The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have multiple impactful injuries in Week 3
The Green Bay Packers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers rival each other in many ways. They boast two all-time great quarterbacks, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. They both are expected to compete for a Super Bowl this season. And they’re both pretty dinged up right now here in Week 3.
This weekend, the Packers will miss their leading wide receiver, Sammy Watkins, against the Buccaneers. The status of several other Packers offensive players is currently unknown for Sunday. However, the Buccaneers’ injury report reads slightly longer than the Packers. And the players that are ruled out for the Buccaneers are vital players to the team. One key player is questionable.
The Buccaneers’ injury report released Friday shows two players, wide receiver Chris Godwin and defensive tackle Akiem Hicks will be out for Sunday’s game. Tight end Cade Otton and Donovan Smith are doubtful. The Buccaneers have three other wide receivers listed as questionable, including Julio Jones. That’s a potential problem for the Buccaneers as wide receiver Mike Evans is suspended this week. The passing attack might be in trouble, but the Buccaneers could be without their leading running back, Leonard Fournette.
Week 3 Injury Report – Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Green Bay Packers (9/23/22): https://t.co/6SDVIOawKp pic.twitter.com/wWebxB1X39
— Buccaneers Communications (@BuccaneersComms) September 23, 2022
Fournette would be a big miss for the Buccaneers
Fournette, who sustained a hamstring injury, has been a significant part of the Buccaneers’ offense this season. He has 192 yards through the first two weeks of the season. With the Buccaneers missing so many wide receivers and their newest addition Cole Beasley less than a week in, one would expect a run-heavy offense against the Packers this week. The Packers have struggled on run defense early in the season; this injury could provide the unit with a much-needed confidence booster.
Fournette’s injury would complicate the offense that already appears to be frustrating Brady. The number two running back on the Buccaneers’ depth chart is Rachaad White. White only has 15 yards rushing heading into Week 3. It would be a big ask for White to come and lead a rushing attack against a defense that could be keying in on the run game in Week 3. Remember, on top of the wide receiver depth issues, Brady admitted that his throwing hand is injured this week.
The Packers will have a chance this week to steal a win over the Buccaneers with the benefit of an injured roster. The Week 3 win would be crucial, as it would give the Packers a potential tiebreaker over the Buccaneers for home-field advantage come playoff time. The Packers should take advantage of possible mismatches on the Buccaneers’ depleted offense.
