The Buccaneers watched one of their defenders go down in practice this week and it leaves them without a player that would come in handy against a talented Packers receiver group.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Benjamin Morrison was really showing some promise over the first three weeks of the season, but his ultimate nemesis has reared its ugly head once again: the injury bug.
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles ruled Morrison out ahead of Sunday's pivotal Week 4 matchup against the Green Bay Packers, making it the first game Morrison has missed this year. Per Bowles
, Morrison was injured at the beginning of Thursday's practice session and it's severe enough to where he won't play.
Bowles then basically proceeded to say the Buccaneers will have a much better idea of how long he's out after the Packers game.
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It's a pretty big blow, considering how well Morrison was playing on top of the fact the Packers have a very strong receiver combination in the veteran Christian Watson and sophomore Matthew Golden. Both players are explosive athletes that have combined for 32 receptions, 537 yards, and five receiving touchdowns so far this year. Watson averages 16.7 yards per catch, while Golden averages 16.9.
Christian Watson and Matthew Golden's 2026 stats
Watson and Golden are becoming one of the NFL's best wide receiver duos and their numbers reflect exactly that after three weeks. Watson's numbers are on the left and Golden's are on the right.
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Yards per route run (rank):2.51 (7th)/2.24 (t-11th)
To put those numbers into context: Buccaneers receivers (just receivers, no tight ends or running backs) have recorded 31 receptions for 412 yards and two touchdowns through three games.
Morrison is second on the team with two pass break-ups and his tackle for loss ties Zyon McCollum for the lead among the cornerback group. Morrison has also played 56.3% of the Buccaneers' defensive snaps so far, showcasing his importance to the defense.
You definitely want all hands on deck when facing a WR duo like Watson and Golden, so it won't be a surprise if we see some big plays from those guys with Morrison sidelined.
It's a tough break for the second-year player who has dealt with injuries a lot throughout his young career. The good news is the Buccaneers aren't left empty handed, whatsoever.
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Keionte Scott's development helps the Buccaneers navigate Morrison's injury heading into the Packers game
The fourth-round rookie has been as advertised so far this year and he's gotten better each week. Bowles recently praised Scott's growth and sees plenty of more success coming his way in the future.
Scott's presence allows the Buccaneers to keep Jacob Parrish on the outside. Scott will likely fill in at nickel, along with others when Bowles wants to mix it up.
He's a basically a linebacker in a DB's body, so playing nickel is perfect for Scott. Not only is he physical and strong enough to step up against the run – he has the quickness, agility, and coverage skills to match up with receivers, as well.
This is a great opportunity to continue his development, which only helps the defense as a whole down the line.
The rest of the Buccaneers' injury updates
On top of Morrison, Rueben Bain Jr., Ko Kieft, and Baker Mayfield were all ruled out ahead of Sunday. Kieft is really the only other surprise when considering the previously known context surrounding both Bain Jr. and Mayfield's injuries.
Yaya Diaby, Chris Godwin, Bucky Irving, and Josiah Trotter should all play, however. Bowles said Friday Diaby is "fine" and basically said the same regarding the other three players. SirVocea Dennis is really the biggest (and only) unknown, right now.
So, overall, the Buccaneers are pretty healthy heading into the Packers matchup. The Morrison loss is a big one, however, and we'll see exactly how it affects the secondary on Sunday.
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This article was originally published on A to Z Sports. Read the full story here: Buccaneers hit with surprising injury to key player that can certainly help the Packers beat Tampa Bay in Week 4
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