It’s been a tough year for the Bucks in terms of injuries, as they’ve been under attack across the board both offensively and defensively. Things are looking up for Tampa Bay heading into Sunday night’s primetime game against the Cowboys.
After Friday’s practice, head coach Todd Bowles revealed details to the media, including who will be out, who will be coming in, and who will make decisions at game time.
#backs Head coach Todd Bowles said S. Antoine Winfield Jr. was the only player ruled out for Sunday night. He’ll see what happens with ILB KJ Britt on Sunday and if S Mike Edwards is trending in the right direction. TE Cade Otton has a knee injury and will be a game-time decision. pic.twitter.com/MKffrSU20Z
— Pewter Report 🏴☠️ (@PewterReport) December 20, 2024
Bucks HC Todd Bowles decides to eject Antwon Winfield Jr.
Bucks FS Antwon Winfield Jr. – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
Head coach Todd Bowles said star safety Antwon Winfield Jr. will be out “for a while” after being injured during the Bucs’ 28-13 win over the Raiders. Winfield did not play during the team’s 40-17 win over the Chargers and will miss his second consecutive game Sunday night.
“Yeah, Winfield Jr. is the only one playing at this point,” Bowles said.
It was a disappointing year for the 2023 All-Pro. He has already missed five games, and this will be his sixth. When he’s on the field, Winfield hasn’t made the game-changing plays he did during his contract year, and various players in the secondary are looking to fill his void.
His injury status will be monitored again ahead of next week’s home game against the Panthers.
Two Bucks defenders emerge as key offensive weapons as they deal with knee injuries
Bucks S. Mike Edwards – Photo by Jeffrey Jones/PR
Todd Bowles detailed other injury situations in question heading into a crucial Week 16 matchup for the 8-6 team. Bowles talked about the strides safeties Mike Edwards and inside linebacker KJ Britt have made over the past week.
“They came,” Bowles said. “KJ, we’ll see on Sunday. With Mike coming in, it looks like we’re on the right track. We’ll see how he feels tomorrow.”
Edwards has been dealing with a hamstring injury in recent weeks and hasn’t played since playing 30 defensive snaps in the team’s Week 13 win over the Panthers. Already without Antwon Winfield Jr. and Jordan Whitehead, the veteran defensive back could be a much-needed addition if he’s ready.
Otherwise, expect to see Kayvon Meriwether and Christian Isien back on the back end. Merriweather was one of three defenders to play all 52 defensive snaps in the team’s final game, while Isien played 43 defensive snaps (83%).
As for Britt, he was forced to miss the team’s final game due to an ankle injury and is working on his return. JJ Russell took his place, and safety Ryan Neal also played in the box. His status is something to keep an eye on heading into Sunday, as it could change Bowles’ defensive game plan.
Bucks TE Cade Otton – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Turning to the offense, tight end Cade Otton did not participate in practice Wednesday and Thursday and was seen wearing a brace on his left knee. Bowles acknowledged he was dealing with the injury and said he would decide whether to play closer to the game.
“He has knees.” [injury]” Bowles said. “Maybe he’ll make a decision during the game.”
Otton has been an ironman this season and has logged plenty of playing time. Salaries will increase significantly towards 2025. He made the most of his opportunities with offensive coordinator Liam Cohen’s offense, completing career-highs with 59 passes and 600 receiving yards. If he is unable to play, tight ends Payne Durham and Ko Kieft will be expected to play even better. Rookie seventh-round pick Devin Culp has only played two offensive snaps all season, but could get more playing time.
