Buccaneers first-round pick Rueben Bain missed the team’s first practice of the week on Wednesday, a serious hit for their defensive plans. Bain is sidelined with a groin injury he picked up in last Sunday’s tough loss to the Browns, and it is a tough blow for a player who has barely gotten started this season.
Another Injury, Another Setback
This isn’t Bain’s first health issue this year. He also dealt with a shoulder injury earlier this summer. With just one tackle across 76 defensive snaps so far this season, his impact has been minimal, and missing practice with a new injury doesn’t help. The Buccaneers’ linebacker corps is already feeling the pinch, as Anthony Nelson (shin) and Josiah Trotter (shoulder) also sat out Wednesday’s session. It is not looking good for the depth there.
Who Steps Up on the Edge?
With Bain and Nelson out, the Buccaneers will lean heavily on their other edge rushers. Yaya Diaby, Al-Quadin Muhammad, David Walker, and Yasir Holmes are the guys who need to step up big time. On the bright side, some key offensive players were full participants in practice. Quarterback Baker Mayfield, despite an illness, was a full go, as were wide receiver Jalen McMillan (knee) and cornerback Jacob Parrish (back). At least some of the injury report brought good news.
The Buccaneers are facing the Vikings this Sunday, and they are going to need every healthy body they can get. This team can’t afford key players missing significant time, especially when they haven’t made a big splash on the field yet.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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