Buccaneers Suffer Two Defensive Injuries vs Green Bay

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers left Sunday’s loss to the Green Bay Packers with more than another defeat.

Tampa Bay fell 17-14, dropping the Buccaneers to 0-4 on the season. The team also suffered injuries to two defensive players during the game.

Buccaneers Suffer Another Blow

SirVocea Dennis and Antoine Winfield Jr. both left the contest, creating another concern with Dallas coming to town in just three days.

Dennis Suffers Ankle Injury

Dennis primarily contributed on special teams against Green Bay.

The linebacker suffered an ankle injury more than halfway through the game. Dennis was ruled out and did not return.

Christian Rozeboom and Josiah Trotter handled linebacker responsibilities after his departure.

The Buccaneers will have to monitor Dennis closely with their next game coming so quickly.

Winfield’s Injury Is the Bigger Concern

The more significant concern involves Winfield.

Tampa Bay’s starting safety suffered an injury late in the game. Bowles described it as an oblique injury following the loss. Any absence would create a major problem for a defense already dealing with injuries and personnel concerns.

Winfield is one of Tampa Bay’s two starting safeties and a critical part of the secondary.

Tampa Bay Has Limited Safety Depth

The Buccaneers entered the season with only three safeties on their initial 53-man roster.

The team signed Ifeatu Melifonwu before Sunday’s game, giving Tampa Bay four safeties. Tykee Smith starts alongside Winfield, while Miles Killebrew primarily contributes on special teams.

That leaves Melifonwu as the most obvious option if Winfield cannot play.

The timing makes the situation even more difficult.

Tampa Bay has only three days to prepare for Dallas, leaving little time for the Buccaneers to adjust if Winfield is unavailable.

Buccaneers Await More Information

Bowles is scheduled to address the media Monday afternoon.

That will provide the next update on both Winfield and Dennis.

For Tampa Bay, Winfield’s status will likely be the biggest concern heading into Thursday’s matchup.

The Buccaneers are already 0-4 and desperately need their first victory. Losing a starting safety could make that challenge considerably tougher.