Posted on Sep 10

Bucs' Coach Todd Bowles calls for players to step up amid multiple defensive injuries

u/alex • 4m

Buccaneers face defensive challenges as injuries impact secondary.

Why it matters: The Buccaneers' defense, already dealing with injuries in the secondary, will now have to overcome the absence of All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr.

The team's depth at cornerback is also being tested, with multiple players going down with injuries.

What's new: Winfield is expected to miss at least two weeks due to a right ankle/foot injury.

Starting cornerback Zyon McCollum suffered a concussion, while cornerbacks Bryce Hall and Josh Hayes sustained lower leg injuries.
Hall's injuries are severe, with a dislocated right ankle and fractured fibula likely ending his season.

Yes, but: The Buccaneers have faced similar challenges in the past and managed to find success by relying on their depth.

Coach Todd Bowles emphasized the need for players to step up in these situations, highlighting previous instances where backups have performed well.

What to watch: The Buccaneers will have to rely on less experienced players and potentially shuffle positions to fill the gaps in their secondary.

Nickelback/safety Christian Izien may be called upon to play safety, a position he spent the summer learning.
Undrafted rookie Tyrek Funderburk is expected to step up at cornerback, while the team may need to explore options outside the current roster.

What's next: The Buccaneers will need to evaluate their practice squad and consider potential additions to bolster their depth at cornerback.

They will also closely monitor the recovery timelines of Winfield and the other injured players to determine when they can return to action.

The bottom line: Injuries have hit the Buccaneers' secondary at a crucial time, but the team remains confident in their ability to adapt and perform.

The depth and versatility of their defensive roster will be put to the test as they aim to maintain a strong defensive presence.

#antoine-winfield-jr #buccaneers #nfl

Bucs' Coach Todd Bowles calls for players to step up amid multiple defensive injuries

Buccaneers face defensive challenges as injuries impact secondary.

Why it matters: The Buccaneers' defense, already dealing with injuries in the secondary, will now have to overcome the absence of All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr.

The team's depth at cornerback is also being tested, with multiple players going down with injuries.

What's new: Winfield is expected to miss at least two weeks due to a right ankle/foot injury.

Starting cornerback Zyon McCollum suffered a concussion, while cornerbacks Bryce Hall and Josh Hayes sustained lower leg injuries.

Hall's injuries are severe, with a dislocated right ankle and fractured fibula likely ending his season.

Yes, but: The Buccaneers have faced similar challenges in the past and managed to find success by relying on their depth.

Coach Todd Bowles emphasized the need for players to step up in these situations, highlighting previous instances where backups have performed well.

What to watch: The Buccaneers will have to rely on less experienced players and potentially shuffle positions to fill the gaps in their secondary.

Nickelback/safety Christian Izien may be called upon to play safety, a position he spent the summer learning.

Undrafted rookie Tyrek Funderburk is expected to step up at cornerback, while the team may need to explore options outside the current roster.

What's next: The Buccaneers will need to evaluate their practice squad and consider potential additions to bolster their depth at cornerback.

They will also closely monitor the recovery timelines of Winfield and the other injured players to determine when they can return to action.

The bottom line: Injuries have hit the Buccaneers' secondary at a crucial time, but the team remains confident in their ability to adapt and perform.

The depth and versatility of their defensive roster will be put to the test as they aim to maintain a strong defensive presence.