Recurring injuries threaten to derail Benjamin Morrison’s path to the CB1 role, leaving Tampa Bay’s revamped secondary in limbo as the talented sophomore remains sidelined throughout camp.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are yet to be at full strength in training camp, with big-time players like Vita Vea and Tristan Wirfs missing time.
But, one lingering injury status has been on second-year cornerback Benjamin Morrison, who has been sidelined since the beginning of OTAs with a hamstring injury.
This is now the second-straight offseason that Morrison has missed significant time, dating back to his shoulder problems he had entering the draft.
Injuries have always been the concern with Morrison, as he has a high level of talent and production when healthy, but missed time at Notre Dame due to a hip injury.
Morrison's timetable for his return remains unknown, which is concerning considering the changes to Tampa's defensive backfield.
With longtime lead corner Jamel Dean joining the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency, Morrison was in contention to take over as the main guy on the outside.
Back in May, FOX Sports NFL Reporter Greg Auman named Morrison as one of the top-10 breakout candidates for this season, noting his health as a big question mark.
In ten appearances last season, Morrison recorded 26 total tackles, four passes defensed, and a fumble recovery, filling in alongside Dean on the perimeter.
His fumble recovery came in a clutch moment, sealing Tampa's 16-14 season finale victory.
Ultimately, the win did not get the Bucs into the playoffs, but it was still an impressive play from Morrison to close it out.
In college, Morrison was a mobile corner, moving in and out of the slot and outside, while earning team captain honors.
This mobility and versatility were part of the reasons Tampa selected him in the second round of last year's draft, building a young cornerback duo of Morrison and Jacob Parrish.
While Parrish serves as a nickel, utilizing his tackling ability and pursuit speed, Morrison will be expected to take a big jump as a coverage corner, especially after Dean's departure.
Morrison showed signs of growth towards the end of his rookie season, totaling a season-high seven tackles against the Carolina Panthers in late December.
Following this showing, head coach Todd Bowles complimented Morrison for his play.
"He pressed. He got up there. He wasn’t afraid of anybody," Bowles said. "He made some plays on the ball. He gave up one play, but he was smothered all over him. Obviously the fade ball, he wanted him to stay on top, but he did a really good job seeing the run game. He did a really good job making some plays on the perimeter.”
Morrison's talent is not a question, as the former Fighting Irish standout produces when he is on the field.
But, missing back-to-back training camps is not ideal for a young player like Morrison, who could make a big impact in the Bucs' new-look secondary if he can stay healthy.
