Benjamin

Morrison

Morrison missed time in his 2024 college season after injuring the labrum in his hip. He almost missed time as a rookie last year, after suffering a hamstring injury in October. He totaled three pass breakups, 23 tackles and two quarterback pressures last year. Hopefully, he can return before long.

The same is true of rookie corner Benjamin Morrison, who is dealing with a hamstring injury. Wrifs got in one limited practice this week before being listed as questionable. He was always going to be a long-shot to play after missing the first two practices of the week. The fact that he returned on Friday at least indicates that he could be back for Week 15 versus Atlanta. Graham Barton moved from center to left tackle when Wirfs missed time at the start of the year. The Bucs will likely make that move again this week.

Godwin is just one of a laundry list of players who will not be active for the Buccaneers’ Week 6 game against the Niners. Godwin’s fibula injury is likely due to a reaggravation of the fractured fibula that ended his 2024 campaign, although the team has yet to confirm this. His absence on Sunday could open the door for Sterling Shepard to serve as the Buccaneers’ no. 2 target in the passing game opposite Emeka Egbuka, which could be of use to fantasy managers in deeper leagues. In addition to Godwin, the Buccaneers also ruled out CBs Zyon McCollum (thumb) and Benjamin Morrison (hamstring).

In addition to Dean, the Buccaneers also ruled out CB Benjamin Morrison (hamstring) and S Christian Izien (quad). Dean is the most notable absence here. Having appeared on 175 defensive snaps this season, per PFF, Dean has been stingy in coverage thus far, allowing just six receptions on 16 targets to go with 43 scoreless yards. Backup corners Jacob Parrish and Kindle Vildor figure to see some extended work with Dean now out.

Dean left the Bucs’ Week 4 loss to the Eagles with a groin injury that now seems to be more of a hip issue. Also not practicing were CB Benjamin Morrison (hamstring) and DB Christian Izien (quad). If none of the trio can practice the rest of the week, the Bucs’ secondary will look depleted against the Seahawks for Week 5.

The Bucs finally address their defense after Thursday’s surprising selection of WR Emeka Egbuka, and at a position of need. Morrison (6’0/193) had one of the great debuts in Irish history, earning Freshman All-American honors, recording an 82.2 cover grade and six interceptions which was the most by a ND defender since 2012. He allowed just seven plays of 15+ yards on 87 targets/39 receptions over the last two seasons, in addition to an excellent 18.4 QBR allowed last year. 63.3% of his cover snaps were in press man situations. Which he thrived in and was often left to fend for himself on an island by DC/HC Marcus Freeman. Morrison’s 2024 campaign was cut short due to a torn labrum in his left hip, which kept him from testing and somewhat clouds his profile in the short term. He transitions smoothly in go-ball situations as opposed to navigating short and intermediate routes, as he had some trouble with more shifty, deceptive receivers. He showed natural ball skills and is pretty clean in his fundamentals, which helps to minimize mistakes. However, he needs to add strength and improve leverage in order to handle alpha NFL wide receivers.

Morrison is recovering from hip surgery after his 2024 season ended early. The 21-year-old appeared in six games last season, totaling 20 tackles and four pass-breakups. He totaled nine interceptions between his first two college seasons and is considered one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Teams will get a chance to see Morrison work out a few days before the draft as he works his way back from the hip injury.

Morrison (6'0/175) is considered the 31st cornerback and fourth overall player in Arizona, drawing a .8958 player rating on the 247Sports composite board. He had no shortage of high-profile suitors on the recruiting trail with Oregon, Alabama, Washington, Arizona State, Auburn and Florida State all pursuing the blue-chip defensive back. The Phoenix, AZ native is the 19th player to commit to the Irish from a loaded 2022 class that currently ranks second in the nation in terms of recruiting strength next year.