On Sunday afternoon, the Buccaneers will travel to Detroit for a rematch with the Lions in the 2023 Divisional Round playoffs. Both teams are off to hot starts at 1-0. The Lions have the advantage at home, but the Buccaneers will be hoping their injured defense can stifle Detroit’s high-powered offense and help them hold the lead with their suddenly hot offense.
The injured defense will be without starters Antoine Winfield Jr. and Kalijah Kansey this week, with Kansey missing his second straight game. In addition to those two, defensive back Josh Hayes is also out with an injury, while newly signed defensive lineman Ben Still and outside linebacker Jose Ramirez are out for medical reasons.
Players who will not play in today’s game against Detroit (9/15/24):
#31 S Antoine Winfield Jr.
#32 DB Josh Hayes
#33 OLB Jose Ramirez
#56 DL Ben Still
#67 T Luke Goedeke
#82 TE Devin Culp
#94 DL Kariya KanshiPromoted from practice squad:
#91 DL Mike Green
#95 DL CJ Brewer— Buccaneers Communications (@BuccaneersComms) September 15, 2024
Meanwhile, on the offensive side of the ball, only one starter will be unavailable, but he’s a key player both literally and figuratively. Right tackle Luke Goedeke will miss today’s game due to a concussion. Swing tackle Justin Skull will start in his place and will likely face off against star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.
Buccaneers RT Luke Goedeke – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
Winfield will be replaced in the starting lineup by last year’s starting nickelback, Christian Idienne. The Buccaneers will also welcome back starting defensive lineman Logan Hall, who also missed Week 1, to bolster their defense. Mike Green and C.J. Brewer will also be available. Promoted from the practice squad He’ll help Still in that area until he gets acclimated to the Buccaneers’ playbook, and Hayes will be replaced on special teams by the duo of rookie Tyreek Funderburk and recently re-signed guard Keenan Isaac.
Lions also have injuries on defense
The Lions are dealing with injuries on defense, with starting defensive end Marcus Davenport out with a groin injury and safety Ifeatu Melifonwu missing his second straight game with an ankle injury. Detroit’s starter, But he is a key part of the Lions defense as he plays in the nickel package and allows Brian Branch to slide into the slot, and with him out, the Lions will likely stick with Branch up top.
#TBvsDET Henry Ford Health Inert Substances pic.twitter.com/oogww6SwIr
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 15, 2024
The Lions have had right tackle Penei Sewell on the injured list all week and officially was listed as “questionable” for Sunday’s game after participating on a limited basis in practice on Friday, but he is available and expected to start.
