The Buccaneers’ defense could receive a boost in time for Week 12. Cornerback Jamel Dean returned to practice on Monday, per a team announcement. 
As a result, his 21-day activation is now open. Dean must be brought back onto the active roster within that span to avoid reverting to season-ending IR. Once he is back in place, he will be positioned to reprise his role as a starter in Tampa Bay’s secondary.
A hamstring injury set Dean up to miss multiple weeks, so it came as little surprise when he was moved to IR. After spending the required four games on the sidelines, it is an encouraging sign that the 28-year-old has returned to practice when first eligible to do so. The Buccaneers’ defense will certainly welcome Dean back into the fold once he is cleared to do so.
The Auburn product has been a first-team presence for much of his six-year Tampa Bay tenure, and that includes the 2024 campaign. Dean has amassed 43 tackles and four pass deflections this season, and he has yet to allow a touchdown in coverage. His return could provide a much-needed boost to a defense which ranks 30th against the pass and which has dealt with other injuries in the secondary over the course of the year.
Dean remained with the Bucs when he inked a four-year, $52MM deal last March. Especially with Carlton Davis no longer in place, that pact has increased expectations for the former third-rounder to be an impactful player in the secondary. If the 4-6 Buccaneers are to make a run at the postseason (either in the form of another NFC South title or a wild-card berth), Dean’s level of play once healthy will be a key determining factor.
Tampa Bay will have four IR activations remaining once Dean returns to the active roster. If that moves takes place within the coming days, he will be in line to return to action against the Giants.