Tom Brady believes O.J. Howard is poised to have a ‘great season’ in 2021
By Jake Rill
Published:
As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a run to a Super Bowl title last season, O.J. Howard was out of action. The former Alabama tight end ruptured an Achilles tendon in Week 4, sidelining him for the rest of the 2020 campaign.
Howard has dealt with numerous injuries through his first 4 NFL seasons, which is why he’s played only 42 games over that span. When he’s been healthy, he’s been solid. But he just hasn’t been on the field a ton since getting taken by the Bucs in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
However, Howard is healthy heading into 2021. And he could be poised for a big year. At least that’s what Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady believes.
“O.J.’s worked really hard to put himself in the position he’s in,” Brady told the media on Tuesday. “I think he’s prepared to have a great season. He’s worked really hard through training camp, been available to the team. Very hard worker, doing all the right things. So, really happy to have him back out there.”
#Bucs QB Tom Brady speaks on how O.J. Howard has looked coming back from a serious injury to get ready for this season.
He said that Howard is“prepared to have a great season.” pic.twitter.com/Guqw7wsaHS
— PewterReport ?☠️ (@PewterReport) September 7, 2021
Last season, Howard had 11 receptions for 146 yards and 2 touchdowns in 4 games. He’s part of a strong trio of tight ends on the Buccaneers that also includes Rob Gronkowski and Cameron Brate.
Howard and the Bucs play in the first game of the 2021 NFL season, as they’re set to host the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.
Jake Rill contributes to news coverage for Saturday Down South. He has covered the SEC since 2016.
