While the Bucs are averaging 32.5 points per game and are second in the league in scoring, the offense has been without a few key weapons. Tampa Bay has played the last two games without wide receiver Antonio Brown, and hasn’t had tight end Rob Gronkowski or wide receiver Scotty Miller since Week 3. Gronkowski rushed back and tried to play last Sunday at New Orleans, but was limited to just six snaps before his rib and back injury flared up.

The Bucs can’t wait to be at full strength on offense when this trio of weapons returns to action. But what can we expect from these players when that actually happens?

WR Antonio Brown

Brown suffered a lower ankle sprain against the Eagles on Thursday Night Football in Week 6. He missed the next two games against the Bears and the Saints. Despite playing far fewer snaps than Mike Evans or Chris Godwin, Brown was just as productive. Brown has 29 catches for 418 yards (14.4 avg.) and four touchdowns in five games this year. That’s nearly as productive as he was in his first eight games in Tampa Bay last year when he caught 45 passes for 483 yards (10.7 avg.) and four TDs.

Brown’s ankle injury is near his heel, and he was spotted at practice last week with a crutch. It’s a tricky injury and it’s unclear if Brown will be able to play against Washington or if he’ll be out several more weeks. With Brown’s game relying on quickness and suddenness, how explosive can he be when he returns to action? Will he get back to 100 percent health this year or will he be closer to 70 percent for the rest of the season?

Bucs WR Antonio Brown – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Last year with a gimpy knee, Brown was still able to explode for a key 46-yard touchdown at Atlanta en route to catching seven passes for 93 yards in Week 15. He then had a season-high 14 catches for 138 yards (12.5 avg.) and two scores against the Falcons in the regular season finale. Brown is physically and mentally tough. He’s able to play through injuries and still be effective, evidenced by catching eight passes for 81 yards (10.1 avg.) and two scores in the postseason.

Even with Brown at less than 100 percent, he’s more dangerous than a healthy Tyler Johnson, Scotty Miller or Jaelon Darden due to his wealth of experience in the league and his track record of production. As soon as AB is able to play he’ll get plenty of snaps on game days.

TE Rob Gronkowski

Gronkowski suffered broken ribs in Los Angeles in Week 3 and has been out of action until a brief appearance in New Orleans last Sunday. In the first two games of the season, Gronkowski was a huge threat in the red zone. He scored four touchdowns to on 16 catches for 184 yards (11.5 avg.). Despite not playing since Week 3, Gronkowski’s four TD catches are tied for second-most on the team with Godwin and Brown.

Bucs TE Rob Gronkowski – Photo by: USA Today

Gronkowski tried to rush back from his rib injury and left Sunday’s game in New Orleans with a back injury related to his cracked ribs. Having the bye week off should help, but wouldn’t the Bucs be wise to wait even longer so he’s fully healed rather than risk the chance of re-injury?

When healthy, Gronkowski is one of the best weapons Tampa Bay has on offense. Every opponent in the NFL is a challenge, but some teams are more challenging than others. Tampa Bay has three games coming up against Washington, the New York Giants and Indianapolis. The Bucs will be favored in those games and should win. Perhaps the team allows Gronkowski the time to fully heal so he’s healthy for the remaining divisional games and the playoffs.

WR Scotty Miller

The emergence of Antonio Brown as the Bucs’ third receiver has severely limited Miller’s snaps since Brown arrived in Tampa Bay last November. Miller has been reduced to the fourth receiver role and has played sparingly. Yet when given the opportunity, he’s made some big plays He stepped in for Brown in the NFC Championship Game, hauling in a key touchdown before halftime to increase the Bucs’ lead.

Bucs QB Tom Brady and WR Scotty Miller – Photo by: USA Today

Miller has only played in 54 snaps through the first three games of the season. Even worse, the receiver has only been targeted three times. Those targets came in Los Angeles, where he finished with two catches for 11 yards. That’s the extent of his 2021 production, as he landed on IR with turf toe after the Bucs’ 34-24 loss.

Miller is a bit of a one-trick pony with his ability to get vertical his main attribute. How effective will Miller be when he returns after missing the last five games? Will he be able to get close to 100 percent health and maintain his sub-4.4 speed? Will he be able to separate from defenders with his turf toe, which might not fully heal until the offseason?

Tyler Johnson has played extremely well while filling in for Brown and Miller. Johnson has 14 catches for 191 yards (13.6 avg.) on the season. He’s coming off the most productive game of his career with five catches for 65 yards. He’s built similar to Godwin and plays like him, too. Johnson has earned playing time, and any reps for Miller would come at the Minnesota product’s expense. That might make it tough for Miller to see the field outside of a few snaps each game.