When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers opened for OTAs, there was one person notably absent-Darrelle Revis. The biggest offseason acquisition was nowhere to be found when the team took the field. While fans are anxiously waiting to view the team's marquee pickup, his absence is of no surprise to the Tampa Bay coaching staff. After the team completed a blockbuster trade with the New York Jets to get the cornerback, they knew he would not be healthy come OTAs. However, the coaching staff promises he will be ready for Week 1.
Revis arrived in Tampa following a season that was cut short after Revis tore his ACL in the third week of the season. He had surgery to repair the ligament and has been going through rehab ever since. Doctors and rehab personnel insist that Revis is on track and has had no setbacks in his recovery.
Tampa Bay is ready to rely on Revis the second he steps on the field. He is expected to carry the secondary unit that struggled last season. Revis has made sure that his rehab does not get in the way for him being a presence at Buccaneers facilities. Revis has been seen making daily stops into One Buc Place so medical staff can evaluate him. He has been sitting in on meetings with the coaching staff in order to learn the fundamentals of Tampa Bay's defense.
Tampa Bay has no intentions of rushing Revis back into playing until he is 100 percent ready to go. They plan on the Pro Bowl cornerback being the center of the defense and will plan many of the unit's tactics around his skill set and strengths. Revis will likely be responsible for the opponent's top receiver, so the Buccaneers need Revis' Island to be in top shape.
Head coach Greg Schiano is not concerned with Revis' overall health. He said that all signs are pointing towards Revis taking the field at the start of the season. The Buccaneers certainly gave up a lot to get Revis so they do not intend on hurting their big investment.
When Revis is back to playing, he will be facing off against his former team right off the bat. The Jets and the Buccaneers play each other Week 1 of the regular season, so Revis has plenty of time to plot his revenge against New York.