A day after the Bucs placed kicker Jose Borregales on the reserve/Covid list, they’ll be placing another member of the team there as well. During Friday’s post practice press conference, head coach Bruce Arians disclosed outside linebacker Shaq Barrett will miss Sunday’s game with COVID.

“Out, Shaq Barrett, COVID,” Arians said.

Barrett hasn’t practiced all week and wasn’t expected to play again during the regular season. He is currently rehabbing from a knee injury he sustained in the Bucs victory over the Panthers in Week 16. Arians suggested his rehab was going well, saying he hopes to have the entire defense intact for the playoffs.

The Bucs have had to rely on rookie Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Anthony Nelson and Cam Gill in Barrett’s absence. While the trio has performed admirably, they have not been able to replicate Barrett’s impact. Nelson has taken the biggest stride, racking up two sacks and a fumble recovery in that time.

On the year, Barrett will finish with 10 sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception. He’s currently fifth on the team in tackles, including nine for-a-loss. Getting Barrett back for the playoffs will be crucial for the Bucs’ quest to repeat as Super Bowl champions. It won’t happen this week, but there’s hope for the first round of the playoffs.

Update: Now it’s official. The move will open up an extra roster spot for Sunday game against the Carolina Panthers.