The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to face the New Orleans Saints at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans this Sunday. While the Buccaneers will be without key players due to injury, they do have one notable returnee: nose tackle Vita Vea. Vea, who has struggled with a foot issue, has been cleared to play after missing two practices this week.
Bucs Injury Report
This matchup sees the Buccaneers missing several key players. Outside linebacker Haason Reddick will not be in action due to knee and ankle injuries sustained last week in Detroit. In addition to Reddick, the following players are also inactive for the game:
- Wide receiver Chris Godwin (fibula)
- Guard Luke Haggard (shoulder)
- Running back Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder)
- Wide receiver Mike Evans (broken clavicle, on injured reserve)
Active Quarterbacks
This game marks the first time this season that the Buccaneers will have three quarterbacks active. Rookie Connor Bazelak has been elevated from the practice squad and could potentially make his NFL debut if called upon. Both starting quarterback Baker Mayfield and backup Teddy Bridgewater, who were on the injury report, are active and ready to play.
Game-Day Roster Moves
The Buccaneers submitted their list of inactive players at 2:30 p.m. ET. To adhere to the game-day limit of 48 players, they also elevated outside linebacker Mohamed Kamara from the practice squad. The Saints made roster changes as well, elevating linebacker Eku Leota and designating six players as inactive.
Saints Injury Status
Unlike the Buccaneers, the Saints will have a full roster, with no players sidelined due to injuries. The game promises to be competitive, with both teams looking to secure a win in this divisional matchup.
As the Buccaneers head into this crucial Week Eight meeting, the return of Vita Vea bolsters their defensive front, giving fans hope for a strong performance against the Saints.
