Keep informed with our daily updates: News, notes and more throughout the month of October

byScott Smith&Brianna Dix

Antoine Winfield Jr.#31 SHeight: 5-9Weight: 203 lbsCollege: Minnesota

October 21 Updates

Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. returned to practice for the Buccaneers on Wednesday but the color of his jersey indicated there is still a significant question mark regarding whether or not he will play on Sunday against the Panthers. Winfield has missed the past two games after cracking a rib against Green Bay in Week Four, and at the time of the injury it was estimated that he would miss two to four weeks.

Most of the Buccaneers' defenders were in red jerseys on Wednesday but Winfield was in black, which signals that other players on the field should take extra caution not to make contact with him. Until he can shed that specialty jersey he will likely remain sideined on game days.

"He's recovering," said Head Coach Todd Bowles. "He's going to have to practice first for him to comeback and not have a non-contact jersey on. So I think he's getting there. I don't know if he's there yet. We'll see what tomorrow and Friday bring."

Sixth-year safety has assumed Winfield's starting spot during the past two games and has nine tackles on the season. He would also start in Carolina if Winfield is unable to return. Winfield has a history of strong performances against the Panthers. In 10 games against the division rivals he has 51 tackles, five tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, six QB hits, one interception, four passes defensed, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

to review some other key storylines for the Bucs' game in Charlotte on Sunday.

Buccaneers 16 - Steelers 3 | Third Quarter Updates

Chase McLaughlin kicked a 33-yard field goal to make it 16-3 game.

Buccaneers 13 - Steelers 3 | Second Quarter Updates

Chris Boswell missed a 48-yard field goal and the Bucs reached the end zone on a two-yard Emeka Egbuka TD on a square out route. Chase McLaughlin kicked a 47-yard field goal to make it a 13-0 game. Prior to the end of the second, Boswell drilled a 52-yarder to make it 13-3.

Buccaneers 3 - Steelers 0 | First Quarter Updates

The Buccaneers lead 3-0 after Chase McLaughlin's 43-yard field goal following an interception by A'Shawn Robinson.

Jalon Daniels#10 QBHeight: 6-1Weight: 219 lbsCollege: Kansas

October 16 Updates

The Buccaneers will release their final injury report of the week later on Friday afternoon, but immediately following practice Head Coach Todd Bowles revealed that quarterback Baker Mayfield and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. have been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mayfield, who had previously started 57 consecutive games after joining the Buccaneers in 2023, will miss his third game in a row after dislocating the thumb on his throwing hand near the end of the Week Three game against Minnesota. His game status in Week Six comes as no surprise as he did not participate in any of the Bucs' practices. Rookie Jalon Daniels, who got his first win in Week Five at Dallas, will start for a third straight week.

Bowles had indicated last Friday that Daniels was likely to make another start in Week Six, and there has apparently been no change in Mayfield's status since then.

"No more update than the usual," said Bowles. "He's not ready to go."

Bowles also said it is "too early to tell" if Mayfield will potentially be in play to return to action in Week Seven against Carolina.

Winfield is dealing with a cracked rib and will miss a second outing in a row. The initial prognosis for him after his Week Four injury was two to four weeks until his return to the field.

to see who NFL experts think will prevail on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.

Baker Mayfield#6 QBHeight: 6-1Weight: 215 lbsCollege: Oklahoma

Todd Bowles: Baker Mayfield Timetable "Just Speculation" Until He Throws

October 14 Update

Baker Mayfield, who has sat out the Buccaneers last two games while recovering from a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand and who was originally estimated to miss "a minimum of three weeks," did not take part in practice on Wednesday. Head Coach Todd Bowles said last Friday that rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels was likely to make his third straight start on Sunday when the Pittsburgh Steelers visit, and Mayfield's inactivity on Wednesday suggests nothing has changed in those plans.

"Not at this time," said Bowles when asked if there was an update on Mayfield's status. "Nothing's changed. I mean, he's getting better. We'll see how much he throws and how he looks."

While Mayfield didn't throw during a practice that ended at approximately 1:00 p.m., Bowles seemed to indicate that the Bucs would gauge how well the veteran quarterback could grip the football later in the day.

"Well, we're going to see this afternoon," said Bowles. "I can't answer [on Mayfield's status] until he throws the ball. I don't know where it's at.

