Three Bucs players out, three questionable vs. Falcons in Week 8

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers play a crucial game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday for first place in the division, and they will do it with few players.

The Bucs will play the Falcons in what is almost a must-win game for their NFC South prospects who have already gone 0-1 against the Falcons this year, and they will have to make do with a skeleton crew at wide receiver . The Bucs lost Mike Evans for at least three games due to a hamstring injury Monday night, and that only got worse when Chris Godwin went down with a dislocated ankle at the end of the game that would end his season.

These two players will obviously not play, but they are not the only players to drop out. According to Tampa Bay’s injury report on Friday, defenseman Tykee Smith (concussion) and defensive tackle Greg Gaines (calf) will also be out. Smith will likely be replaced by defensive back Christian Izien, while Gaines could be replaced by a number of rotational defensive tackles.

READ MORE: Ravens Linebacker Fined For Tackle That Injured Bucs WR Chris Godwin

In addition to these players, three are also doubtful. Running back Bucky Irving (toe), tight end Payne Durham (calf) and wideout Rakim Jarrett (knee) are all questionable. Irving is expected to play, according to Todd Bowles, and Durham being a full participant is encouraging for Sunday — the team may need as much help as they can get on the tight end of things. Jarrett can play, but the team will decide whether they want him or receiver Tanner Knue to become the sixth active wideout on Sunday.

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