The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are definitely due for some good news after facing a wave of injuries throughout their season. Luckily, it seems like they might be getting a much-needed break (the kind that doesn’t involve any bones, thankfully). This Sunday, as they face off against the New Orleans Saints, three key players are expected to make their return to the field: offensive tackle Luke Goedeke, All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr., and defensive tackle Calijah Kancey.
Injury Plagued but Resilient: A Glimmer of Hope for the Bucs
Let’s start with Antoine Winfield Jr. The standout safety has been battling a high ankle sprain he suffered during the season opener against Washington. Although he’s been limited in practice throughout the week, head coach Todd Bowles mentioned that Winfield is still a game-time decision. But here's the thing: even if he doesn’t play, he’s extremely close to returning. Fans should hold their breath, because a healthy Winfield could make all the difference for this struggling defense.
Calijah Kancey, on the other hand, is a confirmed go for Sunday’s game. The defensive tackle has been sidelined since the final week of training camp due to a calf injury. Now, fully recovered, Kancey’s return is something to be excited about. This will mark his first appearance of the season, and if he’s anything like the player we saw pre-injury, the Saints’ offensive line better brace for impact.
Luke Goedeke, the Bucs’ offensive tackle, has cleared concussion protocol after an injury against the Commanders nearly six weeks ago. The good news? He’s expected to start against the Saints, barring any setbacks, which is a huge relief for Tampa Bay’s offensive front. Having Goedeke back means more protection for quarterback Baker Mayfield and could help stabilize an offensive line that has struggled without him.
Every Season Has Its Ups and Downs
But of course, what would a roller-coaster season be without some dips along the way? While some key players are returning, rookie center Graham Barton is set to miss Sunday’s game due to a hamstring injury. This might sound alarming since Barton has been instrumental in improving Tampa’s run game. However, there’s a silver lining here. The Bucs are fortunate to have veteran Robert Hainsey, who is more than capable of filling Barton’s shoes. Hainsey has started for the Bucs over the past two seasons, including during three playoff games. That kind of experience is priceless, and as Coach Bowles puts it, having Hainsey ready to step in is “a great luxury.”
Hainsey’s ability to step up when the team needs him most is crucial, especially in a game as physical as football. When you’re facing a string of injuries, having a reliable, versatile player like Hainsey can make all the difference. He’s tough, smart, and has great chemistry with the rest of the offensive line. Let’s face it, not every team is this fortunate.
Rollercoaster of Injuries Continues: A Look at Sunday’s Lineup
Despite the return of several key players, the Buccaneers’ injury report is still alarmingly long. Three other players are confirmed to miss Sunday’s game: defensive back Christian Izien, along with wide receivers Kam Johnson and Trey Palmer. That leaves the Bucs thin at wide receiver, but don’t count them out just yet. Rookie wideout Jalen McMillan is expected to make his return after sitting out the last two games due to a hamstring injury. His comeback could give the offense a much-needed boost.
Running back Rachaad White is another question mark for Sunday. After sustaining a foot injury against Atlanta, White is a game-time decision. It’s going to be one of those nail-biting situations where fans will have to wait until the last minute to see if the Bucs’ dynamic running back is healthy enough to play.
The Young and the Seasoned: Bucs’ Offense Getting Tested
For fans who’ve been paying attention, Justin Skule has been holding down the right tackle spot while Goedeke was out. It wasn’t always smooth sailing for Skule, though. His first start was a bit rough, as Lions’ defensive end Aidan Hutchinson tallied 4.5 sacks against him. But to Skule’s credit, he found his rhythm in the last few games and put in a solid effort. Bowles had some praise for the young player, acknowledging that he “struggled a little bit against Detroit” but settled in nicely after the initial hiccup.
This is the kind of resilience Tampa Bay needs to see across the board. Whether it's rookies stepping up or veterans like Hainsey holding down the fort, depth and adaptability are crucial when injuries start piling up.
Wide Receiver Shuffle: Who Will Step Up?
With both Palmer and Johnson out, the Bucs are looking at their practice squad to fill the gap. Coach Bowles hinted at the possibility of elevating either Ryan Miller or Tanner Knue for Sunday’s game. These players may not be household names yet, but in the NFL, it’s often the underdogs who rise to the occasion when their number is called. If you’re the type who loves a good breakout story, keep an eye on this potential roster shuffle. It could be the difference between a stagnant offense and a surprising performance against the Saints.
The Devin White Question: No Talks Yet
In other Bucs-related news, there’s been no official discussion on re-signing linebacker Devin White. White, who was released by the Eagles without ever playing a game for Philadelphia, is an intriguing option given the Bucs' current shortage at inside linebacker. With SirVocea Denis on injured reserve, bringing back a player like White might make sense. However, Bowles mentioned that he has not yet had any conversations with general manager Jason Licht about the possibility.
Bowles also made it clear that the team’s focus has been on handling their current slew of injuries, which has been more than enough to keep their hands full. Still, it’s worth keeping an eye on the situation. Should more injuries arise, or if White’s name comes back into play, it could be a storyline to watch as the season progresses.
What’s Next for the Bucs?
The Bucs have had a few extra days to rest after their Thursday night loss to Atlanta, but even that break hasn’t kept the injury bug away. Regardless, Tampa Bay’s roster is starting to get healthier, and that’s the most important takeaway heading into Sunday’s game. Every player who returns is one more weapon the Bucs can use to fight for a much-needed win.
Injuries are part of the game, but the Bucs are showing grit and determination as they navigate this challenging season. Fans have plenty to be excited about with the return of Goedeke, Kancey, and possibly Winfield. While there are still bumps in the road (like Barton’s hamstring injury), the depth of this team, especially with veterans like Hainsey, gives them a fighting chance.
The Bucs’ season might feel like a roller-coaster, but with every dip comes the potential for a climb. Let’s see if Sunday’s game marks the beginning of that upward swing.
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