The Bucs haven’t had a healthy secondary all season, and that’s not going to change on Sunday night against the Saints. On Friday, Bruce Arians ruled out cornerback Jamel Dean with an illness. Dean went down in the first half against the Bills, with Arians describing him as “foggy” after the game. However, Dean’s illness seems unrelated to a previous concussion against the Falcons.

“No, it’s considered an illness,” Arians said when asked if Dean was back in concussion protocol. “He’s out for this game. Still trying to figure out what it is. There will be some game-time (decision) guys, but that’s it for [players who are] out.”

Dean’s absence means the Bucs will play their 14th consecutive game without all five starters in the secondary. The Bucs normal starting five have played zero snaps together during the 2021 season. For much of that time, multiple starters have been out of the lineup.

Dean might not be the only Bucs defensive back out against the Saints. Safety Jordan Whitehead has missed the last two games, but was limited in practice this week. He could be set to return against New Orleans, but how much he’ll play remains to be seen. Emergency safety and backup cornerback Richard Sherman could also be out. Sherman missed Wednesday and Thursday’s practices with an Achilles injury.

Bucs S Jordan Whitehead – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

In addition to those concerns, free safety Antoine Winfield Jr. is nursing a foot injury. The second-year stud didn’t practice this week, working on the side with staff on Friday. No. 3 safety Mike Edwards is already out due to suspension this week.

However, the Bucs seem to be banking on Whitehead’s return in Week 15.

“Right now it looks like we’ll be ok,” Arians said when asked about potentially elevating a practice squad safety. “It’ll be a game-time thing if we move anybody up.”

The only other player in question for this week was running back Leonard Fournette. The Bucs leading rusher did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. But Fournette practiced on Friday, preparing to play on Sunday.

“Yeah, he practiced in full,” Arians said. “He looked ok. He’s not out.”

When asked if Fournette would be a game-time decision, Arians clarified that wasn’t necessary.

“No, he’ll play,” Arians said.

The Bucs battle the Saints on Sunday Night Football in Week 15.