The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have just received a blow to their Week 4 plans for the 2025 season. While a big chunk of their roster has been reeling from injuries, rookie defensive lineman Jayson Jones finds his first NFL regular-season campaign at an end before it even begins.

Jones’ injury setback is a torn biceps requiring season-ending surgery. Joining the Bucs’ practice squad in August after being released from the Baltimore Ravens, Jones was pegged as a high-upside signee. He was gearing up to be added to the active roster for a splash against the Philadelphia Eagles. However, his absence now leaves a significant hole in the defensive plans and tests the team’s depth in the trenches.

As Greg Auman reported on X, “Tough break for Bucs’ depth, as practice squad DL Jayson Jones, a potential elevation for Sunday vs. Eagles, tore his biceps Thursday and will require season-ending surgery. Big presence vs. run at 6-6, 335 pounds.” Jones would have been a perfect fit in head coach Todd Bowles’ schemes. Jones’ addition would have meant absorbing double teams and clogging running lanes. His college resume lists around 1,200 snaps across four years. Moreover, he had followed it up with a 13.7% save rate in the preseason. But now, the Bucs must change their plans.

Tampa Bay’s defense relies heavily on star nose tackle Vita Vea. When Vea misses time, the Bucs have learned from past seasons that the gap must be filled to maintain their defensive structure. Behind Vea, Greg Gaines remains as the backup, but Jones’ size would have offered a heavier, denser option. His season-ending injury now leaves the Bucs scrambling for that vital run-defense presence in Week 4. However, as the team preps to face the Eagles, it’s not all bad news. A wave of optimism accompanies the return of three key players.

Key returns to lighten Tampa Bay’s load

Quarterback Baker Mayfield suffered a bicep injury in his Week 3 matchup vs. the New York Jets as linebacker Quincy Williams hit Mayfield’s throwing arm. He was then listed as questionable to play in Week 4. Wide receiver Chris Godwin and left tackle Tristan Wirfs were a question mark for this week. But their possible returns offer a significant boost to a Bucs offense that has been rolling with limited firepower in recent games.

As Adam Schefter noted, “Three key Buccaneers listed as questionable for Sunday’s game vs. the Eagles – QB Baker Mayfield (bicep), WR Chris Godwin (ankle), and LT Tristan Wirfs (knee) – all are expected to play, per sources.” Mayfield’s status is especially critical given his role in leading the offense amidst injuries and challenges across the board. Godwin’s return adds a deep-threat element that the Bucs have sorely missed since his ankle injury last season. Wirfs’ return strengthens the O-Line. This will be particularly vital since the O-Line has struggled to protect Mayfield so far this season.

Tampa Bay’s ability to overcome challenges in the trenches and capitalize on key returns will define their trajectory against a formidable Eagles team. Mayfield, Godwin, and Wirfs could be the spark Tampa Bay needs to offset its challenges. Both teams are heading 3-0 into Week 4, the margin for error is paper thin. For now, we’ll just have to wait and see how it turns out…