Bucs Score Low On Injury Index
December 9th, 2021
Injuries and the Bucs.
An overlooked if not key element in a team’s championship run is health.
Last year the Bucs really dodged the bullet with injuries. O.J. Howard and Vita Vea were lost for the year early in the season (though Vea returned for the NFC title game).
This year, the Bucs haven’t been near that lucky. We all know how the secondary was littered with injuries and likely cost the Bucs two games. Also, not having furniture-tossing, bicycle-throwing receiver Antonio Brown and foot-rubbing, car-littering film guru Rob Gronkowski for a few games likely contributed to those same losses.
Those losses (hi, Trevor Siemian. hi, Taylor Heinicke) very well may cost the Bucs home field advantage in the playoffs and a first-round bye.
Jenna Laine of ESPN takes a look how badly the Bucs have been hurt by hurt players.
Players on IR: 14
Starts missed because of injury: 51
How badly has your team been hurt? The Bucs have been beyond ravaged by injuries, to the point where Sunday’s game against Atlanta was the first time their starting defensive backfield played a game together this season. Offensively, they have missed tight end Rob Gronkowski and receiver Antonio Brown the most when out, but thankfully, receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin and running back Leonard Fournette have been consistent, reliable performers for quarterback Tom Brady. They have also been very fortunate that outside linebacker Joe Tryon has been able to bolster their rotation while Jason Pierre-Paul continues to play through a torn rotator cuff.
The Jason Pierre-Paul injury is a killer. You almost have to start considering JPP a liability. Joe is convinced Joe Tryon-Shoyinka would be playing more but the Bucs don’t trust JTS in the run game. JPP, even though he cannot rush the passer with his torn rotator cuff, can still get in position to defend the run.
(Also, Joe would like to see JTS start to pick up his game. Yeah, he’s a part-timer and only gets a handful of plays in some games. But the Bucs need him now in this stretch drive and into the playoffs. If you look at the production of other pass rushing rookies the Bucs have had this century, you hope JTS can find his overdrive gear.)
And despite what national media folks say, those who sometimes just holler to fill air time and have nothing to gain or lose with the Bucs fortunes, the Bucs need Brown back in the lineup.
December 9th, 2021 at 9:06 am
Pete wonders if our long snapper being out is gonna make our Special teams worse than it already is & I’m worried about this game. Reaching for the pills right now
December 9th, 2021 at 9:14 am
We signed Garrison Sanborn who is an experienced LS…
As for injuries…..not mentioned is players playing with injuries that affect their games other than JPP…….Devin White, LVD…..OJ still recovering from last year and the year before that and the year before that.
December 9th, 2021 at 9:18 am
This team needs to realize Rams are playing AZ and if Rams win Bucs still can get homefield. It’s evident now Bucs will make the playoffs, someone need to stress to them how important Sundays game is. If they stay a.3rd.seed then start resting those players that need it, the final 4 games for Bucs should be less challenging.
December 9th, 2021 at 9:56 am
Amen to AB back in the lineup.
Would love to see JTS play better. I think Cam Gill is on the come-up and will earn more snaps. The dude produces when he’s in.
December 9th, 2021 at 10:13 am
Swampbuc … I agree with you about Cam Gill, although I have my doubts that he’ll ever be a starter with the Bucs. But if you look at what he’s accomplished this season with only 17 defensive snaps total in 8 games, you have to be impressed: 2 sacks, 2 QB Hits, 2 TFLs, 5 solo tackles & 1 assist. That’s excellent production IMO.
December 9th, 2021 at 10:28 am
JPP is a liability is a joke. A broken JPP is better than Anthony Nelson, Tyrone, Gill, or whoever we have right now
December 9th, 2021 at 10:51 am
JPP can still stick to and execute his assignment within the scheme…..that’s his value at this point. JTS will get exposed if pushed into a full time role. I’m nearly certain that’s why they send him to the inside on occasion. Bowles keeps his role simple so he can play fast, you put him on the edge and his role is vastly expanded and he has to think more which generally slows the player down.
December 9th, 2021 at 11:08 am
I agree with @Lamarcus.
A one armed, half of a hand JPP, is still the Bucs best player at his position.
December 9th, 2021 at 11:08 am
Agree about Brown. We can win most games without him, but in a game like the one we are playing this week, he would have made a big difference toward helping us win. I hope they don’t cut him. I hear BA is hurt by the whole thing.
I love BA but he just needs to get over him lying. If TB still wants him, then he needs to stay.
TB > BA on this one, so that needs to = AB.
December 9th, 2021 at 2:00 pm
You haven’t been watching the film if you don’t think jpp is a liability he isnt good in the run game or the pass rush game with his injury