giants.

Though Arians said the team’s slot corner is “going to be all right,” Murphy-Bunting will likely miss some time. Murphy-Bunting picked up the ugly injury in the first half when he found himself sandwiched between two Cowboys receivers. His absence could be a problem for a Tampa secondary that was picked apart Thursday night.

The Bucs’ slot receiver, Murphy-Bunting was quickly declared out after getting his arm pinned between CeeDee Lamb and Antoine Winfield Jr. It was a gruesome look, looking like a potential season-ender. The Bucs’ secondary has a few playmakers, but Murphy-Bunting’s loss would force an unwanted early-season reshuffling at a position without a ton of depth.