"We've got to see him throw. We haven't even broached that topic yet. So everything right now is just speculation."

Bowles said Mayfield would not be active as an emergency option on Sunday if Daniels gets the start. In Daniels' first two starts, veteran quarterback Easton Stick was elevated from the practice squad and was active on game day, though he did not see any action.

"If he's not a hundred percent, he doesn't need to play," said Bowles of Mayfield.

to hear more of Coach Bowles thoughts on the upcoming game against Pittsburgh.

David Sills V#80 WRHeight: 6-3Weight: 211 lbsCollege: West Virginia

October 12 Updates

After the "mini-bye" weekend that followed their Thursday night win in Dallas, the Buccaneers had a bonus day on Monday, which included meetings, a walk-through and a conditioning run. When they return to practice on Wednesday, beginning preparations to face the Pittsburgh Steelers, they will have wide receiver David Sills back in the mix.

Sills is currently on injured reserve, as he was placed on that list with a designation for return during the roster cutdown at the end of the preseason due to a hamstring injury suffered on the practice field. On Monday, the Buccaneers noted that Sills has returned to practice, opening up a 21-day window in which he can work with the team on the field but not count against the 53-man roster. Sills can be activated from injured reserve at any time during those 21 days.

The Buccaneers started the season with six receivers on the active roster but that number was cut to five when Jalen McMillan was placed on injured reserve on September 30 due to a knee injury suffered against Minnesota in Week Three. The Bucs would have to make a corresponding move to open a roster spot if they want to activate Sills and get back to a six-receiver unit.

The 6-3, 211-pound Sills joined the Buccaneers as a free agent in May, following the team's new offensive coordinator, Zac Robinson, to Tampa from Atlanta. Sills played in Robinson's offense with the Falcons in 2025, achieving career-best totals of 18 catches for 191 yards and two touchdowns. He also played the 2021-22 seasons with the New York Giants and the 2023 campaign in Denver before spending 2024 on the Broncos' practice squad. In all, he has played in 33 games with 11 starts and has recorded 31 catches for 315 yards and two scores.

to review some important stats and milestones from the Bucs' win in Dallas on Thursday night.

Cowboys 10 - Buccaneers 24 | Third Quarter Updates

Out of halftime, Irving made a lethal cutback to find the open lane for a 72-yard run. The next play, Daniels handed it off to Emeka Egbuka on a jet sweep for a 14-yard touchdown to give Tampa Bay a 14-10 lead. On the Dallas ensuing drive, Prescott was intercepted. The pass breakup was caused by David Walker and the tipped ball sputtered in the air and ended up in the hands of Yaya Diaby at the Tampa Bay 24. Daniels then found Tez Johnson downfield for a gain of 64 yards, setting the Bucs up at the Dallas 15-yard line. The Bucs cashed in with a one-yard touchdown rush by Irving, providing Tampa Bay with a 21-10 cushion.

Miles Killebrew then forced a fumble on the KaVontae Turpin return, which was recovered by Kevin Knowles at the Dallas 37. The Bucs were not able to capitalize with seven but McLaughlin's 41-yard field goal was good, leading to a 24-10 lead for the visiting team.

Cowboys 10 - Buccaneers 7 | Second Quarter Updates

The Bucs cashed in early in the second with a five-yard touchdown pass from Jalon Daniels to Bucky Irving. Late in the quarter, Brandon Aubrey hit a 41-yard field goal to give Dallas a three-point advantage heading into halftime.

Cowboys 7 - Buccaneers 0 | First Quarter Updates

The Cowboys marched down the field on their opening drive, culminating in a one-yard Javonte Williams touchdown rush.

Rueben Bain Jr.#3 OLBHeight: 6-3Weight: 270 lbsCollege: Miami

October 7 Updates

After practice on Wednesday, which ended roughly two hours before the Buccaneers were set to lift off for their flight to Dallas, Head Coach Todd Bowles listed four players who have been ruled out for the Thursday night game against the Cowboys: quarterback Baker Mayfield, safety Antoine Winfield Jr., cornerback Benjamin Morrison and linebacker SirVocea Dennis.

Notably not on that list: rookie outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr.

The Buccaneers' drafted Bain with the 15th overall pick in April after they were surprised to see the Miami pass-rush dynamo make it to that spot. That selection was part of a concerted effort the team made to amp up its pass rush in 2026, particularly off the edge. Unfortunately, after a strong showing in training camp, Bain has missed the last two games due to shoulder and groin injuries.

