The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hoping to avoid dropping their third consecutive game when they host the New York Giants on Monday night. The team's defense will receive a boost ahead of their primetime showdown, as NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports that Sean Murphy-Bunting was activated from IR on Monday.

Murphy-Bunting has been sidelined for the entire season after sustaining a dislocated elbow in the Bucs' first game of the year against the Dallas Cowboys. Tampa's defense has been excellent in his absence and will now be even more potent with the cornerback back in action.

Murphy-Bunting played a key role for the Bucs' defense in their Super Bowl run last season and was expected to have a similar impact this year. His early injury has left him unable to suit up throughout most of the year, but fortunately, he's been given a clean bill of health.

The 2019 second-round pick has featured in 33 games for the Buccaneers throughout his career, starting 24 of them. He has four interceptions, 11 pass defenses, 116 tackles, and two forced fumbles and will be looking to add to those numbers upon his return.

With Murphy-Bunting on the sideline, Ross Cockrell has stepped up and played a significant role for Tampa this year, filling in admirably for his ailing teammate. It's unclear if Murphy-Bunting will immediately slot into his usual starting role opposite Jamel Dean, or if Cockrell will continue to see an increased role in Week 11.

The Bucs' defense has been hit with a handful of injuries this year, particularly in the secondary, having already lost Richard Sherman and Carlton Davis to long-term injuries.