Posted on Jan 10

Bucs' Winfield Jr. and Dean active, Otton trending positively for NFC wild-card game

u/alex • 1w

Antoine Winfield Jr. and Jamel Dean are set to return for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their NFC wild-card game against the Washington Commanders, while Cade Otton's status is trending positively.

Why it matters: The return of Winfield Jr. and Dean provides a boost to the Buccaneers' defense as they enter the playoffs, adding depth and experience to the secondary.

Winfield Jr., a key playmaker at safety, missed the final four games of the regular season with a knee injury.
Jamel Dean, a starting cornerback, sat out Week 18 due to a knee injury.
Their presence on the field strengthens the Bucs' ability to defend against Washington's passing attack.

By the numbers:

Winfield Jr. recorded seven tackles in the Bucs-Commanders Week 1 matchup earlier this season.
Dean contributed five tackles in the same game.
Both players have been effective in coverage, surrendering just one touchdown each when nearest to the receiver.

Yes, but: While the return of Winfield Jr. and Dean bolsters the defense, the Buccaneers must also keep an eye on the offensive side of the ball.

What to watch:

Cade Otton, the starting tight end who has missed the past three weeks with a knee injury, is trending in the right direction, according to coach Todd Bowles.
Otton's potential return would provide another weapon for quarterback Tom Brady and enhance the Bucs' offensive capabilities.

What's next: As the Buccaneers prepare for their wild-card matchup, they will closely monitor Otton's progress and make a decision on his availability closer to game day.

The bottom line: The return of Winfield Jr. and Dean adds strength and stability to the Buccaneers' defense as they aim to make a deep playoff run. Keeping their key players healthy and active is crucial for Tampa Bay's chances of success.

#antoine-winfield-jr #buccaneers #nfl

Bucs' Winfield Jr. and Dean active, Otton trending positively for NFC wild-card game

Why it matters: The return of Winfield Jr. and Dean provides a boost to the Buccaneers' defense as they enter the playoffs, adding depth and experience to the secondary.

Winfield Jr., a key playmaker at safety, missed the final four games of the regular season with a knee injury.

Jamel Dean, a starting cornerback, sat out Week 18 due to a knee injury.

Their presence on the field strengthens the Bucs' ability to defend against Washington's passing attack.

By the numbers:

Winfield Jr. recorded seven tackles in the Bucs-Commanders Week 1 matchup earlier this season.

Dean contributed five tackles in the same game.

Both players have been effective in coverage, surrendering just one touchdown each when nearest to the receiver.

Yes, but: While the return of Winfield Jr. and Dean bolsters the defense, the Buccaneers must also keep an eye on the offensive side of the ball.

What to watch:

Cade Otton, the starting tight end who has missed the past three weeks with a knee injury, is trending in the right direction, according to coach Todd Bowles.

Otton's potential return would provide another weapon for quarterback Tom Brady and enhance the Bucs' offensive capabilities.

What's next: As the Buccaneers prepare for their wild-card matchup, they will closely monitor Otton's progress and make a decision on his availability closer to game day.