Pierre-Paul in, Gronk out for Bucs vs. Dolphins

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' depleted defense will receive a boost Sunday.

Pass-rusher Jason Pierre-Paul and cornerback Jamel Dean will play versus the Miami Dolphins, head coach Bruce Arians said Friday.

Both Dean and Pierre-Paul attended practice all week in a limited capacity. Arians said Dean is back up to full speed after battling a knee injury.

Pierre-Paul missed the past two weeks as he battled shoulder and hand injuries. He was seen with a club on his right hand during this week's practices.

Dean suffered the knee injury in Week 3 and missed the Bucs' win over the New England Patriots last Sunday. Arians said he could start versus Miami, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.

Dean's absence, and an injury to fellow corner Sean Murphy-Bunting, necessitated the signing of veteran Richard Sherman prior to last week's matchup with the Patriots. Tampa Bay was down to Sherman and rotation players Ross Cockrell, Dee Delaney, and Pierre Desir at the position after Carlton Davis also suffered an ailment against New England.

Three other notable Buccaneers will miss Sunday's game due to injuries. Tight end Rob Gronkowski (ribs), safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (concussion), and defensive lineman Patrick O'Connor (calf) have all been ruled out.

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