Will Thompkins Stay As Bucs’ Primary Returner?

The Bucs have seen two games from rookie wide receiver Deven Thompkins as their primary kick and punt returner and he’s delivered mixed results.

Bucs WR Deven Thompkins – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

He started out with a bang in Week 14, returning five kicks for 123 yards with a long of 54. In the punt game, he was solid with two returns for 21 yards, averaging 10.5 yards per play.

The following game on Sunday in Week 15, Thompkins regressed, particularly as a kick returner. The horrifying third quarter for the Bucs that led to four of their five turnovers was sparked by Thompkins in a way. His first return only went 17 yards when he could’ve let it go for a touchback. Then came the botched fake punt saga at the end of that drive.

Thompkins’ next return was even worse, as he broke a tackle, but his momentum took him backwards and he was eventually tackled at the 6-yard line. It was another kick that would have been a touchback if he so chose. Once again with the Bucs backed up deep in their own side of the field, an interception thrown by Tom Brady put the Bengals with great field position.

All in all, Thompkins had three kick returns for 48 yards, averaging 16 yards per attempt. His numbers dropped as well on punt return with two for 14 yards, which is seven yards per attempt.

He did show some value as a receiver, taking an end-around for nine yards on a play and later making a garbage-time catch for seven yards.

Bucs WR Deven Thompkins – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Bucs’ Bowles Makes Decision On Thompkins

Head coach Todd Bowles was asked about his performance through two games and whether he would continue to be their guy on kick and punt returns.

“We think we like him,” Bowles said. “He’s got to understand that he can’t score on every play. Sometimes it’s just better to go forward and get some yards. He’ll learn that going forward and he’ll get better. I’m comfortable with him back there and I think he has a good upside.”

There’s a caveat in this whole ordeal because the Bucs will have to make a decision on whether or not to keep him as their returner. Thompkins is on the practice squad and has been called up the maximum of three times this season by NFL rules. If he continues this role, Tampa Bay needs to add him to the roster, which would require releasing someone else.