TAMPA, Fla. — Bucs veteran receiver Julio Jones, among seven players on the inactive list for today’s home opener, reportedly is dealing with a torn posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
Today’s other inactives: No. 3 quarterback Kyle Trask, tight end Cade Otton (personal reasons), rookie cornerback Zyon McCollum and injured starters Chris Godwin (hamstring), Donovan Smith (elbow) and Akiem Hicks (foot).
The absence of Smith and backup left tackle Josh Wells, on injured reserve with a calf ailment, means Seminole High alumnus Brandon Walton will make his first career NFL start.
Fox’s Jay Glazer reported Jones’ injury won’t require surgery. The two-time first-team All-Pro, who signed at the dawn of training camp, had three catches (on five targets) for 69 yards in the season opener against the Cowboys but hasn’t played since. He didn’t practice this week.
As expected, 33-year-old slot receiver Cole Beasley, signed to the practice squad on Wednesday, is active for this contest. Beasley will help offset a receiving corps missing Jones, Godwin and Mike Evans (suspension).
Additionally, nose tackle Deadrin Senat — a former USF standout who signed a one-year deal in April — has been elevated from the practice squad and could log his first NFL game action since Dec. 20, 2020.