The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have ruled out three starters –All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot, ankle), defensive tackle Calijah Kancey (calf) and right tackle Luke Goedeke (concussion) — for Sunday’s road game against the Detroit Lions.
Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles also ruled out backup cornerback Josh Hayes (ankle), while starting cornerback Zyon McCallum and starting defensive end Logan Hall are both questionable.
McCallum has practiced all week after suffering a concussion in Week 1 but still has to clear concussion protocol. He must clear protocol by Saturday to be eligible to play Sunday. Hall missed the season opener with a foot injury.
“Zyon has some tests to pass. We’ll see how Logan feels tomorrow,” Bowles said. “I feel good about (McCollum). He’s working hard. You’ve got to pass the test, which I’m not a part of, so we’ll see.”
Reserve safety/nickelback Christian Izien is expected to fill in for Winfield, while backup/swing tackle Justin Skule will replace Goedeke. If Smith isn’t healthy by Sunday, Izien could play nickel with Kaveon Merriweather at safety, Bowles said. Ben Stille is listed as Kancey’s backup on the depth chart.
“Guys make this team for a reason,” Bowles said. “Everybody’s going to go through their lumps at some point. Better now than midseason — give some young guys and give some other guys some experience that could help us later on, so we’re going to go with what we got.”
Undrafted rookie free agent Tyrek Funderburk, who was inactive in Week 1, would replace McCollum if that latter doesn’t clear protocol.
For the Lions, safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle) and wide receiver Isaiah Williams (abdomen) were ruled out, while defensive end Marcus Davenport (groin) is doubtful. Starting wide receiver Jameson Williams and starting right tackle Penei Sewell are questionable with ankle injuries, and starting safety Kerby Joseph (hamstring) is also questionable.
–Field Level Media
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