The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will once again be without Bucky Irving and Chris Godwin Jr. when they take on the Buffalo Bills in Week 11.
Tampa Bay had a glimmer of hope early this week when Irving and Godwin returned to practice in limited capacity, but it was later announced that they'd be held out for yet another game.
"We want those guys to take their time and come back the right way, not rush things," coach Todd Bowles said. "I think that would be a big boost for our offense. Like I said, we want those guys to be healthy and want them down the stretch."
Bowles' statement indicates that the team is looking at the big picture, and would rather have his key playmakers fully healthy for an eventual playoff run rather than rushing them back too early and risking their long-term health.
It's the right decision, but it still leaves the Buccaneers shorthanded as they prepare to take on a legitimate Super Bowl contender led by reigning-MVP Josh Allen.
Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay offense will need a few players to step up in their place if they hope to beat a tough Bills team on the road.
5 Buccaneers who need to step up with Bucky Irving and Chris Godwin Jr. out vs. Bills
Emeka Egbuka
Egbuka has quickly become the No. 1 receiving target for the Bucs. He currently leads all rookies in both receiving yards and touchdowns and is a legitimate frontrunner for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
His job has grown a lot harder without the presence of Mike Evans and Godwin to command some of the attention of opposing defenses. Now, Egbuka has quickly become the focal point that opposing defenses zero in on.
The challenge hasn’t slowed him down, after he recorded six catches for 115 yards and a touchdown last week. Another productive performance against Buffalo would be a huge help for Mayfield and the offense.
Tez Johnson
With the flurry of injuries at wide receiver, Johnson has found himself as the No. 2 wide receiver option behind Egbuka.
Egbuka will receive the bulk of the attention from the Buffalo secondary, and will face Christian Benford, one of the league's top cornerbacks. If the Bills are successful in taking Egbuka out of the game as they hope to, Johnson will need to step up to give Baker Mayfield another reliable target.
Johnson has quietly had an incredible rookie season for a seventh-round flier. He's recorded 255 receiving yards and four touchdowns so far this season, including a two-touchdown game in last week's loss to the Patriots. Another big game from Johnson would go a long way for the Buccaneers as they hope to leave Buffalo with a victory.
Rachaad White & Sean Tucker
It’s unfortunate that the Buccaneers will be without Irving for another week, but the duo of White and Tucker has a golden opportunity against a weak rushing defense.
The Bills rank in the bottom-three in rushing defense, allowing 147 yards per game.
Just last week, Tampa Bay rushed for 113 yards against New England’s top-ranked run defense that was allowing only 75 yards per game. Tucker became the first running back all season to eclipse 50 rushing yards against the Patriots.
If the Buccaneers can establish the run game again this week, it would take a lot of weight off Mayfield’s shoulders and help Tampa Bay control the clock and keep Josh Allen off the field.
Cade Otton
In last week’s loss against the Patriots, Otton had a team-leading nine receptions for 82 yards.
The Bills allow the least yards to tight ends among all NFL defenses, and Otton will have his work cut out for him.
But in a game that could become a shootout, the Bucs might need another strong performance from Otton to help them keep pace with the Bills.