The first season and the start of the second for Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Benjamin Morrison could be labeled a disappointment. However, the former second-round pick is not discouraged, despite struggling to find consistency in the NFL due to injury.
“I’m in a great headspace, mental space,” Morrison said when discussing his injury, his plan to return, and the competition mounting at cornerback.
Morrison has missed the majority of Buccaneers training camp due to a hamstring injury. He returned briefly for a day of team drills and then was back on the sideline the next day.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers CB Benjamin Morrison Remains Positive
GettyTampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Benjamin Morrison.
Morrison noted that this is part of the Bucs plan to ease him back into the mix. They do not want to throw him in too quickly and have him aggravate anything.
“We’re taking it day by day,” Morrison said on his timeline to get back to full health. “This is the best I’ve felt in a while.”
Morrison had shoulder surgery that impacted his 2023 season at Notre Dame. In 2024, he had a hip injury that ended his season. So, the Bucs took him knowing he had a history of injury questions.
Morrison suffered quad and hamstring injuries in his rookie season and was only healthy for ten games last year. He missed a lot of time in training camp.
Morrison is Losing Chance to Start in Week 1
The Bucs were always going to slow-play him onto the field as a rookie, but now that he is missing time in camp again in year two, it is impacting his ability to compete to get on the field. Jacob Parrish has won the starting outside job, and the question now is whether Morrison comes in for nickel snaps, or whether they trust rookie fourth-round pick Keionte Scott more.
Morrison noted that while it can appear frustrating, he is not concerned yet.
“Not concerned; just the competitor in you wants to be out,” added Morrison.
Morrison acknowledged the difference in why not being out there can hurt his chances.
“There’s a difference from being out there- those game reps, those flying bullets; you see what you are made of,” Morrison acknowledged.
However, his mindset is not about losing his standing in the battle. He noted that getting back to full health and playing his best football is the goal. If he is healthy and able to prove himself, the Bucs know what his talent level is.
Still, Morrison acknowledged that means he might not be starting in Week 1.
“I may not be there day 1, but eventually I’m gonna get there, and I’m gonna stay when I get there,” said Morrison.
It is true that if Morrison returned a few weeks into the season, but he was healthy, stayed healthy, and lived up to his second-round status, he would easily be forgiven for the injury questions. So, being ready for Week 1, or keeping his depth chart status, should be secondary to him.
Those things will fall into place if he can focus on getting his body right and staying patient with his recovery.
Bucs Injury-Prone Defender Opens Up on Losing Starting Spot