There was good news and bad news regarding the Bucks’ practice and player availability on Friday. Sunday’s game. Let’s start with the bad news and then move on to the good news.
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles has ruled four players out of Tampa Bay’s game against the New Orleans Saints this weekend. Center Graham Burton, defensive back Christian Isien, and wide receivers Trey Palmer and Kameron Johnson were all sidelined.
Looking at the list of players, the most notable thing was that Kaliya Kancey, Luke Goedeke, and Antwon Winfield Jr., among others, were not on the list. Bowles confirmed this Friday via Zoom that Cuncey practiced in full on Friday, had three straight downs, and will make his season debut on Sunday.
Bucs RT Luke Goedeke – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
Bucs shuffling the offensive line
Luke Goedeke, who missed the past four games with a concussion, is on track to return for this divisional game. Goedeke has cleared concussion protocol and will be able to play barring any setbacks. Tampa Bay will have its starting right tackle back while adjusting to losing rookie starting center Graham Burton to a hamstring injury.
Replacing him will be reliable backup Robert Hainsey, who started at center for the Bucks the past two seasons. No team wants to lose a starter, but the Bucks have a lot of talent considering Hainsey’s experience. With Goedeke back, the offensive line will improve in several ways.
Is Antwon Winfield Jr. aiming for a comeback?
Perhaps the most surprising but encouraging news is that Antwon Winfield Jr. has recovered from his foot injury. Bowles did not confirm that he would play, but Winfield said he was “very close” and that the decision would be determined by game time.
Bucks safety Antwon Winfield Jr. – Photo courtesy of USA Today
probably their The best defensive player Having Winfield available is always important, but he may be needed even more than usual considering Christian Isien is out with elbow and groin injuries. Winfield was sidelined after playing in Week 1, and Isien did a great job supporting him.
Bowles said fellow safety Jordan Whitehead “had two solid days of practice.” They are happy that he will play this Sunday.
Bucks get Jalen McMillan back, lose Cameron Johnson
The Bucs’ wide receiver room has been a merry-go-round so far. The rookie wide receiver missed the last two games with a hamstring injury but is scheduled to play Sunday. Tampa Bay is replacing rookies with Cameron Johnson (ankle) out. Johnson has dealt with several injuries dating back to training camp. He’s an exciting player, but he can’t stay healthy consistently.
Bucs WR Jalen McMillan – Photo courtesy of USA Today
With Trey Palmer (concussion) out again and Cody Thompson on injured reserve, the Bucks will need to call up Ryan Miller and recently signed Tanner Counou. McMillan’s return is important because Tampa Bay has a good top-four receiver lineup in Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, McMillan and Sterling Shepard.
It will be interesting to see who ends up being the Bucks’ WR3 in this game. McMillan was able to start the season, but Shepard played well without McMillan.
From evacuating to New Orleans to escape the hurricane to figuring out who will be available for the game, this week has been a lot of movement for the Bucks in many ways. This is an important divisional game that Tampa Bay cannot afford to miss in the race for first place.
