UPDATE: Jordan Whitehead Injury Status

Jordan Whitehead returned to practice on July 31, 2021, following a shoulder injury sustained in last season’s NFC Championship game, but that was short-lived due to an undisclosed injury. However, it sounds like he may be close to returning.

On Sunday, August 22nd, Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians addressed Whitehead’s status and the depth at the Safety position:

“Yeah, Jordan’s getting really, really close. I would anticipate him to be ready. The rest of the guys, we’re always looking. That’s where Chris Cooper kind of stepped up a little bit last night, and Ross gives us that extra guy playing three positions. That’s really been a blessing in this camp.”

The Buccaneers do have several safeties on the roster that can compete on the opposite side of Antoine Winfield, Jr. for the time being and will be good to go if Whitehead’s injury lingers.

Safety Mike Edwards has been a standout in training camp and practices, so he can easily fill in for Whitehead until he returns. Bruce Arians calls Mike Edwards a ballhawk and says he has taken a nice step forward. Ross Cockerell has been playing at both Cornerback and Safety in practice and during the preseason.