With just two games remaining, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers know that it's now or never. They need to win out, but will also be looking for help from the Washington Commanders in Week 17 to hopefully take care of business against the current division-leading Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night.
Despite dropping to second place with a Week 16 loss and currently on the outside looking in at the playoffs, the Bucs still have great odds to get in. And, they'll be getting help in doing so.
Tuesday, the Bucs designated veteran safety Jordan Whitehead to return from injured reserve. Whitehead has not played in a month.
Not only did the Bucs designate Whitehead to return from IR, but the veteran safety was then spotted at Tuesday's practice. It looks like he is well on his way to playing these final two games for the Bucs, which is going to equal a huge boost.
Whitehead has really excelled, this year, against the run. While the Bucs desperately need him to step up against the pass, he's going to further help that defensive front against ball carriers. That's where he's looked the best in 2024.
Jordan Whitehead's return could give the Bucs a huge lift in their playoff push
Over the past three games, the Bucs defense is no. 1 in the league, giving up just 51.3 yards per game. This is a key point because of who the Bucs will be going up against over the remaining two games in the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints.
While Bryce Young has shown massive improvement, the Bucs are going to put the game on his shoulders for Carolina by shutting down the run. Meanwhile, the Saints could be starting one of Spencer Rattler or Jake Haener, in all likelihood, and that's bad news for New Orleans.
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Having two relatively feasible quarterback matchups will lessen the pressure on this Bucs pass defense that's struggled in 2024. Currently, Tampa Bay is the fourth-worst pass defense in the league, giving up 250.3 yards per game in that area.
Whitehead had historically been better in coverage, but in 11 games this season, he's given up an opposing quarterback rating of 125.5. That's a career-worst for the veteran. Hopefully, the fact that he's returning healthy and in crunch time will be enough to motivate Whitehead to get back on track with where he's been his whole career.
Other injury notes: Per Bucs beat reporter Rick Stroud, Antoine Winfield Jr. was not spotted at practice, nor was wide receiver Sterling Shepard. Cade Otton was seen, but not practicing due to a knee injury. Also, Tristan Wirfs looked to be fine.