The Bucs introduced on Thursday that they’ve opened up the 21-day observe window for undrafted rookie large receiver Kameron Johnson. This implies Johnson may have as much as three weeks to take part in observe and might be activated to 53-man roster at any time.
Johnson was positioned on injured reserve on October 20 with an ankle harm, simply someday earlier than the Bucs’ Monday night time sport in opposition to the Ravens. He was technically eligible to come back again after the bye week in opposition to the Giants however wanted extra time to heal.
What Function Can Johnson Have For The Bucs?
Bucs WR Kameron Johnson – Photograph by: Jeffrey Jones/PR
Throughout coaching camp Johnson was some of the electrifying gamers all through the summer time and into the autumn. He had distinctive quickness and footwork, discovering methods to get open and win his matchups. Plus, him being an undrafted free agent from Barton Faculty, a college that not many had heard of, solely added to the story.
The one downside was that the undersized Johnson missed a number of days of observe and two preseason video games as a result of he was injured typically. Nonetheless, Johnson’s skillset impressed Tampa Bay sufficient to nonetheless preserve him on the roster after cuts following the final preseason sport going into the common season.
Johnson performed seldomly through the common season till his ankle harm flared up once more. He performed a complete of 40 offensive snaps in 4 video games, having one speeding try for no acquire and no receptions for on only one goal. Johnson additionally performed 20 snaps on particular groups having one punt return for 11 yards within the season opener in opposition to the Commanders.
Bucs WR Kameron Johnson – Photograph by: USA As we speak
It’s at punt and kick return particularly the place Johnson might find yourself discovering a task in his return. Sean Tucker and Rakim Jarrett have been dealing with kick return duties as of late, however with Bucky Irving’s standing in query and Tucker probably getting requested to do extra at operating again, it wouldn’t damage to make use of the speedy Johnson again there to entice a giant play.
Punt return may even be the perfect spot by him. The function is at the moment occupied by Trey Palmer, however there’s been nearly no manufacturing from the place. He’s had 9 punt returns for 94 yards, averaging 10.4 yards per return and an extended of 17. Palmer hasn’t been capable of flip the sphere place like Tampa Bay would have most popular. Inserting Johnson on punts might not less than present a spark to a particular groups space that has room for enchancment.
It’ll be intriguing to see if Johnson is used a lot on offense in his return. He has high stage pace, and with the Bucs’ favoritism in the direction of screens and swing passes, this could possibly be a side that he excels at if executed proper. With the Bucs averaging nearly 28 factors per sport, including further items would basically be a bonus to the group.
