Cautious Optimism For Cade Otton?
January 8th, 2025
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Bucs coach Todd Bowles doesn’t like to talk about the status of injured players during his regularly-scheduled Wednesday news conference, party because he doesn’t know their status.
Bowles doesn’t want to declare a player ready to play when he isn’t.
Unless asked, Bowles doesn’t reveal any info on players who may or may not be injured. He waits for the injury report to be released or he waits until his next news conference, usually Fridays.
Today, Bowles was asked about three injured starters. The Bucs had a walk-through but had the Bucs held a full practice, Bowles said safety Antoine Winfield (knee) would have been a full participant.
Later, Bowles was asked about cornerback Jamel Dean (knee). Dean would have been limited if there was a practice, Bowles said, offering no further comment.
Then Bowles was asked about tight end Cade Otton (knee). He was slightly optimistic.
“Otton would have been limited but he’s trending the right way,” Bowles said.
So it seems there’s a shot Otton plays against the Commandos on Sunday night. Just maybe.
Joe thinks the offense really misses Otton, who easily was having his best season as an NFL tight end. When both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin were lost for three games together, it was Otton who stepped up big time to help fill the void.
Otton hasn’t played since injuring his knee in the Bucs’ win over the Chargers on Dec. 15.
January 8th, 2025 at 5:25 pm
We need all hands on deck for the playoffs. I truly wish we had SVD playing. He was a difference maker week 1 vs Commanders imho. Britt can’t chase down Daniels. Daniels will have a field day with that clown out there in the middle of the field.
January 8th, 2025 at 5:52 pm
It’s encouraging to hear Winfield could be back.
January 8th, 2025 at 5:56 pm
AW31 is more important than Cade. Culp is a speed mismatch and he’s catching everything coming his way. If Commanders put Marshon on ME13 and underestimate the TE then Culp’s speed deep could be a diff maker.
January 8th, 2025 at 7:03 pm
It’ll be huge if Winfield and Dean are back. Neither are having great seasons, but they are NFL quality starters. The Josh Hayes’ of the world definitely are not.
Otton is one of the least of my concerns. We may be missing his blocking a bit but Durham/Culp have filled the gap nicely. Culp has even turned out to be a real weapon with his speed and athleticism.
January 8th, 2025 at 7:05 pm
And let’s not forget McMillan like the other teams do, needs to ball out. Mike will take the double teams and will play at a high level, these playoffs are his. GO BUCS
January 8th, 2025 at 7:06 pm
Hopefully the silver lining to AW31 missing this time is his foot has had a chance to heal properly. Just a guess, but I bet it’s been bugging him all year.
Also psyched to get Cade back. Our other TEs have really stepped up big time, but the more the merrier. Coen may even throw out of some two TE sets now that we have what appears to be three good sets of hands at the position.
January 8th, 2025 at 7:24 pm
I would be happy to have Winfield, Dean and Mike Edwards. Or at least 2 of the 3. I think Durham and Culp will fill in fine.
January 8th, 2025 at 7:40 pm
Bucs have got to figure out how to slow down Daniels the gazelle. He might be a rookie, but he’s got a full season of experience now, and there’s ROY buzz starting up about him. I wish SVD was back, too. He was a bugger in that first game even though the Bucs won it.
January 8th, 2025 at 8:10 pm
It seems like the trainers got rid of the hamstring injuries but turned then into knee ones. sheesh.
January 8th, 2025 at 8:26 pm
Jj Russell has been stepping up ! I have a feeling the Bucs are going to THUMP the commanders. BUCS 31 COMMANDERS 13!
BOWLES DEFENSE STEPS UP!!
January 8th, 2025 at 8:28 pm
Has Deion Jones been elevated to the active roster?
We signed him. Have to imagine he had more talent than Britt.
January 8th, 2025 at 8:30 pm
When Winfield and Dean are out, people who should be on the bench or practice squad are playing
January 8th, 2025 at 9:14 pm
Thanks for the info Beeej did not know that. Why do you think there are so many Bowels haters cause there are so many back-ups playing on defense that people think it is all Todd’s defense letting the team down.
January 8th, 2025 at 9:24 pm
Looks like everyone is playing
January 9th, 2025 at 12:07 am
I like Cade well enough, but I really want to see what Devin culp can do with more reps
January 9th, 2025 at 8:16 am
Troy Hill back???
January 9th, 2025 at 11:59 am
Just be aggressive on offense. This will be a shootout
January 9th, 2025 at 3:02 pm
I saw they elevated Deion Jones but that was it.
I would like to see him play too.