Bucs Rule 4 Out, But Also Get Good Injury News

There was good news and bad news when it came to the Bucs’ practice on Friday and availability of their players for Sunday’s game. We’ll start with the bad news and then get to the good after.

Bucs head coach Todd Bowles ruled out four players for Tampa Bay’s game this weekend against the New Orleans Saints. Center Graham Barton, defensive back Christian Izien, and wide receivers Trey Palmer and Kameron Johnson have all been ruled out for the game.

The most notable observation one could make from seeing that list of players was that the names Calijah Kancey, Luke Goedeke and Antoine Winfield Jr. were NOT on it amongst others. Bowles confirmed on zoom this Friday that Kancey practiced in full on Friday, the third down in a row, and will be making his season debut on Sunday.

Bucs Shuffling The Offensive Line

After missing the last four games with a concussion, Luke Goedeke is on track to come back for this divisional matchup. Goedeke has cleared concussion protocol and barring any setbacks will play. While Tampa Bay gets their starting right tackle back, they will have to adjust to losing rookie starting center Graham Barton due to a hamstring injury.

Coming in to replace him is reliable backup Robert Hainsey, who was starting at center for the Bucs for the last two seasons. While no team wants to lose their starters, the Bucs are very equipped with Hainsey given his experience. Having Goedeke return as well should help the offensive line improve in several areas.

Antoine Winfield Jr. Eying A Return?

Probably the most surprising but encouraging news had to be about Antoine Winfield Jr. recovering from his foot injury. While Bowles didn’t say he was playing, he expressed that Winfield is “very close” and will be a game time decision.

As arguably their best player on defense, it’s always important to have Winfield available, but considering Christian Izien is out with an elbow and groin injury he might be needed even more than typically. Winfield has been out after playing in Week 1, and Izien has played admirably backing him up.

Fellow safety Jordan Whitehead “had two good days” of practice according to Bowles. They feel good about him playing this Sunday.

Bucs Get Jalen McMillan Back And Lose Kameron Johnson

The wide receiver room for the Bucs has been a carousel so far. Rookie wide receiver has been out for the last two games with a hamstring injury, but is going to play on Sunday.  Tampa Bay is swapping out rookies since Kameron Johnson (ankle) is out. Johnson has dealt with several injuries dating back to training camp. He’s an exciting player but can’t stay healthy on a consistent basis.

With Trey Palmer (concussion) out again and Cody Thompson on injured reserve, the Bucs will have to call up Ryan Miller and the recently signed Tanner Knue. Having McMillan return is important as Tampa Bay has a good top four receivers with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, McMillan and Sterling Shepard.

It’ll be interesting to see who ends up being WR3 for the Bucs in this game. McMillan had it to start the season, but Shepard has played well in McMillan’s absence.

There’s been a lot of moving parts for the Bucs in several ways this week from evacuating to New Orleans to get away from the hurricane to figuring out who’s available to play in the game. This is an important divisional matchup that Tampa Bay can’t afford to let slip in the race for first place.