Bucs Nation
Tampa Bay Buccaneers All‑Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. was absent from practice due to a lower‑leg issue, as revealed by head coach Todd Bowles Wednesday. Bowles did not elaborate on the severity of the injury or whether it would affect Winfield’s availability for upcoming preseason games.
However, if it is of any comfort, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that it doesn’t seem like it’ll be enough to keep Tampa Bay’s stud safety on the sidelines come the season opener.
Winfield, entering his sixth NFL season, has been a cornerstone of the Bucs’ secondary. Despite a 2024 marred by a foot injury and recurrent knee troubles that limited him to just 9 regular‑season games, he remains a key figure in the team’s defensive plans. In June, Bowles praised Winfield’s conditioning and commitment during OTAs, calling his shape “great” and stressing his importance as Tampa Bay’s most reliable defender in 2025.
With the season on the horizon, any setback to Winfield’s preparation could be impactful. The Buccaneers will be watching closely as he undergoes evaluation—hoping this latest issue is minor and won’t interrupt his return to elite form this fall.
