With the Bucs being one of four teams wrapping up Week 3 on Monday Night Football, they’ll have a quick turn around ahead of their Week 4 matchup in New Orleans against the Saints.

At least a share of the NFC South lead will be on the line next Sunday at the Superdome, and Todd Bowles’ team could head into the matchup with sole possession of the top spot in the NFC South with a win in Monday night’s game against the Eagles. Nonetheless, this Bucs-Saints matchup may have gotten more interesting given what happened on Sunday.

New Orleans quarterback Derek Carr, acquired in a trade with Las Vegas this offseason, left the team’s 18-17 loss to Green Bay with a right (throwing) shoulder injury. And while it may not be as serious as originally feared, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said Monday morning that he’d be surprised to see Carr suit up in Week 4.

From @GMFB: #Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo evaluated for a concussion; #Saints QB Derek Carr avoids major injury, could still miss time; Chargers WR Mike Williams feared to have a serious, potentially season-ending knee injury; & #Bengals QB Joe Burrow’s status still up in the air. pic.twitter.com/zdWb36ldLt

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 25, 2023

“I know there was some initial fear that it was a really serious injury,” Rapoport said. “After a battery of tests, actually not as serious as feared. My understanding is AC joint sprain. We’ll see if he’s able to come back. Would be a little surprised if he does play this week, but he did avoid major injury, which is good news.”

In his first three appearances with the Saints, Carr had thrown for 636 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions while completing 65.5% of his passes. While Rapoport said he’d be surprised if Carr plays in Week 4, Saints head coach Dennis Allen said his starting quarterback is week-to-week and isn’t necessarily ruled out for the game against the Bucs just yet.

Saints’ HC Dennis Allen said Derek Carr will be week to week due to his sprained AC joint and he is not ready to rule him out for Sunday’s game vs Tampa. pic.twitter.com/DroHGl8X9n

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 25, 2023

This could just be a bit of coachspeak and gamesmanship from Allen, or maybe Carr could make his way back this week. If he’s unable to go against the Bucs, Tampa Bay will see a very familiar face once again, as New Orleans’ QB2 is none other than Jameis Winston.

Bucs Have Had Plenty Of Reunions With Jameis Winston Since 2020

Former Bucs QB Jameis Winston – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Of course, the Bucs drafted Jameis Winston with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft and the former Florida State quarterback had a tumultuous tenure in red, white and pewter.

The upside was often there, as evidenced by his high yardage and touchdown numbers, but he simply couldn’t overcome the interception bug. He threw 30 interceptions in 2019, including an NFL-record seven pick-sixes, and when faced with a decision that offseason, Tampa Bay ultimately had an easy choice as it was able to bring Tom Brady to town.

Meanwhile, Winston signed with the division rival Saints to back up Drew Brees.

In the three seasons since his last game in a Bucs uniform, Winston and Tampa Bay have crossed paths several times. First, in a 38-3 Saints win during the 2020 season, Winston relieved Brees and finished 1-of-1 for 12 yards. Then, in a playoff meeting, he threw a 56-yard touchdown pass on a trick play in a game that the Bucs ultimately won, sending the Saints home and continuing their path to Super Bowl LV.

With Brees off to retirement, Winston started the first seven games of the 2021 season for the Saints. The last of those seven starts was against the Bucs, and it was unfortunately his final start of the season.

Saints QB Jameis Winston – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

After starting the game 6-of-10 for 56 yards and a touchdown — while running for 40 yards on four carries — he tore his ACL and damaged his MCL after being dragged to the ground on an awkward tackle from Devin White. New Orleans did go on to win that game and later complete the season sweep of the Bucs, though Tampa Bay still went on to win the division.

The next and most recent reunion between the Bucs and Winston was in Week 2 of the 2022 season. That game saw a lot of fireworks between the two sides, but Todd Bowles and his defense ultimately got the last laugh as it ended up intercepting Winston on three straight drives in the fourth quarter. The first two came courtesy of Jamel Dean, then the third was a 68-yard pick-six by Mike Edwards.

Overall, Winston has completed 33 of his 52 passes against the team that drafted him in 2015, totaling 392 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions.

The Bucs and Saints’ Week 4 matchup is set to kick off at 1:00 p.m.