On Friday, Bucs head coach Bruce Arians announced that the Bucs would be without two starters against the Panthers. Wide receiver Mike Evans and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. were ruled out for Week 16. The losses have piled up for the Bucs this week, who will now be without their top three pass catchers and two of their best three defensive players. A few other Bucs, including punter Bradley Pinion and cornerback Richard Sherman, may not be available too.

Earlier this week, the Bucs moved wide receiver Chris Godwin and running back Leonard Fournette to injured reserve. Godwin will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL. But the Bucs got some semi-good news with Fournette, who should return for the playoffs. Evans’ injury isn’t expected to be long term, so he could return against the Jets in Week 17. Antonio Brown, Tyler Johnson and Scotty Miller are likely to start at wide receiver. If Breshad Perriman is activated from the COVID list, he would replace Miller in the lineup.

On defense, Winfield will miss his second straight game. He’s emerged as a rising star this season, but injuries have plagued him. Winfield will miss his fourth game of the year on Sunday, this time because of a foot injury. Meanwhile, fellow defensive star Lavonte David was placed on injured reserve with a foot sprain on Tuesday. David should also return for the playoffs. Kevin Minter will replace David, while Mike Edwards steps in for Winfield.

Tampa Bay is also without wide receiver/returner Jaelon Darden and defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches, as both are on the COVID list.

The Bucs travel to Carolina to battle the Panthers on Sunday.