Following his absence in Weeks 2 and 3, the Bucs were hopeful that right tackle Luke Goedeke would return for Sunday’s game against the Eagles. However, Todd Bowles announced on Friday that Goedeke still needed to clear concussion protocol before being able to play.
Bucs RT Luke Goedeke – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
Unfortunately, on Saturday, the Bucs announced that Goedeke will be out for Sunday’s game as he remains in concussion protocol. This will be his third consecutive missed game.
This absence is a significant loss for Tampa Bay’s offensive line, which has struggled in the last two games without Goedeke. Justin Skule has been filling in at right tackle, playing all 57 offensive snaps during the last game despite the possibility of a rotation mentioned by Bowles.
Skule will once again take the field against the Eagles on Sunday.
Bucs Add Another Key Player To Week 4 Injury Report
In addition to Goedeke, the Bucs have added running back Rachaad White to the injury report for Week 4 due to an illness. White is now listed as questionable for the upcoming game against the Eagles.
Bucs RB Rachaad White – Photo by: Cliff Welch P/R
White’s status is concerning, especially with rookie running back Bucky Irving also questionable after sustaining a hamstring injury. Irving expressed readiness to play, but he was limited in Friday’s practice and carried an injury designation into the weekend.
There is a possibility that either White or Irving, or both, will be able to play and contribute to Tampa Bay’s backfield in Week 4. However, if either player is limited, it could lead to increased opportunities for second-year back Sean Tucker, who showed promise during the preseason.
Regardless, offensive coordinator Liam Coen will be looking for his running backs to improve the ground game performance in the upcoming game.
Bucs Announce Two Practice Squad Elevations For Week 4
In further news, the Bucs have elevated punter Trenton Gill and wide receiver Sterling Shepard from the practice squad for the game against the Eagles.
Gill’s elevation is significant as starting punter Jake Camarda has struggled this season with both hangtime and distance. Bowles mentioned the need for Camarda to be more consistent in his performance.
Bucs P Jake Camarda – Photo by: USA Today
Bowles mentioned that Gill was added to the practice squad earlier in the week. While both punters won’t be active on Sunday, it will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds before the game.
Shepard’s elevation is likely due to the late addition of rookie wide receiver Jalen McMillan to the injury report with a hamstring injury. McMillan is doubtful for Sunday’s game, prompting the elevation of Shepard, who played a few snaps in the previous game.
