The Tampa Bay Buccaneers did on Sunday night what they've done too much this season: make ok passing games look awesome. At least you can add Dallas Cowboys QB Cooper Rush to Kirk Cousins in making players look way, way better than they are in any other typical week.
Rush had a field day against Todd Bowles' defense in Dallas' 26-24 win over the Bucs on Sunday night, completing 26 of 35 attempts for 292 yards and a touchdown. Not the biggest numbers, but alarming when you consider Rush threw for an astounding 226 yards in the first half, which alone amounted to the fifth-most he's ever thrown in a game.
The Bucs' banged up secondary, particularly at safety, has been an issue. However, one of their starters appears close to a return to the starting lineup.
Jordan Whitehead is reportedly beginning his 21-day window to practice and potentially return from injured reserve.
Safety Jordan Whitehead is returning to practice today, beginning a 21-day window during which he could be activated from injured reserve at any time. He could potentially play as soon as this Sunday against Carolina. https://t.co/Xjj7XvK9vF
— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) December 24, 2024
As the team notes, this simply opens his window to return, as he has 21 days from Tuesday to return or he will be done for the season. However, he was back at practice, so that's a key step towards a potential return to action on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.
Whitehead, who returned to Tampa Bay this offseason on a two-year deal, suffered a pectoral injury during the team's 30-7 win over the New York Giants back on November 24. It was, unfortunately, the first domino to fall in the secondary, with Antoine Winfield, Jr. suffering a knee injury against the Raiders on November 8.
Whitehead, whose calling card is his physicality and run support, would still be a big shot in the arm for a defense that needed to do better on Sunday night - one that will also have a challenge on Sunday against a Carolina team that's playing competitive football and took the Bucs to overtime just three weeks ago.
We'll see as the week goes on what level of participation Whitehead is able to have as he tries to get back on the field for the Bucs' crucial final two games.
