Buccaneers rookie cornerback Benjamin Morrison is expected to be ready for training camp after missing most of the 2024 season due to a hip injury.
Morrison underwent surgery last October after sustaining a hip labral tear, sidelining him for much of the pre-draft process. He didn’t participate in the Combine or Notre Dame’s pro day but worked out for scouts the week of the draft to showcase his rehab progress. That workout gave the Bucs enough confidence to select Morrison with the 53rd overall pick.
General manager Jason Licht said that Morrison “probably” could participate in OTAs, per senior team writer Scott Smith, but noted that Morrison suffered a similar injury to his other hip in high school.
“He’s going to be ready by training camp,” continued Licht. “From what we understand, once it’s repaired and you’ve proven you can play on it you’re good to go, it’s almost as healthy as it can be.”
A cautious approach for Morrison makes sense given his injury history. In addition to the two hip labral tears, he underwent shoulder surgery in March 2024 that sidelined him for most of spring practices, according to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler.
“We have a process here, just like every other team,” Licht said (via Smith). “At the end of the day, we’re not going to take a player that our medical team felt uncomfortable with.”
Tampa Bay entered the draft with only one starting cornerback signed past the 2025 season. The team addressed that need by drafting both Morrison and Kansas State’s Jacob Parrish on Day 2, providing potential long-term options on the boundary and in the slot. Morrison’s tape across his three years at Notre Dame suggest that he could start right away in the NFL, though he would obviously need to be healthy to do so. If his recovery continues on its current trajectory, he should be in a position to compete for a starting role in the Buccaneers’ defense this summer.