The Tampa Bay Buccaneers improved to 5-1 with a win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
Now, the NFC South leaders turn their attention toward a primetime “Monday Night Football” matchup against the Detroit Lions in Week 7.
Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers have persevered through some serious injury issues to amass this impressive record. Mike Evans (hamstring), Chris Godwin (fibula) and Bucky Irving (shoulder/foot) were each ruled out for Sunday’s Week 6 matchup against the 49ers, and rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka suffered a hamstring injury during the 30-19 win.
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles provided injury updates for each of these players on Monday.
There is hope that Evans, who’s missed each of the Buccaneers’ last three games, will be able to return to practice this week. Egbuka will undergo further testing on Tuesday to determine the severity of his hamstring injury.
Bowles confirmed that both Godwin and Irving likely won’t play in Monday night’s Week 7 matchup against the Lions.
“Bucs HC Todd Bowles told reporters that RB Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) and Chris Godwin (fibula) are ‘not in play’ for next Monday night’s game against the Detroit Lions,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.
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Godwin’s 2024 campaign came to an end when he suffered a gruesome, season-ending ankle dislocation in Week 7. The veteran wide receiver was able to return to the field in Week 4, but suffered an injury setback in Week 5.
Monday’s absence will mark Irving’s third consecutive missed game since suffering foot and shoulder injuries in a Week 4 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Recent reports indicate the second-year running back could miss “1-2 more weeks,” meaning the Buccaneers could be without their electrifying offensive weapon until after their Week 9 bye.
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Despite these injuries, the Buccaneers are still one of the hottest teams in the NFL.
Mayfield completed touchdown passes to two rookie wideouts in Week 6 — Kameron Johnson and Tez Johnson. The veteran quarterback is confident in his offense regardless of who’s playing.
“I truly, genuinely trust the guys that are in there,” Mayfield said, via the team’s website. “They’re ready. We talk throughout the week. Guys are on the same page. I trust these guys, even though some of them may not have played a whole lot of ball, but when we’re on the same page, good things happen.”
The Buccaneers will kickoff against the Lions at 7 p.m. ET this coming Monday.
