The finalized Week 1 injury report comes as a bit of a surprise for the Bucs. While on the surface it’s one of the healthier starts to the season in recent Bucs history, there were some players that earlier today it looked like they would play on Sunday, but after hearing from head coach Todd Bowles and seeing the injury, it appears they may not.
Tampa Bay had three players labeled as doubtful with one another listed as questionable. Despite potentially being without out some important contributors, the Bucs are perfectly positioned to start off their season in the win column.
Wide receiver Jalen McMillan, running back Sean Tucker and backup offensive tackle Justin Skule have all been ruled as doubtful for Sunday’s matchup. It came as a surprise with McMillan as he had been practicing all week, while Tucker had returned for Thursday and also practiced on Friday.
Bowles mentioned after practice that this isn’t due to any set backs or re-injury, it is simply where they are in the process of getting back to being fully healthy. If Jalen McMillan does not play, Ted Hurst will likely get more snaps and a chance to prove himself as a rookie in his NFL regular season debut.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and WR Ted Hurst III – Photo by: Kat Beutel/PR
Regarding Sean Tucker’s possible absence from the game, running back Josh Williams may get called up from practice squad. Bowles insinuated at a press conference today that there is a possibility the Bucs play their first game with only two running backs.
“We have a lot of moving parts going that we have got to do,” said Bowles when asked about the possibility of bringing up Williams. “It’s not automatic.”
Outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka practiced again in full on Friday, and are projected to play. Egbuka begins his sophomore campaign after a successful rookie season, including an Offensive Rookie of the Year nomination. Bain is arguably one of the most anticipated players to watch on the Bucs this season and will make his debut this Sunday.
Bucs OLB Rueben Bain Jr. – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
With injury plaguing the Bucs heavily last season, it is unsurprising that head coach Todd Bowles is exercising caution in his decisions regarding the affected players. The overall health of the roster heading into Week 1 is promising and the team is as equipped as it can be heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Jalen McMillan – Knee – Doubtful
Justin Skule – Oblique – Doubtful
Sean Tucker – Hamstring – Doubtful
Bucs RB Sean Tucker – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
Christian Rozeboom – Foot – Questionable
Shemar Stewart – Knee – Doubtful