Plot Twist: Richard Sherman Apparently Active For Patriots-Bucs Game

But how much will he play?

Richard Sherman will suit up against the Patriots after all.

The veteran cornerback signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier this week and initial reports indicated he could play Sunday in New England. But Sherman, after his first practice, said it would be “foolish” to expect him on the field at Gillette Stadium.

Bucs head coach Bruce Arians said Sherman only would be active if the team’s injury situation made it necessary for the 33-year-old to play. Well, that’s precisely what wound up happening, as Tampa will be without corners Jamel Dean and Sean Murphy-Bunting (and running back Giovani Bernard) on Sunday night.

So, Sherman will be active, Arians announced after Friday’s practice.

Arians also revealed that tight end Rob Gronkowski and edge rusher Jason Pierre-Paul both will be game-time decisions.

Whether Sherman actually plays any snaps remains to be seen. Either way, he’ll be on the sideline and in uniform.

The Bucs and Patriots will kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET.

About the Author

Dakota Randall

Plymouth State/Boston University product from Wolfeboro, NH, who now is based in Rhode Island. Have worked at NESN since 2016, covering the Patriots since 2021. Might chat your ear off about Disney World, Halo 2, and Lord of the Rings.