Injuries and COVID-19 could spell danger for Buccaneers

Buccaneers that are out

The most significant loss for the Bucs is starting left guard Ali Marpet. Marpet is still in league concussion protocol and is unable to make his return this week. The will be the second game in a row that Tampa Bay will be missing the best offensive player on their roster.

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Marpet was playing at a break-neck pace before his injury, and many had the long-time guard pegged for his first All-Pro selection this season, and his loss has been sorely missed by the Buccaneers.

Backup tackle, Joe Haeg, stepped in as Marpet’s replacement last week, but his performance showed everyone why Tampa Bay is lucky to have someone of Marpet’s talent.

According to Greg Auman, outside of typical injuries, starting return man Jaydon Mickens and receiver Cyril Grayson are on the COVID-19 reserve list. Mickens is the more significant loss of the two, and the Buccaneer special teams will look very different this weekend.

After moving on from Dare Ogunbowale at the start of the season and with Mickens out, Tampa Bay will be without continuity at returner during a crucial division game. The Buccaneers’ special teams have struggled for several years, and losing the primary starter will do little to help this out.