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About the Author: Jon Ledyard
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The Saints won’t be the only team short-handed when they face the Bucs at Raymond James Stadium tonight. Over the past two days, the Bucs have ruled out cornerback Jamel Dean (illness) and wide receiver Breshad Perriman (COVID). Defensive back Richard Sherman is also doubtful with an Achilles injury. Now, safety Antoine Winfield Jr. may not play either. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Winfield’s availability will be a game-time decision.
#Bucs RB Leonard Fournette, who is dealing with an ankle injury, is expected to play today, source said. Same with S Jordan Whitehead (calf), while S Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot) is a game-time decision.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 19, 2021
However, running back Leonard Fournette and safety Jordan Whitehead are expected to play. Fournette was listed as questionable on the injury report, but Arians already said he would play. As for Whitehead, he’ll make his return after a two-week absence with a calf injury. If Winfield can’t play, Whitehead’s presence will be critical. No. 3 safety Mike Edwards is serving the last of his 3-game suspension this week. Ross Cockrell will be the No. 3 safety, assuming Sherman can’t play.
Tampa Bay did elevated two players from the practice squad yesterday, and neither were safeties. If Winfield and Sherman don’t play, Tampa would be down to Whitehead, Andrew Adams and Cockrell at safety. They have two safeties, Troy Warner and Chris Cooper on the practice squad. Instead, the team chose to elevate cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson and running back Kenjon Barner. That could be a good sign for Winfield’s availability on Sunday night.
