The Bucs are getting healthier at the right time, but they’ll still be a bit short-handed against the Panthers. On Friday, head coach Bruce Arians ruled out several players for the team’s Week 18 contest. In particular, the Bucs are going to be very thin at running back.

“Out (this week) is Shaq Barrett, with COVID,” Arians said. “RoJo (Ronald Jones), JPP (Jason Pierre-Paul), Rashard Robinson and Justin Watson. That’s pretty much it.”

Here are the complete injury reports for each team.

Bucs Week 18 Injury Report

OLB Shaq Barrett (knee/COVID) – OUT
RB Ronald Jones (ankle) – OUT
OLB Jason Pierre-Paul (shoulder) – OUT
CB Rashard Robinson (groin) – OUT
WR Justin Watson (quad) – OUT
CB Richard Sherman (achilles) – DOUBTFUL
C Ryan Jensen (shoulder) – QUESTIONABLE

Barrett wasn’t going to play in Week 18 anyway, due to a sprained MCL. The Bucs top pass rusher will hopefully clear protocols in time for the team’s first playoff game. Barrett leads all Bucs defenders with 10 sacks on the season.

Jones sprained his ankle against the Jets, and was in a walking boot most of the week. The Bucs backup running back has had a frustrating fourth season in Tampa Bay, rushing for just 428 yards. Tampa Bay will now turn to Ke’Shawn Vaughn and Le’Veon Bell to anchor their rushing attack on Sunday. Kenjon Barner will contribute as well.

It’s a great sign that Mike Evans had no injury designation for Sunday. Evans, Sean Murphy-Bunting and Vaughn all seem to be trending toward full health for the playoffs. As for COVID, Barrett is currently the only Buc on the list.

Panthers Week 18 Injury Report

S Sean Chandler (groin) – DOUBTFUL
WR Robby Anderson (quad) – QUESTIONABLE
DT Derrick Brown (elbow) – QUESTIONABLE

The Panthers injury report isn’t long, but that’s in part due to the status of their Injured Reserve and COVID lists. Carolina has seven starters/key contributors on IR, and another 3-4 on COVID. CB Stephon Gilmore and DE Yetur Gross-Matos were added to the COVID list this week. Both are unlikely to play on Sunday. Wide receiver Robby Anderson will be a game-time decision.