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Bucs place Richard Sherman on IR with calf injury suffered upon return from hamstring injury

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers placed cornerback Richard Sherman on injured reserve on Wednesday with a calf injury.

Sherman sustained the injury during pregame warmups on Sunday prior to Tampa Bay's loss to the Washington Football Team. Sherman was slated to return that game after a hamstring injury suffered in Week 6 had sidelined him the previous two games. Now he's going to miss three additional weeks — and maybe more. Head coach Bruce Arians told reporters on Monday not to expect Sherman back "anytime soon."

Another blow for Bucs secondary

Sherman, 33, signed with the Bucs prior to Week 4 after starting the season as a free agent. The Bucs hoped that the five-time All-Pro could help a beleaguered secondary that's seen injuries to starting cornerbacks Sean Murphy-Bunting and Carlton Davis and starting safety Antoine Winfield Jr.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 14: Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Richard Sherman (5) is pictured prior to the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles on October 14, 2021 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Richard Sherman's tenure with the Bucs continues to be hampered by injury. (John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Sherman's appeared and started in three games since signing with the Bucs, tallying 11 tackles and a fumble recovery in wins over the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles. He hasn't played since suffering his hamstring injury against the Eagles in Week 6.

The Bucs rank 22nd out of 32 NFL teams in pass defense while allowing 254.2 yards per game. Their second-ranked run defense give up 79.8 yards per game on the ground. The Bucs will face the New York Giants, Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons in their next three games without Sherman. They face Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills the following week.