Bain has been a full participant in practice this week and is ready to go on Thursday night. He will be seeking his first NFL sack against a Dallas front that has allowed the sixth lowest sacks-per-pass-play rate in the league.

"Hopefully we get in and he can knock the rust off and we'll see the Bain we saw in the spring and in training camp," said Bowles.

Bain was a consensus All-America choice and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year for the Hurricanes in 2025. He registered 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss and was the nation's leader with 83 quarterback pressures.

for a detailed preview of the Bucs' prime-time game in Dallas on Thursday.

October 6 Updates

On Tuesday, the Buccaneers signed first-year cornerback Brandon Johnson to their practice squad. The team had an open spot on that 17-man unit because the Pittsburgh Steelers signed cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting off of it to their active roster on Monday.

Johnson was mostly in training camp with the Seattle Seahawks. An undrafted free agent out of Oregon in 2025, he spent his entire rookie season on the Philadephia Eagles' practice squad. During that campaign, he was elevated from the practice squad the maximum number of times allotted, appearing in three games with one start. Johnson contributed three tackles and a pass defensed in those three contests. Philadephia waived him in June and he signed with the Seahawks a month later.

for a look at the Bucs' early injury report in Week Five.

Antoine Winfield Jr.#31 SHeight: 5-9Weight: 203 lbsCollege: Minnesota

October 5 Updates

The Buccaneers have held three straight opponents below 300 yards and their defense now ranks fourth in the NFL in total defense, third in run defense and ninth in pass defensed. However, that unit will now be without one of its top playmakers, as two-time Pro Bowl safety Antoine Winfield Jr. is expected to miss up to a month due to a rib injury suffered very late in Sunday's loss to the Packers.

Head Coach Todd Bowles delivered that prognosis on Winfield's injury and recovery time on Monday afternoon, just three days before the Buccaneers are set to return to the field for a Thursday night game in Dallas.

"We won't have Winfield Thursday," said Bowles. "He has a slight rib fracture. He'll be out two to four weeks, probably, from what I'm hearing."

Bowles did not indicate if the Buccaneers are considering placing Winfield on injured reserve. If he was moved to IR, he would have to miss a minimum of four games before being eligible to return to the active roster.

Through four games, Winfield is second on the team with 24 tackles and he also recorded a forced fumble in the fourth quarter against the Packers. That was Winfield's first forced fumble of the 2026 but the 13th of his career; among all NFL defensive backs, only Baltimore's Marlon Humphrey has had more forced fumbles than Winfield since 2020, with 15. In that span, Winfield also has nine interceptions, 10 fumble recoveries and 18.0 sacks as one of the NFL's most productive safeties overall.

Sixth-year safety Ifeatu Melifonwu picked up his first four defensive snaps with the Buccaneers after Winfield's injury. Melifonwu was promoted to the active roster from the practice squad last week after he had used up his allotted game day elevation options for the season. He played in the first three games of the season, as well, but only on special teams.

Melifonwu has 22 starts in his career, with 14 across four seasons in Detroit and eight last year with the Dolphins. His career totals include 126 tackles, 5.5 sacks, three interceptions, 14 passes defensed, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. The Buccaneers also have veteran Miles Killebrew in reserve at the safety position and versatile rookie Keionte Scott, who is currently the first-team slot corner, is capable of playing the position. Young safeties J.J. Roberts and Silas Walters are on the practice squad, as well, and could be game day elevation options.

for more of Coach Bowles' thoughts on the Green Bay game and the Cowboys.

Packers 17 - Buccaneers 7 | Third Quarter Updates

The Packers struck early in the third frame with a two-yard touchdown by Tucker Kraft. The play was initially ruled an incomplete pass on the field but after Green Bay challenged the ruling, it was reversed, giving the visiting team a 17-7 advantage.

Packers 10 - Buccaneers 7 | Second Quarter Updates

The Bucs scored as Sean Tucker quickly bounced to the outside and found an open lane for a two-yard touchdown, tying the game at seven. The play before, Daniels faked the ball to Bucky Irving and took off with the football for a nine-yard gain on the keeper. The Bucs next offensive drive, featuring a gain of 15 yards by Tez Johnson on a sensational contorted grab and a critical third down conversion to Ted Hurst III, was cut short. Daniels was intercepted by Edgerrin Cooper ay the Green Bay 38 and it was returned 18 yards to the 44. The Packers capitalized with a 58-yard field goal by Trey Smack just before the half.

