The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be without at least three starters for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions. Coach Todd Bowles announced on Friday that defensive tackle and 2023 first-round pick Calijah Kancey, All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr., and right tackle Luke Goedeke are all out. Additionally, backup cornerback Josh Hayes will not play.
Starting cornerback Zyon McCollum, who left last week’s season opener with a concussion, needs to pass concussion protocol despite practicing all week. Defensive end Logan Hall, who missed last week’s game due to a foot injury, is listed as questionable, according to Bowles.
“Zyon has some tests to complete. We’ll know more about Logan tomorrow,” Bowles stated. “I feel good about [McCollum]. He’s working hard, but the test will determine it, and I have no control over that, so we’ll see.”
The last chance for McCollum to clear concussion protocol and be eligible to play is Saturday.
Meanwhile, starting nickelback Tykee Smith missed Thursday and Friday’s practices due to illness.
“He’s sick at the moment,” Bowles mentioned. “We’ll check on him tomorrow.”
Kancey injured his left calf on September 6. During Sunday’s game against the Commanders, Winfield sprained his right foot and ankle, Goedeke sustained a concussion, and Hayes suffered an ankle injury.
Backup tackle Justin Skule will take Goedeke’s spot, while safety/nickelback Christian Izien, who stepped in as an outside corner in the second half last week, is expected to start for Winfield. However, if Smith can’t play, Bowles hinted Izien might move to nickel while Kaevon Merriweather could start at safety, or veteran Tavierre Thomas might play nickel.
“Players are on this team for a reason,” Bowles said. “Everyone goes through challenges at some point. It’s better now than midseason. It gives young and other guys experience that can help us later, so we’ll proceed with who we have.”
If McCollum is unavailable, rookie Tyrek Funderburk, an undrafted free agent from Appalachian State, will get the start. The team also re-signed Keenan Isaac, who was recently with the Carolina Panthers after being cut by the Bucs following the third preseason game. Bowles expressed strong confidence in both players.
“They know the system,” Bowles said. “They went through all the training camp sessions. I’m confident they’ll follow the calls and execute their roles.”
The Lions defeated the Buccaneers twice last year, including a 31-23 victory in the NFC playoffs divisional round.
