Advertisement

Bucs cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting inactive for playoff opener

Suddenly, the team’s cornerback depth appears shaky for today’s game against the Eagles.
 
Bucs starting cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (hamstring) won't play in today's playoff opener vs. the Eagles.
Bucs starting cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (hamstring) won't play in today's playoff opener vs. the Eagles. [ DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times ]
Published Jan. 16, 2022

TAMPA — Injured Bucs starting cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting has been deemed inactive for today’s playoff opener against the Eagles, the latest blow to an injury-besieged lineup entering the postseason.

Receiver Cyril Grayson (hamstring) and tailback Ronald Jones (ankle) also are inactive, though coach Bruce Arians indicated Friday they wouldn’t play. Additionally, starting tailback Leonard Fournette (hamstring) was not activated from injured reserve Saturday despite being cleared to return to practice earlier in the week.

A handful of other prominent players, including cornerback Carlton Davis (back) and linebacker Lavonte David (foot), are active today but could be limited. David was activated from injured reserve Saturday.

Earlier Sunday, Arians told Fox Network’s Sara Walsh that Fournette appeared close to being activated.

“It’s just a little tweak,” Arians said. “He wasn’t full-speed when he really opened up and tried to push off a couple times. It caught him, so we’re just going to be very cautious with him.”

If Davis’ snaps are limited, the Bucs’ cornerback depth becomes dire. Veteran Richard Sherman (Achilles) is on injured reserve, and the team released backup Rashard Robinson on Saturday. Jamel Dean, Dee Delaney and Ross Cockrell also remain options.

Murphy-Bunting, dealing with a hamstring injury, missed eight games with a dislocated elbow earlier in the season. He had 43 tackles, three passes defended and a forced fumble in nine regular-season contests.

• • •

Sign up for the Bucs RedZone newsletter to get updates and analysis on the latest team and NFL news from Bucs beat writer Joey Knight.

Never miss out on the latest with the Bucs, Rays, Lightning, Florida college sports and more. Follow our Tampa Bay Times sports team on Twitter and Facebook.