The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are facing significant challenges as they prepare for their upcoming game, with key players sidelined due to injuries. Head coach Todd Bowles confirmed that tight end Cade Otton, wide receiver Sterling Shepard, and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. will not be available for Sunday's matchup. Winfield Jr. has been nursing a knee injury sustained in Week 13 against the Las Vegas Raiders, while Otton's absence is particularly impactful given his substantial role in the offense, often playing over 85% of the snaps when healthy.

In light of these injuries, tight end Payne Durham is expected to step up, having played 93% of offensive snaps in the previous game against the Cowboys. The Buccaneers will also look to Ryan Miller and Trey Palmer to enhance their passing game in Shepard's absence. On a positive note, safety Jordan Whitehead, who missed Week 12 due to a pectoral injury, has returned to practice and is poised to make his debut against the Carolina Panthers. Although still on injured reserve, his full participation in practice suggests he may be ready to contribute soon. With Winfield Jr. continuing to recover, there is hope for a quicker return to full strength for the Buccaneers' defensive lineup.