Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Falcons should have significant health advantage against Bucs

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL | By Chase Irle | Last updated Aug 19, 2025 6:25 PM ET

As far as the argument surrounding whether or not starters should play in the preseason, Week 1 between the Falcons and Bucs will be a case study involving both sides.

The Falcons chose to rest nearly all of their starters during the preseason, sparking concern about the readiness of second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Atlanta did the same last preseason and came out completely flat in a home loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

This season, the Falcons open with a pivotal matchup against the Buccaneers, the four-time reigning NFC South champions. But unlike Atlanta, Tampa Bay decided to play most of their starters during the preseason and are dealing with a laundry list of injuries heading into Week 1.

Current list of bucaneers dealing with injuries that I can keep track of:

• WR Chris Godwin Jr
• WR Jalen McmIllan
• WR Jacob Harris
• OT Tristan Wirfs
• C Jake Majors
• OT Raiqwon O’Neal
• CB Tyrek Funderburk
• CB/S Chrisitan Izien
• CB Jamel Dean
• CB Josh Hayes…

— Ashlie (@EMT_Ashlie) August 19, 2025

The most notable name on this list is star left tackle Tristan Wirfs, who was not injured during the preseason but is expected to miss the first four weeks of the season.

Most recently, second-year wide receiver Jalen McMillan suffered a severe sprained neck and has already been placed on the Injured Reserve. The Buccaneers have an embarrassment of riches at the wide receiver position, but the status of Chris Godwin is also unknown, who hasn’t played since Week 7 of last season.

Still, with Mike Evans and rookie Emeka Egbuka, Tampa Bay will be a lot to handle with Baker Mayfield spinning the rock, who has blossomed into a top 10 quarterback in the league since joining the Bucs.

Because the Falcons have opted to rest their starters, they are currently heading into Week 1 about as healthy as possible. Jalon Walker is dealing with a groin injury, and Darnell Mooney has missed the last several weeks with a shoulder injury, but both have not been ruled out for the season opener. Troy Andersen has also been on the PUP list since the start of training camp. His status going into the season is still unknown.

This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: