The Bucs will be missing a number of key starters for their Week 7 game against the Bears. On Friday, Bruce Arians announced that Antonio Brown, Rob Gronkowski, Lavonte David and Richard Sherman will all be out. Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has a chance to play, and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. has cleared concussion protocol. He’ll be active on Sunday.

Pierre-Paul had played in the last two games after returning from a shoulder and hand injury, but he did not practice at all this week. At this time of his career, he doesn’t need to be participating as much, and he was in street clothes in Friday’s walkthrough practice.

Gronkowski is still trying to recover from a rib injury that’s kept him out since Week 4. The Bucs kept him off of injured reserved hoping he could bounce back quickly, but that hasn’t been the case. Gronkowski did work out individually on Thursday, running some sprints, so there is some progress.

Bucs TE Rob Gronkowski – Photo by: USA Today

David suffered an ankle sprain in the Bucs win against Miami and did not play Thursday night in Philadelphia. Arians had his fingers crossed that David would be able to make a return. He was not available for any of the Bucs’ four practices this week.

Sherman played one series last game and was quickly ruled out with a pulled hamstring. He’s expected to be out 2-3 weeks, so his status is expected.

It’s another big game for role players to step up. O.J. Howard and Cam Brate continue their dual role at tight end with Gronkowski out. No Antonio Brown likely means more two tight end sets, especially with Scotty Miller on injured reserve. Wide receiver Tyler Johnson will also see increased reps. Kevin Minter will start his second straight game at linebacker in David’s stead.

The big question of playing time comes at corner. Jamel Dean will start at outside corner and Ross Cockrell in the slot, but the third corner spot is unknown. The Bucs’ coaching staff will decide between Dee Delaney and Pierre Desir. Desir stepped in for Carlton Davis in Week 4, while Delaney filled in for Sherman in Week 6.