Bucs head coach Todd Bowles made his announcements for who will be available for their Week 13 road game against the Panthers following practice on Friday. Those out did not come as too much of a surprise as Bowles said that rookie safety Tykee Smith, strong safety Jordan Whitehead and outside linebacker Markees Watts are not playing this Sunday.

Bucs DB Tykee Smith – Photo by: USA Today

This will be the second game in a row that Smith has been out with a knee injury. This will be the third game in a row that he’s been out for and the fourth he’s missed this season. Whitehead, who has been banged up this year, was expected to be out, but the good news is that his pec injury is not season sending.

The Bucs announced earlier this week that they opened up the practice window for Watts, so although we won’t be ready for Sunday, his return should come relatively soon.

Wirfs’ Stats & Bucs’ Situation At OLB

Many Bucs fans are waiting with bated breath about their star left tackle Tristan Wirfs. Bowles said that it’ll be a game time decision for him. Ever since Wirfs was hurt against the 49ers, he’s been working to get back into the lineup. He missed last week against the Giants, but luckily Justin Skule filled in and played very well. He’ll take on that role again if Wirfs can’t go.

“We’re not trying to rush him (Wirfs) back,” Bowles said after practice. “Skule did a decent job last week. If Tristan can’t go, we’re confident that’s who can do his job.”

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and Bucs OLB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka – Photo by: USA Today

The Bucs have a tough scenario at their outside linebacker position going into this game. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka sprained his ankle in the win over the Giants and is listed as doubtful for Sunday’ game at Carolina. His backup Anthony Nelson, who leads the Bucs’ outside linebackers with three sacks, is questionable due to personal reasons.

This all but guarantees the Bucs will dress Jose Ramirez on game day. He’s played in two games this season but has not been on many defensive snaps. With Yaya Diaby starting on one side, rookie second round pick Chris Braswell may get his most playing time yet in his career if Nelson is unavailable. Tampa Bay also has Daniel Grzesiak on the practice squad if they want elevate him for the game this weekend.

Recently signed corner Troy Hill is the other player listed as questionable. Here is the full injury report for the Bucs and Panthers ahead of their game.

Bucs Friday Injury Report

• DB Tykee Smith – knee – did not participate – out
  

  Bucs OLB Anthony Nelson, ILB KJ Britt, DT Vita Vea and Eagles QB Jalen Hurts – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

• OLB Markees Watts – knee – full participation – out
• S Jordan Whitehead – pectoral – did not participate – out
• OLB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka – ankle – limited participation – doubtful
• CB Troy Hill – ankle/foot – limited participation – questionable
• OLB Anthony Nelson – personal – did not participate –  questionable
• T Tristan Wirfs – knee/foot – limited participation – questionable
• WR Mike Evans – hamstring – limited participation
• DL Will Gholston – knee – full participation

Panthers Friday Injury Report

• WR Jalen Coker – quadriceps – did not participate – out
  

  Panthers head coach Dave Canales – Photo by: USA Today

• TE Ja’Tavion Sanders – neck – did not participate – out
• OLB Amare Barno – knee – full participation – questionable
• OLB Jadeveon Clowney –  knee/rest – limited participation – questionable
• CB Caleb Farley – shoulder – limited participation – questionable
• S Nick Scott – hamstring – full participation – questionable
• LB Josey Jewell – rest – full participation
• S Lonnie Johnson – personal – full participation
• T Taylor Moton – rest – full participation
• DE LaBryan Ray – hand – full participation
• DE A’Shawn Robinson – rest – full participation
• WR Adam Thielen – hamstring/rest – limited participation
• OLB D.J. Wonnum – hamstring – full participation