It has been a tough year injury-wise for the Bucs, having been struck by them across the board offensively and defensively. Going into Sunday night’s Primetime matchup against the Cowboys, things are looking up for Tampa Bay.

Speaking to the media after Friday’s practice, head coach Todd Bowles provided details of who will be out, who is coming along, and who will be a game-time decision.

Bucs HC Todd Bowles Rules Antoine Winfield Jr. Out

Bucs FS Antoine Winfield Jr. – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

After getting hurt during the Bucs 28-13 win over the Raiders, head coach Todd Bowles said that star safety Antoine Winfield Jr. would miss “a little while.” Winfield did not play during the team’s 40-17 trouncing over the Chargers and will miss his second consecutive game on Sunday night.

“Yeah, Winfield Jr. right now is the only one that’s out,” Bowles said.

It has been a disappointing year for the 2023 All-Pro, as he has already missed five games with this now counting as his sixth. When on the field, Winfield has not made the same kinds of game-changing plays that he did during his contract year, and various players in the secondary have attempted to fill his void.

His injury status will again be something to monitor going into next week’s home game against the Panthers.

Two Bucs Defenders Coming Along, Key Offensive Weapon Dealing With Knee Injury

Bucs S Mike Edwards – Photo by: Jeffrey Jones/PR

Todd Bowles went on to detail the other injury statuses in question going into a crucial Week 16 matchup for his 8-6 squad. Bowles spoke about the progress safety Mike Edwards and inside linebacker K.J. Britt have been making throughout the week.

“They’ve come along,” Bowles said. “K.J. we’ll wait and see on Sunday. Mike has come along so he looks like he’s trending in the right direction. I’ll see how he feels tomorrow.”

Edwards has dealt with a hamstring injury over the past couple of weeks and has not played since logging 30 defensive snaps during the team’s Week 13 win over the Panthers. Already missing Antoine Winfield Jr. and Jordan Whitehead, the veteran defensive back would provide a much-needed boost if he’s ready to go.

Otherwise, expect to see Kaevon Merriweather and Christian Izien again on the backend. Merriweather was one of three defenders to play all 52 defensive snaps during the team’s last game, while Izien saw the field for 43 defensive snaps (83%).

As far as Britt, he is working to return from an ankle injury that forced him to miss the team’s last game. In his place, J.J. Russell played well and safety Ryan Neal also played in the box. His status is something to watch going into Sunday as it may change Bowles’ defensive gameplan.

Bucs TE Cade Otton – Photo by: USA Today

Switching over to the offense, tight end Cade Otton did not participate during Wednesday or Thursday’s practices and was seen wearing a brace on his left knee. Bowles confirmed that he has been dealing with that injury and that they will determine whether he plays close to game-time.

“He has a knee [injury],” Bowles said. “He’ll probably be a game-time decision.”

Otton has been an Ironman this season, logging enough playing time to get a big bump in pay going into 2025. He has made the most of chances in offensive coordinator Liam Coen’s offense, hauling in a career-high 59 passes for 600 receiving yards. If he is unable to go, expect to see more of tight ends Payne Durham and Ko Kieft. Rookie seventh-round pick Devin Culp has only logged two offensive snaps all season but could also get more playing time.