Buccaneers Rule Out Three Starters Ahead of Week 10 Clash with Patriots

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers received disappointing news as they finalized preparations for their highly anticipated Week 10 showdown against the New England Patriots. Despite hopes that some of their key contributors would be ready in time, the team officially ruled out three starters — running back Bucky Irving, wide receiver Chris Godwin, and outside linebacker Haason Reddick.

NFL insider Ari Meirov reported the update Friday, noting on X (formerly Twitter): “The #Bucs have ruled out RB Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder), WR Chris Godwin (fibula), and OLB Haason Reddick (ankle/knee) for Sunday vs. the Patriots.” The trio’s absence comes as Tampa Bay (6-2) faces one of its toughest tests of the season against a 7-2 New England team riding strong momentum.

The losses are significant for a Buccaneers roster that has relied heavily on veteran leadership and balance on both sides of the ball. Godwin has remained one of Baker Mayfield’s most dependable targets, Irving has been an emerging weapon in the run game, and Reddick’s pass-rushing prowess has been a cornerstone of Tampa Bay’s defensive identity.

Head coach Todd Bowles acknowledged that the team had been optimistic about getting at least one of the three players back this week, but medical evaluations on Friday made their unavailability official. Now, the Buccaneers will turn to depth and resiliency as they aim to stay near the top of the NFC standings.

1. Mayfield Emphasizes “Next Man Up” Mentality

Quarterback Baker Mayfield made it clear that the Buccaneers won’t let injuries dictate their approach, stressing the team’s depth and adaptability heading into Sunday’s contest. Speaking to PewterReport.com, Mayfield praised the younger players who have stepped up throughout the season. “I think we’ve already shown that,” Mayfield said of the team’s ability to adjust. “With all the guys that have come in there and stepped up in a big way — some of the young guys or vets that have stepped up for us — this group has proven to be resilient. They’ve handled whatever we’ve thrown at them. At this point, real football starts, and we’ve got a really, really good opponent coming out here.” Tampa Bay will lean on Rachaad White to handle the majority of the backfield duties in Irving’s absence, while Trey Palmer and Deven Thompkins are expected to see increased opportunities at wide receiver alongside Mike Evans. Defensively, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Yaya Diaby will be tasked with filling the void left by Reddick on the edge. Mayfield, meanwhile, is looking to build off the momentum the team gained before the bye week. He emphasized that the break provided a crucial opportunity for players to rest and recover from the physical grind of the first half of the season. “It definitely helps getting rest,” Mayfield said. “I was still moving my body around, not letting myself get too sore. But the non-contact definitely helps.”

2. Patriots Prepare for a Physical Battle

While the Buccaneers focus on overcoming key absences, the New England Patriots are preparing to face a physical and experienced opponent. Despite Tampa Bay’s injury setbacks, analysts expect a tightly contested game between two teams accustomed to battling through adversity. “Mayfield’s built an impressive résumé of late-game heroics, and New England cannot allow him to will his team to victory in the fourth quarter,” Patriots.com’s Mike Dussault wrote in his game preview. “Tampa’s offense ranks just 20th in DVOA, but the Patriots can still expect a 60-minute game against a team with plenty of veterans who know how to win.” Defensively, New England is expected to adjust its scheme against Mayfield, leaning less on its usual zone-heavy approach and potentially utilizing more man coverage. The Patriots’ defense, one of the league’s most disciplined units, will look to disrupt Mayfield’s timing and force turnovers, particularly given Tampa Bay’s depleted offensive weapons. The Patriots enter the matchup riding strong form, but their coaching staff has stressed caution against underestimating a battle-tested Buccaneers squad. With both teams sitting near the top of their respective divisions, the result could have major implications for playoff seeding.

3. Depth and Experience to Be Tested

For Tampa Bay, Sunday’s game will test both its depth and mental toughness. Injuries have become an unfortunate storyline this season across the league, but Bowles and his staff remain confident in their team’s preparation. With Mayfield leading the charge and key veterans like Mike Evans and Lavonte David anchoring the locker room, the Buccaneers believe they have the experience to weather adversity. Still, the loss of playmakers such as Godwin, Irving, and Reddick could challenge the team’s balance and efficiency. Offensive coordinator Dave Canales may be forced to get creative in designing plays to maximize production from a reshuffled lineup. For Mayfield, the game represents another opportunity to reinforce his growing reputation for toughness and late-game leadership. While the odds may not favor Tampa Bay against a near-healthy New England team, the Buccaneers have thrived in similar underdog scenarios throughout the season. With playoff implications already looming in early November, this interconference showdown carries weight beyond the standings. The outcome could shape how both franchises are viewed heading into the second half of the season.