Welcome Back, Justin Watson
December 24th, 2021
Activated.
A man who has three years under his belt with the Bucs and has started four games in his Tampa Bay career, Justin Watson, is back on the active roster.
Watson was activated today after spending most of the summer and season on the PUP list with a knee injury. Joe was pretty convinced Watson had played his last game as a Bucs receiver.
Watson, who is pretty darn quick and a good special teams player, was iced out of the Bucs offense last year after Tom Brady threw his second of two pick-sixes while targeting Watson.
When that happens, it became clear to Joe that Brady lost trust in Watson didn’t want him on the field when the Bucs had the ball. Not good for a bubble player.
When the Bucs drafted Jaelon Darden, Joe thought it might be curtains for Watson. Watson was placed on the PUP list in late July and the Bucs said they didn’t expect a return until after Thanksgiving. So Joe thought Watson was toast in the final year of his contract.
Bucs Super Bowl-winning coach Bucco Bruce Arians all but suggested that when he was asked about Watson returning late in the season. Arians basically said unless there were injuries, he wasn’t sure if Watson would be back. Sure enough, there are injuries.
Watson has 258 yards on 23 catches and two touchdowns. Joe would be very surprised if Watson isn’t playing on special teams Sunday, provided he is on the gameday roster. Last year Watson led the Bucs in special teams tackles.
December 24th, 2021 at 3:15 pm
Once you’ve earned the wrath of the GOAT, career advancement comes to a halt
December 24th, 2021 at 3:20 pm
GOAT ain’t the only one he caused an int or 2 for with his route running.
December 24th, 2021 at 3:31 pm
If he plays at WR, just needs to run deep go routes so no giving up which way he is breaking on his routes.
December 24th, 2021 at 3:50 pm
This is a ST move more than anything! I would be shocked if he played more than 10 snaps on offense.
December 24th, 2021 at 4:06 pm
Just don’t throw an out route to JWat.
December 24th, 2021 at 4:37 pm
With his Penn education, I doubt he’ll be a UPS driver…
December 24th, 2021 at 4:55 pm
ST replacement for scooter.
December 24th, 2021 at 5:20 pm
STs may look a little different without O’Connor and with Minter starting on D. They may move a few guys around and get Watson on the field.
December 24th, 2021 at 7:22 pm
Can he return punts?
December 24th, 2021 at 11:09 pm
Like his speed n quickness. He’s also a big WR. A lot to like about him. Brady should get over it and maybe work with him. Seems like if he did that he’d be ready to roll with all the injuries that hit. This will go to show you can not have to many weapons. Crazy we seriously had so many weapons and lost 3 in one game on offense that’s how quick it can happen
December 25th, 2021 at 7:35 am
Glad to see him back, just don’t use him on out routes.
December 25th, 2021 at 8:42 am
Make him return punts.
December 25th, 2021 at 11:01 am
All for him playing on every special team unit we have. That should dramatically improve our kick and punt coverage. He should NOT get on the field in any capacity NOT special teams related.
December 25th, 2021 at 1:01 pm
He can play special teams and is way more valuable in that area than Skates Darden. Last year he began the season as the backup to Godwin. He can play the slot okay. He can block a little. Catches okay but as an outside WR and route runner, he hasn’t been good. Definitely the best special teamer of all the backs and receivers, just not a good receiver.
December 25th, 2021 at 1:24 pm
I agree, Watson is a better Special Teams guy than Darden but Watson isn’t asked to field kicks and punts. I really don’t know what the Bucs see in Darden, he runs scared. He looks just slightly better than Dexter Jackson from App. State. With all the opportunities he has had this year fielding punts and kicks you would think by now he would have broken off a good punt return or two. If he does return a punt it is one cut and fall down. Kick offs aren’t much better. If I am an opposing coach I would purposely kick short kickoffs so Darden would have to run it out. Most of the time we would be starting inside the twenty. I sure wish the Jags hadnt stolen Mickens off our practice squad.