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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are gearing up for a pivotal early-season clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a game that could significantly influence their playoff aspirations. A victory would lift the Buccaneers to a 2-4 record, keeping them competitive in the NFC South, while a defeat would sink them to 1-5 and further down the NFL standings.
Despite the high stakes, the Buccaneers will be without two key contributors, as head coach Todd Bowles confirmed on Friday that quarterback Baker Mayfield and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. have been ruled out for Sunday's contest. Fortunately for Tampa Bay, neither player was anticipated to suit up, given their ongoing injury issues.
Key Absences on Both Sides
Mayfield has been sidelined since dislocating his thumb in Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings. Although he has been eager to return, especially after the team's Thursday Night Football win over the Dallas Cowboys, he is not yet ready to take the field. The expectation is that he will begin ramping up his activity in preparation for next week's game against the Carolina Panthers. Winfield, meanwhile, is dealing with fractured ribs sustained against the Green Bay Packers, an injury that was projected to keep him out for 2-4 weeks. This marks the second week of his absence, but he was seen working on the side with a trainer on Friday, which could be a positive indicator for his eventual return.
In other injury news, running back Sean Tucker and Ayden Garnes both practiced with trainers on Wednesday but have been full participants on Thursday and Friday. Bowles indicated that Tucker's status will be a game-time decision. Cornerback Benjamin Morrison and linebacker SirVocea Dennis, who both missed last week's game against the Cowboys, are expected to be available against the Steelers.
The Buccaneers will host the Steelers at 1 p.m. on Oct. 18 at Raymond James Stadium.