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The Bucs’ injury report from Friday’s practice was a lengthy one, but head coach Todd Bowles provided some positive updates on Saturday following the team’s final practice before its Week 13 meeting with the Saints. Despite having a number of banged-up guys at a variety of positions, Bowles only ruled one player out for what is shaping up to be a must-win game for Tampa Bay.
“Everybody’s in play,” Bowles said. “Other than [Tristan] Wirfs, everybody else is in play.”
Bucs RT Tristan Wirfs – Photo by: USA Today
It’s no surprise that Wirfs will miss the game against New Orleans, as he was carted off the field in overtime of last Sunday’s loss to the Browns. His ankle injury isn’t as bad as it first appeared, though, with the initial timetable being reported as a 3-4 week injury. Still, losing an All-Pro tackle ahead of a contest against Cameron Jordan and a tough Saints defense is less than ideal. As far as offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich is concerned, the offense needs to adapt and overcome.
Key Players Still In Play For Bucs On Monday Night
Two of the bigger question marks for the Bucs heading into Monday night are safeties Antoine Winfield Jr. and Mike Edwards. Winfield (ankle) didn’t practice this week, nor did Edwards (hamstring). But as of Saturday, Bowles said neither guy is ruled out for the game against the Saints.
“Well, they’re not ruled out,” he said. “We’re going to wait until [Monday], see if they can do something before the game, and we’ll make that decision at that time.”
Bucs S Logan Ryan – Photo by: USA Today
Getting either guy on the field may prove to be a challenge, but if either of them can go, it would be big for Tampa Bay. Just as big for the defense, though, would be the return of veteran defensive back Logan Ryan. Out since suffering a foot fracture in Week 4, Ryan was designated to return from injured reserve this week. And it appears his chances of playing on Monday are solid.
“He had no setbacks, hopefully,” Bowles said. “He’s been working hard, doing a little more each day. We’ve just got to see how much he can do.”
Bowles said that as of right now, he can’t say whether or not Ryan would be on a pitch count if he does suit up against New Orleans.
“We’ll see how the week progresses, if he were to go out there at all,” he said. “If he goes out there, we’ll see how he feels at the time. I can’t make that decision right now.”
Ryan played a big role in the Bucs’ turnover success early on in the season. He forced a fumble in Tampa Bay’s win over New Orleans in Week 2, then he recovered one and came through with in an interception in a Week 3 loss to Green Bay.
“He looked a little better. He was sick, so he looked a little better today,” Bowles said. “[We’ve] got to get some more fluids in him, see how he feels on [Monday].”
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