Murphy Return is Close

The Bucs could use more speed on offense especially in the receiving core and they might get it very soon. Today, Bucs WR Louis Murphy returned to practice after recovering from ACL surgery and is looking to get back on the field on Sundays. Here is some video of Murphy working out on the field today per Greg Auman.

Video: Former Lakewood and Gators WR Louis Murphy practicing today with Bucs for first time since ACL surgery in November. pic.twitter.com/WxGC8vGUBx

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) October 17, 2016

Murphy returning would be huge for this offense as it would give them another reliable option in the passing game. Him and Jameis have good chemistry on and off the field and were showing a good connection on the field before Murphy got hurt. Murphy brings good speed and big play ability which is what this offense could use and take pressure off Mike Evans. Murphy can push Vincent Jackson to be better as well and will definitely challenge Adam Humphries for playing time in the slot. The Bucs have Cecil Shorts returning as well so the competition is there which is always a good thing.

The Bucs have 21 days to decide if they want to put Murphy on the active roster. I would expect they will make that decision sooner rather than later. Like I have said before with both Shorts and Murphy able to play on the outside, it would allow Vjacks to play the slot position more where he can be more effective in the middle of the field. Let's hope Murphy's return can provide a spark to the passing game.

Reinforcements on The Way!

The Bucs have struggled with injuries so far this season as every team does, but it's all about getting healthy at the right time. Heading into week 7, it looks like the Bucs are getting closer to being at full strength as they head into the second half of the season. Today the Bucs held an bonus practice this morning at one buc and three key players on offense returned to practice via Greg Auman.

Bucs returning to practice from injury today: WR Louis Murphy, WR Cecil Shorts, TE Luke Stocker. Murphy's first practice since ACL surgery.

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) October 17, 2016

Still no practice for key players in Martin, McCoy, Ayers, Mcdonald, and JR Sweezy but we should know more Wednesday as that is the key practice day for game week. However, getting Stocker back in the run game will be huge especially this week against the 49ers defense who just allowed over 300 yards rushing. Plus getting an potential boost to the receiving core with Cecil Shorts and possibly Louis Murphy returning as well would be terrific for Jameis and company. Much needed reinforcements for the offense in which they have only scored 14 points in the last two games. Hopefully more players return as it gets closer to the 49ers game in which is an great opportunity for the Bucs to get back to 500.

Humphries is Ready to Compete for Playing Time

Adam Humphries has some stiff competition for the slot receiver and returner positions as we get closer to July. Humphries was one of the few bright spots on the team last year as he stepped up nicely filling in for the injured Louis Murphy as the slot receiver. He is not the biggest or the fastest but reliable and that is what you want from your third receiver. Humphries had a decent rookie season hauling in 27 catches for 260yds and one touchdown. Humphries is working hard to improve in all areas and feels he has already improved via Buccaneers.com.

"I do feel like I'm a better player [this year]," said Humphries. "I feel like every year I need to improve and that's what you have to do to stay in this league. I had a good offseason and I feel like so far in OTAs we've improved. Personally, I feel like I've improved and that I've performed well this offseason.

Humphries looks up to New England's star receiver Julian Edelman and wants to evolve his game similar to him by being precise in his route running and overall lateral quickness. If Humphries can become anything close to Edelman then the Bucs got another steal and the offense will be in good hands. Humphries is going to have to earn it as he faces tough competition from Kenny Bell and Evan Spencer. The receiver position will be a fun one to watch come training camp.

Does Licht Have Confidence in His Receivers?

The Bucs had holes all along the roster last year which is why they only came away with 6 wins last year and one of those holes was with WR depth. When Vincent Jackson and Louis Murphy went down last year the only target Winston had was Evans as no one else could get open. Many thought the Bucs would have addressed that position in the draft yet they passed on selecting one, why is that? Does Licht have confidence in the receivers on the roster or were the options in the draft just not that appealing?

Licht and company seem to be exellent eyes for talent and maybe beyond the top guys they didn't view a deep class worthy of WR's worthy of taking in the later rounds. I would agree with that if that was the thinking, as beyond Corey Coleman, Sterling Shepard and Tyler Boyd not many receivers in this class really jumped out at you. But the Bucs are still facing the fact that they haven't improved in a position that was a weakness last year.

The good news is that Murphy will be coming back healthy and they also will be getting back last years 5th round pick Kenny Bell back who seemed to have a nice connection with Winston in preseason last year before getting injured. There is still a possibility that the Bucs look to grab Roddy White, as he is still a free agent and has a great relationship with Koetter and his offense. The WR position is one to keep your eye on moving forward as there still lies plenty of question marks as to who can compliment Evans and be a viable option for Winston.