Another week, another injured starter for the Bucs. On Sunday against the Panthers, outside linebacker Shaq Barrett went down with a knee injury. Barrett returned in the third quarter, but bowed out after a few plays. On Monday, head coach Bruce Arians revealed the extent of the Pro Bowler’s injury.
“Yeah, he’s got a sprained MCL/ACL,” Arians said. “It’s not severe. But he’s probably out for the rest of the regular season. Hopefully we’ll have him back for the playoffs.”
Barrett had a sack in the first half against the Panthers, giving him 10 on the season. He’ll finish the year at that mark, his second double-digit sack season as a Buccaneer. Barrett now becomes the fourth injured Bucs defensive starter. Linebacker Lavonte David is out for the rest of the regular season as well, with a foot sprain. Fellow outside linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul has been playing hurt, but was ruled out for Week 16. The Bucs may try to rest him until the playoffs.
Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. missed his second straight game with a foot sprain last week. It remains to be seen if the Bucs will play him again this regular season. Winfield has two interceptions and six pass breakups this season.
In the wake of injuries, unproven players will need to step up. Anthony Nelson and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka will start in Week 17, while Cam Gill provides valuable depth. The Bucs don’t currently have another outside linebacker on their roster or practice squad. An addition from free agency could be coming later this week.
UPDATE: ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed from a source that Barrett shouldn’t miss time beyond the next two weeks.
Shaq Barrett’s ACL has “a slight strain”, and he “should be back for the playoff game”, per source. https://t.co/DkExEMZQkg
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 27, 2021