Alex Cappa, O.J. Howard ruled out for Buccaneers vs. Titans

The Buccaneers will be shorthanded on Sunday, as O.J. Howard, Alex Cappa, and special teamer Jack Cichy have been ruled out vs. the Titans.

Two days ahead of their matchup with the 3-4 Tennessee Titans, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have ruled out right guard Alex Cappa and tight end O.J. Howard. Cappa is set to miss his second game after breaking his arm three weeks ago against the New Orleans Saints, while Howard is dealing with a hamstring issue; special teamer Jack Cichy has also been ruled out.

With Cappa out again, journeyman offensive lineman Earl Watford is set to make his second start for the Buccaneers this season. In week six against the Carolina Panthers in London, Watford graded out just above a 62 according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

As Howard will rest to try and heal up his hamstring, preseason sensation Tanner Hudson looks to be set to make the first appearance of his career for the Bucs. Brate, Hudson, and Antony Auclair will handle the tight end duties for the pewter and red in Howard’s absence.

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The Bucs, specifically Watford, will have their hands full with this Titans’ defensive line, anchored by veteran Jurell Casey and rookie Jeffery Simmons (named a player to watch). This Titans’ defensive front ranks sixth in the league against the run and 14th in pass rush according to Football Outsiders, while the Buccaneers’ offensive line ranks 12th in the run game and 27th in pass protection by the same metric.

Given the lack of use in the passing attack that Howard has seen, the Buccaneers’ offense will not look much different without him on the field. The Bucs, however, will hope that Auclair, Brate, and Hudson can provide the same presence as a blocker than Howard has brought to the table these first six games.

One step forward, two steps back. The Bucs get back defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul for the first time this season on Sunday, but will be without two other starters in O.J. Howard and Alex Cappa. With a 2-4 record, the Buccaneers will need to put their best efforts forward, as the playoffs could be out of reach should they drop their third straight game in Nashville.