Bucs RECEIVE COMFORTING UPDATE FROM NFL INSIDER AFTER NEW INJURY SCARE: 'IT’S NOT AS BAD AS IT SEEMS!

Slipped into the middle of a relatively ho-hum training camp Q&A with Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles was a new Antoine Winfield Jr injury update ahead of preseason Week 2.

“[Winfield has] got a lower leg injury,” Bowles told reporters on August 13. Adding: “He’s a little sore.”

While this unexpected injury didn’t seem overly concerning, based on Bowles’ update, Winfield is a player who’s had trouble staying on the field in the past. And it wouldn’t be the first time the Buccaneers’ head coach downplayed an injury this summer. Think Tristan Wirfs.

Needless to say, the response raised some alarms around the Tampa Bay community.

“Ruh roh,” Tampa Bay Times insider Rick Stroud commented. While Bucs fans on social media jumped to conclusions, too.

Fortunately, a much more encouraging injury update emerged on Winfield on Wednesday afternoon.

“Sounds like it’s all eyes on Week 1 for Antoine Winfield,” NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport weighed in on X. “Doesn’t sound like anything that’ll keep him off the field for the opener.”

Although Rapoport’s update was by no means definitive, it is comforting, to some extent. The Bucs don’t need Winfield for the remainder of the preseason, but things could get troublesome if he’s sidelined in early September.

Buccaneers’ Antoine Winfield Jr. Is Among NFL’s Best When Healthy

Winfield is an integral piece of the Buccaneers’ defense, and whenever he’s healthy, he seems to prove that he’s one of the best safeties around the NFL.

The problem is that he’s only had two fully healthy seasons since entering the league in 2020.

Winfield started 16 games in his rookie year, placing top four in the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting that season. Later, in 2023, he started 17 games and earned first-team All-Pro honors at safety.

He also placed top six in the Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2023.

Although Winfield did earn a Pro Bowl nod in 2021, the remainder of his NFL campaigns have been impacted by injuries.

In 2021 and 2022, he only started 13 games. Then, in 2024, he managed a career-worst appearance total of 9 regular season starts.

After rewarding him with a four-year, $84.1 million contract extension in 2024, the Bucs need their star defensive back on the field now more than ever. Rapoport’s Winfield injury update hints that Tampa Bay avoided something major this time around, but the soon-to-be 27-year-old’s health continues to be a concern going forward.

Latest on Bucs Preseason RB Injuries to Rachaad White & Owen Wright

There was an injury update on Buccaneers running backs Rachaad White and Owen Wright on August 13 as well.

“RB Rachaad White, who Todd Bowles referred to as day-to-day on Sunday, is sitting out this practice with his groin injury,” Bucs team reporter Scott Smith relayed on Wednesday. “RB Owen Wright, who Bowles said was sore after Saturday’s game, is back to work.”

So, while Tampa Bay does get Wright back, White remains sidelined with the groin injury. If the veteran ball carrier does not return by tomorrow, August 14, it’s pretty safe to say he won’t be suiting up for the Buccaneers’ second preseason outing.

Of course, similar to Winfield, White’s real focus will be getting back on the field for Week 1 of the regular season. The Bucs preseason is less of a concern for veteran injuries like these.