Buccaneers Cornerback Returns to Practice

The Tampa Buccaneers have a chance to reestablish themselves as the team to beat in the NFC South when they face the Carolina Panthers this Sunday in Week 7, but they'll need to get healthy on both sides of the ball to do it. Thankfully, it appears a Thursday practice absence for cornerback Carlton Davis shouldn't be a lasting concern. The fifth-year player returned to work on Friday.

Friday practice! Seems like good progress today for Shaq Mason, Carlton Davis, Mike Edwards, all practicing. Still no Hicks, Brate, Murphy-Bunting.

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) October 21, 2022

Davis logged limited participation in Wednesday's practice, so his absence Thursday ignited concerns that he had aggravated his hip injury. His return today, along with the continued progress of safety Mike Edwards, should help stabilize a secondary that allowed a pair of devastating third-and-long conversions on the final drive of the Bucs' ugly 20-18 Week 6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Davis signed a three-year, $45 million deal to remain with the Bucs this past offseason. He has allowed a 100.8 passer rating on throws in his direction this year, but the Bucs pass defense has generally played well while relying on him as their top corner; the team ranks fifth in net yards per passing attempt allowed.

The #Bucs are re-signing standout CB Carlton Davis, giving him a 3-year deal worth $45M with $30M guaranteed. pic.twitter.com/AmgUjOJyFz

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2022

Davis initially joined the Bucs as their 63rd overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft. He quickly slid into a crucial role for the team, starting 12 games as a rookie. He grew into a solid, dependable player in his second year, nabbing six interceptions and breaking up 48 passes over 38 appearances from 2019 to 2021.   

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