Outside of the unfortunate news about center Ryan Jensen, the Bucs have a couple of other injuries that needed to be addressed in Todd Bowles’ day-after-game press conference. Tampa Bay still has two weeks before they take on the Minnesota Vikings for the 2023 season opener on the road, and the health of some of their biggest stars will be monitored.

Starting safety Antoine Winfield Jr. hasn’t practiced in over two weeks going back to the Bucs’ trip in New Jersey. His last participation came in the joint practice against the Jets. Pewter Report reported back on August 17 when the Bucs practiced at the Giants facility the next day that Winfield didn’t practice and had a wrap around his right leg. He hasn’t suited up in any preseason game or practice since.

Bucs ILB Lavonte David and WR Mike Evans – Photo by: USA Today

The Bucs played all of their starters in their preseason finale against the Ravens. Everyone played except for three starters in particular – Winfield, inside linebacker Lavonte David and wide receiver Mike Evans. David and Evans could have played, but Bowles said the Pro Bowl receiver was dealing with a minor groin injury yet practiced all week. Tampa Bay wanted to get a look at some younger receivers anyway. The Bucs wound up resting the 33-year old David in the preseason finale.

Tampa Bay was also missing rookie inside linebacker SirVocea Dennis for the second week in a row despite him returning to practice this week.

Bowles was also asked about defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, the team’s first-round pick, and if he could return for Week 1 of the regular season. Kancey is out of a walking boot and moving around more than he was previously.

Todd Bowles “Hopeful” About Injured Bucs Returning For Week 1

“[Antoine] Winfield, Calijah [Kancey], SirVocea [Dennis], hopefully they make progress by the end of the week,” Bucs head coach Todd Bowles said. “We’ll see how they go going into the game week right now, but we’re hopeful that they can be ready.”

Bucs DT Calijah Kancey – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Dennis was initially primed to be the third inside linebacker after Lavonte David and Devin White, but his absence and an injury to K.J. Britt has opened the door for J.J. Russell to possibly assume that role. There have been some that have said Russell is the most improved defensive player this year, as he recorded an interception in Week 1 of the preseason, forced a fumble in Week 2 and then followed up in the preseason finale with 11 tackles in Week 3.

Kancey missed the Bucs preseason due to his calf injury, but they’ve been equipped to play without him. Tampa Bay has Logan Hall ready to go and Will Gholston has stepped it up since signing right before training camp. Gholston had 1.5 sacks versus the Ravens.

Winfield’s situation is concerning given the lack of experienced depth behind him. Bowles announced on Sunday that Christian Izien is going to be Bucs’ staring nickelback. That takes him out of the mix at safety, leaving Kaevon Merriweather and Nolan Turner as options next to Ryan Neal if Winfield can’t go against the Vikings.

Hybrid defensive back Dee Delaney, who almost won the slot corner job, can play at safety too. In fact, he started in place of Winfield at safety and could be slated to do the same at Minnesota in Week 1 if Winfield isn’t ready.

Status For Mike Evans Is Way Better

Bucs WR Mike Evans – Photo By: Cliff Welch P/R

While Antoine Winfield’s status remains up in the air, Todd Bowles gave a ringing endorsement that Mike Evans is all set to play for the regular season opener.

“Mike will definitely be ready,” Bowles said. “He was healthy. We wanted to see some younger guys, he was coming off a groin (injury) earlier this week but he had full practices. We wanted to hold him out so he’ll be ready.”

Seeing some of the other receivers get an opportunity has been fascinating this training camp. Trey Palmer, a sixth-round draft pick, is the flavor the month, making a highlight catch in every single preseason game. Undrafted free agent Rakim Jarrett has looked good and led the Bucs in receiving for the second preseason game in a row with four catches for 48 yards.

Deven Thompkins does a little bit everything as a returner and a receiver, while veteran David Moore stepped up as well during Saturday night’s game with three catches for 39 yards.

The Bucs coaches have some tough decisions to make at wide receiver. Bowles said that cuts could be coming as early as Sunday, but it will also take about two and a half days to build the Bucs’ final 53-man roster.