TAMPA, Fla. ― If you’re looking for parallels to the Bucs’ 2021 season, this may be it.
Tampa Bay’s starting secondary has caught the injury bug again. Cornerbacks Carlton Davis (hip) and Sean Murphy-Bunting (quad), and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (concussion) all are out for Thursday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Cornerback Jamel Dean and safety Mike Edwards are the only two remaining healthy defensive backs that started the season opener.
The rash of injuries in the secondary is reminiscent of last season, head coach Bowles said Wednesday.
“Just as challenging,” he said. “But again, we had guys make this team for a reason. It’s throughout the league. You almost have to get used to it, and get guys ready to play regardless, so we’re prepared for it and we’re comfortable with the guys we have.”
With Winfield out, Bowles said, the Bucs had Edwards and cornerback Dee Delaney work in the slot all week. The Bucs had walk-through practices in the short week before their nationally televised “Thursday Night Football” game.
“You want healthy bodies, and you’ve got to do as much mental work as you can because can’t get the physical work. So, that’s probably the biggest preparation part going into it,” Bowles said. “So you’re going into a game playing full speed when you really haven’t seen it full speed.”
Struggling rookie left guard Luke Goedeke is out with a foot injury suffered in the Bucs’ 21-3 loss Sunday at Carolina. Veteran Nick Leverett, who played 20 snaps against the Panthers, will start.
“Luke will be out for this one,” Bowles said. “Leverett will start at guard.”
Also out will be wide receiver Russell Gage (hamstring) and tight end Cameron Brate (neck sprain). Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, who has not played since tearing the plantar fascia in his foot Week 2 at New Orleans, is doubtful, Bowles said.
Receiver Julio Jones (knee), who did some work in practice Wednesday, will be a game-time decision.
