The NFL season has finally arrived, but not everyone will be suiting up for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when things kickoff on Sunday afternoon.
Injuries hit the Bucs on both sides of the ball throughout August, with the team ruling two offensive lineman -- Sua Opeta and Silas Dzansi -- out for the season. The good news is that the unit seems to be much improved from last season, which is a step in the right direction considering how ravaged by injuries the line has been.
Tampa Bay's defensive line is suffering through some similar injury struggles.
Depth upfront is going to be a key part of the Bucs' defense, but already it's being tested before the season even starts. Logan Hall carried an injury designation into the first week and it appears it will keep him out of action when the season gets underway in a few days.
Buccaneers rule out Logan Hall in final injury report ahead of Week 1
It's not a huge surprise, but the Buccaneers officially ruled Logan Hall out ahead of Week 1's battle with the Washington Commanders. Hall was doubtful heading into the week and will now miss the season opener.
Bucs coach Todd Bowles said DL Logan Hall (foot) will be out for Sunday’s game against the Commanders. He said they haven’t decided whether to go with just 5 defensive linemen or promote one from the practice squad. PK Chase McLaughlin (illness/abdominal) kicked again in practice…
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) September 6, 2024
It's a bit of a good news-bad news situation for the Bucs. On the one hand, Hall is the only player who will appear as 'out' on the injury report, as every other player will head into Sunday healthy. The bad news is that it's unclear how much time Hall will miss, which complicates things on a few different levels.
Hall is entering a huge season in which he needs to start showing signs of improvement. He's on the Joe Tryon-Shoyinka track of not having yet lived up to his high draft pick potential, but all signs pointed toward him being in a position to do that his season.
This injury throws a wrench in that plan, and holds back a guy with a lot to prove. The fact that nobody knows when exactly he'll be healthy only further adds pressure to the situation.
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