OJ Howard returns from season-ending injury, ready to contribute

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end O.J. Howard has returned from the injury that ended his season in 2020. In week four of last season, he suffered a torn Achilles that sidelined him for the remainder of the year. Although, the Bucs went on to win the Super Bowl without him last season his return only makes them more dangerous than they previously were.

O.J. Howard contribution to the Bucs offense

The Buccaneers’ highly-anticipated season opener is against the Dallas Cowboys on a Monday night, Sept. 9. They will not be on the road to start the season which could benefit Howard’s return.

O.J. Howard’s return to this prolific offense could help make a championship team a bigger threat to repeat. With Tom Brady seemingly unable to be slowed down and all the targets on the outside, mismatches over the middle of the field could speed up Howard’s ability to contribute in 2021. Brady is excited to get him back and reacquainted with the offense. Brady seems to have confidence in Howard returning from injury stronger than ever.

“I know he’ll overcome this. It’s just the kind of person he is,” Brady said to reporters. He’s an extremely hard worker, so he’ll rehab good and he’ll be back, and I think he’ll be better than ever. It’s a tough break for him and a tough break for our team to lose someone of that caliber, but we’re all supportive of him and what’s ahead of him, which I know he’ll overcome.”

Before getting hurt last season, he recorded 11 receptions for 146 yards and two touchdowns through four games. It may not seem like much but considering, three of those receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown happened during Howard’s final game with Brady in 2020, they look to re-establish that connection again before the opener. 

High praises for Howard’s return

Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians understands there will be an adjustment period to getting back into things. He expects a lot from Howard but knows coming of an injury will limit him in certain aspects of his game.

“He’s getting back,” Arians said at his press conference. “He’s not there yet. He had a chance to make a couple of grimy chances in the end zone today [and] didn’t come up with them. I expect him to make those. He’s still catching up to the speed of it and the physicality of it. He’s been out a long time, so he needs this camp.”

Over time, O.J. Howard should get back to full strength and be able to produce for his offense. He’s extremely capable of being one of the biggest contributors on this proven offense. For now, he looks to bounce back and truly make his case for playing time.