Steelers cornerback Dean set to return against former team

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

Cornerback Jamel Dean is back at practice and optimistic about playing against his former team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Cornerback Jamel Dean has returned to practice for the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead of Sunday's matchup against his former team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, at Raymond James Stadium. Dean missed last week's game against the Colts with an ankle injury but is practising on a limited basis and expressed optimism about his chances of playing.

Dean played 96 games over seven seasons for Tampa Bay, making 77 starts and winning a Super Bowl. He turned 30 on Thursday and joined the Steelers as a free agent. He joked about potentially wandering into the wrong locker room when he returns to the stadium. "It's going to be kind of a bittersweet moment when I step into the stadium," Dean said after practice.

Dean said he is motivated by the chance to face Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles, who worked with him as the Buccaneers' defensive coordinator during Dean's rookie season in 2019 before being promoted to head coach. "It's almost like a situation where the student finally goes against his teacher," Dean said. The Steelers also signed cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting, another former Buccaneers player, off Tampa Bay's practice squad last week to strengthen their secondary.

How it is being reported

• Steelers CB Dean faces bittersweet homecoming vs. BuccaneersAs Jamel Dean pondered Sunday’s matchup against his former team, the Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback worried playfully about wandering into the wrong locker room at Raymond James Stadium.TribLIVE · 16 Oct, 02:16
• Pittsburgh Steelers get big boost with good injury news on standout cornerback, safetyJamel Dean is back at practice, and DeShon Elliott is making the right steps towards potentially returning.PennLive · 14 Oct, 19:49

In this story: Jamel Dean · Pittsburgh Steelers · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Todd Bowles · Sean Murphy-Bunting · Raymond James Stadium

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