Ah, the Bucs’ practice report on Friday—a delightful mix of good news and bad news, because why have one without the other, right? Let’s dive into the bad first because we all know that’s the fun part.
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles dropped a bombshell: four players are officially out for Sunday’s game against the Saints. Say goodbye (for now) to center Graham Barton, defensive back Christian Izien, and wide receivers Trey Palmer and Kameron Johnson. The list sounds like it could’ve been longer, but thankfully, a few key names—Calijah Kancey, Luke Goedeke, and Antoine Winfield Jr.—are notably absent from it. So, hey, there’s that.
Now, on to the good news: Calijah Kancey has finally decided to grace us with his presence this season after missing the first 5 weeks of the season. Bowles confirmed that Kancey not only practiced in full for three days straight, but he's set to make his big season debut on Sunday. Finally, right? Maybe this will finally wake up the Edge rushers who haven't been able to find the quarterback thus far this season.
As for Luke Goedeke, who’s been sidelined with a concussion, it looks like he’s cleared the cobwebs and is ready to return, barring any last-minute drama. With him back at right tackle, the Bucs’ O-line should feel a little more stable—just in time to lose their rookie starting center Graham Barton to a hamstring injury. Cue the sighs. But don’t worry, because Robert Hainsey is stepping in, and if there’s anyone you want as a backup center, it’s the guy who’s been doing it for the last two seasons. So, no harm, no foul, right?
Now, the real eyebrow-raiser: Antoine Winfield Jr. and his magical foot recovery. Bowles didn’t exactly guarantee we’ll see him on Sunday, but he did say Winfield is “very close.” Translation: maybe, but don’t get your hopes up too high. The Bucs could really use him—especially with Izien’s elbow and groin calling it quits for the week—but if Winfield plays, it’ll be a game-time decision. Because of course, nothing is ever easy.
Let’s not forget fellow safety Jordan Whitehead, who’s also been dusting off the cobwebs. Bowles says Whitehead had “two good days” of practice. So, you know, things are looking up in the secondary… sort of.
Now, about that wide receiver room: it’s basically been a game of musical chairs. Rookie wide receiver McMillan, who’s been nursing a hamstring injury, is back in action after missing two games. But don’t get too excited, because Kameron Johnson (ankle) is out again. Shocker. It seems like Johnson’s been injured more than he’s been healthy since training camp. It’s a shame because when he’s not limping, he’s a pretty exciting player.
Oh, and Trey Palmer is still dealing with a concussion, so he’s out too. In case you forgot, Cody Thompson is chilling on Injured Reserve, which means the Bucs are scraping the bottom of the barrel—calling up Ryan Miller and their latest signing, Tanner Knue. But hey, at least McMillan’s back, which gives the Bucs a solid top four in Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, McMillan, and Sterling Shepard. Who ends up as WR3 for this game? That’s anyone’s guess. McMillan had the job earlier in the season, but Shepard’s been making a solid case for himself while McMillan was out.
If all the injuries weren’t enough excitement for you, the Bucs have also been juggling a bit of hurricane drama. They had to evacuate to New Orleans, which, you know, is exactly what you need before a crucial divisional game. But no big deal, right? Just another obstacle in their quest to stay in the race for first place.
So, yeah, nothing major—just a hurricane, a bunch of injured players, and a divisional matchup that Tampa Bay really can’t afford to lose.
Should be a breeze, right?
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Bucs @ Saints Game Information
When: Sunday, October 13th 2024
Where: Caesars Superdome (New Orleans, LA)
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET
TV: FOX - Adam Amin (Play-by-Play), Greg Olsen (Color), Pam Oliver (Sideline Reporter)
Bucs Radio: 98Rock – Gene Deckerhoff (Play by Play), Dave Moore (Color), T.J. Rives (Reporter)
Spanish Radio: 96.1 Caliente – Carlos Bohorquez (Play by Play), Martín Gramática (Analyst), Santiago Gramatica (Sideline Reporter)
Ah, the Bucs’ practice report on Friday—a delightful mix of good news and bad news, because why have one without the other, right? Let’s dive into the bad first because we all know that’s the fun part.