Buccaneers 0 - Packers 0 | First Quarter Updates

Both teams remained scoreless at the end of the first period. Jalon Daniels was intercepted at the Green Bay 32 by Evan Williams and the Packers are in the red area.

Josiah Trotter#45 LBHeight: 6-2Weight: 237 lbsCollege: Missouri

October 2 Updates

Linebacker Josiah Trotter's first two NFL games were eye-opening, as he racked up 21 tackes, two tackles for loss, one sack and one pick-six in the Buccaneers' losses to the Bengals and Browns in Weeks One and Two. Unfortunately, he also collected a shoulder injury late in the Cleveland game and was unable to suit up in Week Three of his rookie season.

The good news for the Buccaneers is that absence will not continue into Week Four. After the team's final practice on Friday in preparation for a visit from the Packers, Head Coach Todd Bowles said that Trotter is "good" for the critical Week Four contest.

Outside linebacker Yaya Diaby also showed up on the injury report this week with calf and shoulder issues but he is also ready to play on Sunday after being limited earlier in the week.

"He's fine," said Bowles. "He'll be good."

Bowles did note four players who will be ruled out for the game on Friday's injury report later in the afternoon: outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. (groin/shoulder), tight end Ko Kieft (elbow), quarterback Baker Mayfield (right thumb) and cornerback Benjamin Morrison (quad). Morrison was not injured to start the week but developed a quad ailment on Thursday.

"It happened at practice yesterday, the end of pratice," said Bowles, who couldn't say if the injury would cause Morrison to miss more than one game. "He was tight. I'm not sure yet [on future games]. I just know he's out this week."

for more prominent storylines from the upcoming Bucs-Packers tilt.

Chris Godwin Jr.#14 WRHeight: 6-1Weight: 209 lbsCollege: Penn State

October 1 Updates

In 2024, the last time that Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin started a season fully healthy, he had eight targets in a season-opening win over Washington and caught all of them for 82 yards and a touchdown. He had another eight targets the next week against Detroit and caught seven for 117 yards and another score. Week Three broughtnine targets, as did Week Four.

In the Buccaneers' seventh game of the season, against Baltimore, Godwin had nine targets, seven catches and 65 yards, but on the last one he suffered a devastating ankle injury and was lost for the season. As of the end of that week of NFL football, he was tied for third in the league with 62 targets, atop the leaderboard with 50 receptions, second with 576 receiving yards and tied for third with five touchdown receptions.

Godwin's rehabilitation from that injury and subsequent surgery stretched long enough to keep him out of the first three games last season and he later missed five more games with a different injury. However, by his own assessment, he was back to full health this summer and ready to once again be a very friendly target for Baker Mayfield. It has thus been notable, particularly with Mike Evans no longer on the team to be that 1A option, that Godwin has not been thrown the football at anything like his pace from 2024.

Through the first three games, Godwin has been targeted 11 times, which has produced 10 catches for 111 yards. He ranks just fifth on the Bucs' offense in targets, behind wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (20), tight end Cade Otton (17), running back Bucky Irving (15) and rookie wideout Ted Hurst (13). It is not likely that Godwin will continue to have that spot in the Bucs' passing hierarchy as the season progresses, and Offensive Coordinator Zac Robinson said the team is definitely trying to get him the ball more.

"There's times when, shoot, maybe he is the primary in the route and, again, all 11 [players], for football plays to work and for the execution to be at a high level, all things have to click at the right time," said Robinson. "I think that's been kind of the story with some of those. Could he have had two or three more catches in a game? Probably so when you watch the tape and you take a look at how things are playing out from an all-22 perspective. But CG's a stud. He'll continue to do his thing, and if the ball finds him, which it will, naturally. Just with his savvy and all the things that he presents, the ball will find him eventually. We've got to get him rolling, for sure."

Maybe a visit by the Green Bay Packers to Raymond James Stadium is just what the doctor ordered for Godwin. In four career games against Green Bay, including the playoffs, Godwin has averaged almost exactly eight targets per game and has racked up a total of 22 catches for 337 yards.

to hear more from Zac Robinson on a variety of topics regarding the Bucs' offense.