During Wednesday’s press conference with the media, Bucs head coach Bruce Arians gave an update on some of the team’s injured players. According to Arians, the only players not at practice due to injury were Rob Gronkowski, Jason Pierre-Paul and Giovani Bernard.

Gronkowski injured his ribs in the Bucs’ loss to the Los Angeles Rams. He left for the locker room to get X-rays in the third quarter, but returned shortly. Arians said on Monday that the team would know more on the injury front by Wednesday. After the game, Arians said that Gronkowski’s X-rays came back negative. The Bucs are most likely taking extra precaution and he should be ready to go for Sunday’s game against the Patriots.

Bucs OLB Jason Pierre-Paul – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

As for Jason Pierre-Paul, Arians said it was unlikely he would play this weekend.  The same shoulder injury that kept him out of last week’s game against the Rams, could keep him sidelined against the Patriots. Arians said on Pierre-Paul’s chances of playing Sunday, “I don’t foresee it, but knowing JPP, anything’s possible.” Pierre-Paul has not been placed on injured reserve, so the Bucs probably anticipate a Week 5 return.

Reports came out late Monday night that Giovani Bernard suffered a mild MCL sprain on his touchdown catch against the Rams. Bernard’s absence from Wednesday’s practice means rookie Ke’Shawn Vaughn will see more practice reps.

While Bernard hasn’t logged a carry this season, the veteran was a big part of the Bucs’ offense against the Rams. Bernard caught nine passes for 51 yards and a score. Arians said they will lean on Leonard Fournette more if the former Bengal can’t go. He also mentioned Vaughn is ready to step up if needed.