Tampa Bay’s defense is already taking some serious hits before their Sunday afternoon matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. With multiple key starters looking sidelined, this game could quickly become a brutal early-season test for the Buccaneers’ grit.
Vikings Get Some Good News, With A Couple Headaches
Good vibes are starting to roll in for the Vikings, especially with Aaron Jones, their starting running back, getting a much-needed upgrade to limited practice on Thursday after missing Wednesday with a knee issue. That’s huge for their run game! Right tackle Brian O’Neill, another starter, is also looking strong, going from limited to a full participant with his knee. That’s your offensive line getting healthier, which you love to see.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Punter Brett Thorson, who won the job in training camp, is still stuck on DNP with a hamstring injury on Thursday, and it’s looking grim for Sunday. They even signed Johnny Hekker to the practice squad, so yeah, Thorson’s probably out. And O-line depth just took a shot, with center Nick Samac downgrading from limited to DNP on Thursday for his knee. That’s not ideal for protecting the quarterback. DeeJay Dallas is still limited with his toe, and Jalen Redmond is limited with an elbow issue. On the upside, starting defensive lineman Ty Ingram-Dawkins went full participant after being limited with an oblique.
Bucs’ Defensive Woes Mount Up
Over on the Tampa Bay side, it’s mostly bad news, especially for their defense. Starting outside linebacker Rueban Bain Jr. (groin) and starting linebacker Josiah Trotter (shoulder) haven’t practiced all week. These are huge losses to their front seven, and it’d be shocking if either one suited up on Sunday. You just can’t afford to lose two key defensive starters like that, especially this early.
Otherwise, things are looking solid for Tampa Bay’s offense. Quarterback Baker Mayfield is a full go, shaking off his illness, and wide receiver Jalen McMillan is a full participant with his knee. That’s a relief for the passing game! Cornerback Jacob Parrish (back) is also looking good and was a full participant. Linebacker Anthony Nelson moved up to limited with his shin, and A’Shawn Robinson, their starting defensive lineman, was limited with a non-injury-related issue.
This Sunday’s game in Tampa is shaping up to be a real test of depth, especially for the Bucs’ defense. With those key starters likely out, can they hold the line against Minnesota, who just got a boost to their own key offensive players? We’ll find out what kind of grit these teams have early in the season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Daily Norseman.
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