New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots are gearing up for a pivotal Week 10 clash against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but they will be shorthanded going into this game. However, on the other side of the ball, the Bucs don’t exactly have a clean bill of health themselves.
All week long, it seemed like wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, running back Rhamondre Stevenson and Christian Elliss were long shots to play against Tampa Bay. Sure enough, all three guys were ruled out on Friday after not practicing at all this week.
The Buccaneers are certainly a bit healthier, considering how they are fresh off their bye week, but they will be down several key players as well. Running back Bucky Irving, wide receiver Chris Godwin and linebackers Haason Reddick and Markees Watts were all ruled out for this game as well, meaning both teams will be without some key players on Sunday.
Considering how star wide receiver Mike Evans is already out for this game, being without another pair of offensive playmakers in Irving and Godwin hurts the Bucs. That means Rachaad White and Emeka Egbuka will be featured more prominently on offense for Tampa in this one.
On defense, Reddick isn’t exactly the feared pass rusher he once was, but not having to worry about him will be big for a Patriots’ offensive line that has struggled over the past few weeks. Watts is primarily a special teams player for Tampa Bay, although he has been used as a pass rusher on a couple of occasions as well.
The Buccaneers have gotten used to playing shorthanded this season, particularly on offense, so that could serve them well against a Pats team that has largely stayed healthy this year. Kickoff for this very important contest is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon.