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles dropped a bombshell: four players are officially out for Sunday’s game against the Saints. Say goodbye (for now) to center Graham Barton, defensive back Christian Izien, and wide receivers Trey Palmer and Kameron Johnson. The list sounds like it could’ve been longer, but thankfully, a few key names—Calijah Kancey, Luke Goedeke, and Antoine Winfield Jr.—are notably absent from it. So, hey, there’s that.
Now, on to the good news: Calijah Kancey has finally decided to grace us with his presence this season after missing the first 5 weeks of the season. Bowles confirmed that Kancey not only practiced in full for three days straight, but he's set to make his big season debut on Sunday. Finally, right? Maybe this will finally wake up the Edge rushers who haven't been able to find the quarterback thus far this season.
As for Luke Goedeke, who’s been sidelined with a concussion, it looks like he’s cleared the cobwebs and is ready to return, barring any last-minute drama. With him back at right tackle, the Bucs’ O-line should feel a little more stable—just in time to lose their rookie starting center Graham Barton to a hamstring injury. Cue the sighs. But don’t worry, because Robert Hainsey is stepping in, and if there’s anyone you want as a backup center, it’s the guy who’s been doing it for the last two seasons. So, no harm, no foul, right?
Now, the real eyebrow-raiser: Antoine Winfield Jr. and his magical foot recovery. Bowles didn’t exactly guarantee we’ll see him on Sunday, but he did say Winfield is “very close.” Translation: maybe, but don’t get your hopes up too high. The Bucs could really use him—especially with Izien’s elbow and groin calling it quits for the week—but if Winfield plays, it’ll be a game-time decision. Because of course, nothing is ever easy.
Let’s not forget fellow safety Jordan Whitehead, who’s also been dusting off the cobwebs. Bowles says Whitehead had “two good days” of practice. So, you know, things are looking up in the secondary… sort of.
Now, about that wide receiver room: it’s basically been a game of musical chairs. Rookie wide receiver McMillan, who’s been nursing a hamstring injury, is back in action after missing two games. But don’t get too excited, because Kameron Johnson (ankle) is out again. Shocker. It seems like Johnson’s been injured more than he’s been healthy since training camp. It’s a shame because when he’s not limping, he’s a pretty exciting player.
Oh, and Trey Palmer is still dealing with a concussion, so he’s out too. In case you forgot, Cody Thompson is chilling on Injured Reserve, which means the Bucs are scraping the bottom of the barrel—calling up Ryan Miller and their latest signing, Tanner Knue. But hey, at least McMillan’s back, which gives the Bucs a solid top four in Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, McMillan, and Sterling Shepard. Who ends up as WR3 for this game? That’s anyone’s guess. McMillan had the job earlier in the season, but Shepard’s been making a solid case for himself while McMillan was out.
If all the injuries weren’t enough excitement for you, the Bucs have also been juggling a bit of hurricane drama. They had to evacuate to New Orleans, which, you know, is exactly what you need before a crucial divisional game. But no big deal, right? Just another obstacle in their quest to stay in the race for first place.
So, yeah, nothing major—just a hurricane, a bunch of injured players, and a divisional matchup that Tampa Bay really can’t afford to lose.
Should be a breeze, right?
---------------------------------------------------------
Bucs @ Saints Game Information
When: Sunday, October 13th 2024
Where: Caesars Superdome (New Orleans, LA)
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET
TV: FOX - Adam Amin (Play-by-Play), Greg Olsen (Color), Pam Oliver (Sideline Reporter)
Bucs Radio: 98Rock – Gene Deckerhoff (Play by Play), Dave Moore (Color), T.J. Rives (Reporter)
Spanish Radio: 96.1 Caliente – Carlos Bohorquez (Play by Play), Martín Gramática (Analyst), Santiago Gramatica (Sideline Reporter)