The Buccaneers’ 27-14 loss to the 49ers in Week 11 cost them both the game and the health of their defense. Injuries forced Lavonte David (groin), Jamel Dean (ankle/foot), and Carlton Davis III (hip) to leave the game. With the long travel back to Tampa followed by another road game at Indianapolis in Week 12, it seemed a long chance that all three of those crucial defensive starters would play.
The Buccaneers’ 27-14 loss to the 49ers in Week 11 cost them both the game and the health of their defense
Is There Some Hope For Carlton Davis III?
Davis was able to practice some on Friday, according to Bowles, as he recovers from a hip ailment. He was upgraded from restricted participation on Thursday to full participation on Friday, which may have given him some hope for his prospects against the Colts on Sunday. Of course, how he feels in the coming days and before the game on Sunday will determine if the team’s best cornerback can play.
Davis has struggled in recent weeks and hasn’t had his best year overall, but the Buccaneers would be considerably better off if he could play against the Colts. Tampa Bay’s depth behind the two starters would make losing its top two cornerbacks troublesome.
Zyon McCollum has improved in his second season, but he is still not a sure-fire starter. Dee Delaney has been a reliable backup and can easily fill in when needed. With two interceptions, he is tied for the team lead with Christian Izien. However, Davis’ absence would force the Bucs to start their No. 3 and No. 4 cornerbacks in a game they desperately need to win. As a result, having
Other Improvements, Plus New Additions
Davis wasn’t the only one who saw an improvement in his practice status on Friday. Linebacker Devin White was a limited participant on Friday after missing the walk-through and practice on Wednesday and Thursday. He is listed as questionable for Sunday.
“He did some things,” Bowles said of White’s Friday activities. “He’ll be a game-time decision.”
Bowles didn’t say much more about White’s participation on Friday when asked.
“He was running about today. It all comes down to how he feels on Sunday. He’ll be a game-time call.”
Center On Friday, Robert Hainsey’s (knee) status was also upgraded. After practicing in a limited capacity on Wednesday and Thursday, he was a full participant. He does not have an injury designation for the weekend.
Despite modest improvements, the Buccaneers’ injury list on Friday included two new names. Mike Greene, a reserve defensive lineman, was classified as a non-participant with a calf injury, while Logan Hall was also absent due to sickness. Chris Godwin, who played through an illness against the Titans two weeks ago, and Vita Vea, who played through one last week against the 49ers, are the latest Bucs to be sidelined by illness.
