There was lots happening for the Bucs on Saturday simply sooner or later earlier than an enormous Week 18 matchup. In a matter of very unlucky information, robust security Jordan Whitehead was in a automobile accident on Saturday heading to Tampa Bay’s facility, which has precipitated accidents that can maintain him out for Sunday’s sport and the remainder of the season. Security Ryan Neal was signed to the roster in his place. Hours later, the Bucs have elevated two different gamers from their observe squad for the sport.
Tampa Bay introduced on Saturday afternoon that they’re elevating cornerback Dallis Flowers and veteran linebacker Deion Jones for the Week 18 sport towards the Saints. Flowers signed to the Bucs’ observe squad in October and was elevated for the win over the Raiders in Week 14. That is additionally the second observe squad elevation for Jones, who signed with Tampa Bay in December and was referred to as up final week in a win over the Panthers.
Bucs Are Skinny Throughout The Board At DB
Whether or not it’s cornerback or security, the Bucs shouldn’t have numerous personnel remaining at both place. With Jamel Dean out, Josh Hayes is beginning on the other facet of Zyon McCollum at nook. Tyrek Funderburk is the first backup and he struggled when given the prospect for extra enjoying time earlier within the season. Flowers is perhaps referred to as into motion simply primarily based on how injured Tampa Bay has been this season. He performed largely particular groups in his lone look this season and can achieve this once more.
It will get even worse for the Bucs at security. Whereas Antoine Winfield Jr. is near a return, he’s out for yet one more sport. He may have missed eight video games on the season after Sunday, together with 4 in a row. Christian Izien remains to be on injured reserve and Whitehead, who simply got here off of it for final sport, instantly goes again on after the surprising information. Mike Edwards has solely been with the group for a bit of over a month has additionally missed a while. Edwards and Merriweather will probably be beginning for the protection within the common season finale.
Tampa Bay should really feel assured sufficient within the remaining security group of Edwards, Neal, Kaevon Merriweather, Tavierre Thomas and Tykee Smith within the slot since they didn’t name up one other security. It is a huge sport for the Bucs. In the event that they get a win over New Orleans they may turn into NFC South division champions for the fourth season in a row and host a house playoff sport. All season lengthy they’ve needed to overcome accidents all through totally different positions on the roster. They should do it once more.