Two key Bucs missed practice on Wednesday in advance of Sunday’s season opener against the Washington Commanders, and both of them are key contributors for Todd Bowles’ team. Kicker Chase McLaughlin is the bigger name of the two – and the most important – with reserve defensive tackle Logan Hall being the other player who missed practice.
McLaughlin was listed on the injury report with an abdomen/illness, while Hall was listed as having a foot injury. The Bucs don’t plan on bringing in another kicker unless McLaughlin misses Thursday’s practice. Then the team will need a backup plan as an option for Sunday in case McLaughlin can’t go.
As for Hall, the Bucs have a relatively deep stable of defensive tackles to deploy if he isn’t ready for the Commanders game.
“He’s got a foot [injury],” Bucs head coach Todd Bowles said. “It’ll go up until the weekend. We’ll see how he feels. We’ve got a plethora of guys that are going to platoon in that rotation right there.”
Will Gholston, Greg Gaines and Earnest Brown are the healthy options that Bowles plans to rotate into the lineup if Hall can’t play on Sunday in the season opener against Washington.
Bucs On The Mend Heading Into Week 1
Bucs DT Earnest Brown – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
Several Bucs were listed on the injury report – mostly with past ailments – but were full participants.
Outside linebackers Yaya Diaby (ankle) and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (shoulder) were full participants, as were inside linebackers SirVocea Dennis (shoulder) and J.J. Russell (ribs).
In the secondary, strong safety Jordan Whitehead (quadriceps), reserve safety Kaevon Merriweather (knee) and reserve cornerbacks Josh Hayes (hip) and Tyrek Funderburk (foot) were also practicing without issue.
On offense, reserve tackle Justin Skule (abdomen) was also back in action.
The only limited participant on Wednesday day was defensive tackle Earnest Brown with sore ribs.
Commanders Injury Report
OT Brandon Coleman – shoulder – full participant
DE Clelin Ferrell – knee – full participant
DE Dante Fowler – knee – full participant
QB Marcus Mariota – chest – limited participant
DT Jer’Zhan Newton – foot – limited participant
DT Daron Payne – back – limited participant
OT Trent Scott – knee – limited participant
