Bucs’ Cameron Brate, Justin Watson physically unable to perform

TAMPA — One of Tom Brady’s favorite targets and a veteran receiver won’t be starting Bucs training camp on time Sunday.

Tight end Cameron Brate and receiver Justin Watson were placed on the active/Physically Unable to Perform list when players reported and underwent physicals Saturday.

Watson is expected to miss four months after undergoing a knee procedure, according to an ESPN report.

Brate, who began the 2020 season as the Bucs’ third tight end, emerged with a bigger role after the season-ending Achilles injury to O.J. Howard vs. the Chargers in Week 4.

Brate had only one reception for three yards to that point. He finished the regular season with 28 receptions for 282 yards and two touchdowns and added another TD in the NFC Championship Game at Green Bay.

Of course, Brate’s biggest catch may have been of the Lombardi Trophy tossed to him by Brady over the Hillsborough River during the boat parade.

Watson saw his role diminished as a receiver with the addition of rookie Tyler Johnson and the signing of Antonio Brown midway through the season. He finished with seven receptions for 94 yards and no TDs last season.

The Bucs signed free-agent tight end De’Quan Hampton, who played for the Los Angeles Wildcats in the XFL.

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