Just like this season as a whole, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' injury report is both exciting and crushingly disappointing entering Thursday night’s game against the Falcons.
On one hand, the potential return of Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan provides a much-needed boost for an offense that has gone stale over the last month. Both players returned to practice this week and were activated off IR — the biggest sign yet that they’ll be back in the lineup.
However, things aren’t so great on the other side of the ball. While the offense is getting key players back, Todd Bowles’ struggling defense will be down a few players in a game the team can’t afford to lose.
Bucs coach Todd Bowles said LB SirVocea Dennis is out and S Tykee Smith, TE Cade Otton are doubtful for Thursday night’s game vs ATL. The Bucs will platoon at LB with Deion Jones and John Bullock/Nick Jackson.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) December 10, 2025
Starting linebacker SirVocea Dennis has been ruled out after suffering a hip injury in Week 14. The third year linebacker is third on the team in tackles, and has endured an up and down season. He's never been a good pass defender, but 2025 has been a whole new level of bad.
Dennis has allowed a 118 passer rating this season, and has not made it up in the pass rush. Through 30 career games, Dennis has three sacks, two of which were this season. Missing a leading tackler is certainly crucial, but Dennis will have a chance to suit up in Week 16.
The Buccaneers' two top tacklers likely out in Week 15 vs Falcons
Second-year safety Tykee Smith is listed as doubtful after a neck/shoulder injury in Week 14. Smith failed to practice on Monday and Tuesday, but logged a limited practice on Wednesday. If this game were on Sunday, he'd have a higher chance of playing, but it doesn't look like Tampa Bay will play its starting safety.
Smith has enjoyed a strong season, allowing just 87 passer rating and 65% completion percentage with one touchdown. The 2024 third round pick leads the Bucs in tackles and passes defended. He's quickly turning into a fantastic safety, and he'll be missed during this matchup.
Another Buccaneer doubtful to play is tight end Cade Otton. Otton suffered a knee injury on Sunday, and only recorded one limited practice. He thrived from Week 5-10, and was a major bright spot in the passing attack.
Over the last month, Otton has severely struggled and has not produced more than 28 receiving yards in a single game. The Washington product has never been an elite tight end and is entering free agency in 2026.
The Bucs will miss his reliability on Thursday (70% catch percentage), but reinforcement receivers returning would have limited his production. Another factor is the Falcons' elite defense against tight ends. The Dirty Birds have allowed the fourth-lowest yards against tight ends all season.