The Tampa Bay Buccaneers , fresh off a commanding 30-7 win over the New York Giants, are turning their focus to a crucial Week 13 matchup against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Riding a wave of confidence after their latest victory, the Buccaneers aim to climb back into the NFC South race while addressing mounting injury concerns.
Tampa Bay suffered notable losses on the defensive front against the Giants, with linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka sidelined by an ankle injury and safety Jordan Whitehead going down with a pectoral issue. Amid these setbacks, speculation has swirled about a potential comeback by former Bucs standout Shaquil Barrett, who retired before training camp after briefly joining the Miami Dolphins.
Adding to the intrigue, Tampa Bay has designated linebacker Markees Watts for return from Injured Reserve. Watts, who entered the league as a college free agent in 2023, now has a 21-day practice window to rejoin the active roster. Known for his tenacity at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he set school records with 21.5 career sacks, Watts could provide a timely boost for the Bucs’ pass rush.
On offense, Mike Evans’ return was a bright spot against the Giants. After missing time due to injury, Evans led Tampa Bay’s receiving corps with five catches for 68 yards, showcasing his value as the team navigates the loss of Chris Godwin for the season.
As the Bucs prepare to face a struggling Panthers squad, they’ll rely on a balanced attack and emerging contributors like Watts to sustain their push toward the top of the NFC South. A win would further solidify Tampa Bay’s momentum heading into the season’s pivotal stretch.
