Buccaneers: Key starter trending in the wrong direction for Saints matchup
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are heading into a crucial divisional matchup with the rival New Orleans Saints on Sunday, so it's imperative to have all hands on deck. It doesn't look like that will be the case, however. The Buccaneers are already very likely to be without wide receiver Chris Godwin, who suffered a hamstring […]
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are heading into a crucial divisional matchup with the rival New Orleans Saints on Sunday, so it's imperative to have all hands on deck.
It doesn't look like that will be the case, however.
The Buccaneers are already very likely to be without wide receiver Chris Godwin, who suffered a hamstring injury against the Dallas Cowboys last week. Head coach Todd Bowles did say Friday that there was a "small margin" Godwin could play on Sunday, but, if he had to guess, now, Godwin "wouldn't" play.
But there's also another key player, starting left tackle Donovan Smith, who's trending in the wrong direction. Smith injured his elbow against the Cowboys and hasn't practiced all week, leaving his status in high doubt.
"Donovan will be close. It will be hard for him to make it, but we'll see," Bowles told reporters Friday. "The rest of the guys we'll see on Sunday."
If Smith can't go, it represents a big loss for the Buccaneers. Not only does he protect Tom Brady's blindside (which is important enough on its own), the Saints' front seven has given this offense fits over the last few seasons.
The quartet of Cameron Jordan, David Onyemata, Shy Tuttle, and Marcus Davenport, along with linebackers Demario Davis, Pete Werner, make up a core that is tough for any NFL team to handle. But especially one like the Buccaneers, who have a rookie starting at guard and what is almost a rookie in Robert Hainsey at center.
And then there's Josh Wells, who replaces Smith if he can't go. Wells' play has been up-and-down over the years, so how he plays against Davenport/Jordan and co. will be a major factor in this game.
It'll be interesting to see how things develop over the next day and some change.
You can check out Bowles' full presser, here.
Featured image via Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
