During a Friday press session, the 29-year-old explained how he’s assisting the defense in preparing for the Buccaneers. “They’ve been trying to figure out pointers and things I could share,” he said. “I’ve been giving them tips on what they need. At the end of the day, it’s football. We’re going to go out there, compete, and try to win.”
Murphy-Bunting was selected by the Buccaneers in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft and spent the first four seasons in Tampa Bay before stints with the Tennessee Titans and the Arizona Cardinals. His most recent regular-season appearance came with the Cardinals in 2024. He returned to the Buccaneers on their practice squad in September, and the Steelers signed him off the practice squad after Week 4.
Murphy-Bunting is on the Steelers’ active roster for the first time since the end of 2024, having spent the 2025 season on the reserve/non-football injury list. Pittsburgh will decide on Sunday whether he will make his team debut; in the meantime, the veteran cornerback is contributing in any way he can. “Whenever that time is, I’ll be ready,” he said. “But I’m doing whatever the team needs me to do, for the guys and for the organization.”
During the week, that includes providing information on the Buccaneers. On Sundays, he could also be tasked with covering Tampa Bay’s receivers. The Steelers were attracted to Murphy-Bunting’s size, hoping he can add length in the secondary. If he plays, he could help offset the absence or limited availability of other players.
Tampa Bay’s Week 6 matchup would feature receivers such as Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin, both tall and capable threats. Murphy-Bunting described them as talented, physical players with strong catch points and good after-the-catch ability, noting their high-level play.
Murphy-Bunting could see action Sunday if Jamel Dean misses a second straight game due to an ankle injury. Dean is another former Buccaneers cornerback and is listed as questionable for that contest.
