ESPN: The Buccaneers expresses grave concerns about the sensational vital player’s absence for the encounter against the Lions.
TAMPA, Florida — When the Tampa Bay Bucs play the Detroit Lions on Sunday, at least three of their starters will be sidelined. All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr., right tackle Luke Goedeke, defensive lineman and 2023 first-round draft pick Calijah Kancey, and backup cornerback Josh Hayes were all declared out by coach Todd Bowles on Friday.
Zyon McCollum, the starting cornerback, has been practicing this week even though he still needs to clear the concussion protocol after missing last week’s season opener due to a concussion. He and starter defensive end Logan Hall, who was sidelined by a foot ailment last week, are both dubious, according to Bowles.
“Zyon needs to pass a few tests. Logan’s condition will be evaluated tomorrow, “said Bowles. “I’m pleased with [McCollum]. He is putting in a lot of effort at work. We’ll see. You have to pass the test, which I’m not taking.
McCollum could still be able to play on Saturday if he manages to go through the process.
To begin with, nickelback Meanwhile, Tykee Smith was unwell and missed practice on Thursday and Friday.
“He’s not feeling well,” Bowles stated. “We’ll see how he is tomorrow.”
On Sept. 6, Kancey suffered a calf injury. Winfield sprained his right foot and ankle, Goedeke got a concussion, and Hayes hurt his ankle during Sunday’s game against the Commanders.
Goedeke will be replaced by backup/swing tackle Justin Skule, and Winfield will likely start with reserve safety/nickelback Christian Izien, who filled in at outside cornerback during the second half of last week’s game. However, Bowles stated that if Smith is unable to play, Izien may start at nickel and Kaevon Merriweather at safety, or veteran Tavierre Thomas might start at nickel.
Bowles remarked, “Guys make this team for a reason.” “Everyone will have setbacks from time to time. We’re going to proceed with what we have because it’s better now than in the middle of the season to give some young kids and other guys some experience that could help us later.”
Tyrek Funderburk, an undrafted free agent from Appalachian State who was inactive last week, would start in place of McCollum if he is unable to play. Additionally, Keenan Isaac, who was cut by the Bucs after the third preseason game, was re-signed by the organization. He had most recently been with the Carolina Panthers. In each, Bowles declared himself to be “extremely confident”.
Bowles stated, “They understand the system.” “They’ve experienced every aspect of the training camp. Thus, I have faith that they will answer the calls and carry out their assigned duties.”
Two games before to this year, the Lions defeated the Bucs, most notably 31-23 in the NFC playoff divisional round.
