The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face a critical turning point this Thursday Night Football as they host the Atlanta Falcons. For the 7-6 Bucs, this game could define their postseason fate, especially with the Panthers lurking nearby. But head coach Todd Bowles faces a growing injury list, including key tight end Cade Otton, casting a shadow over Tampa Bay’s offensive rhythm.

“#Bucs HC Todd Bowles says that SirVocea Dennis and Rashad Wisdom are OUT for tomorrow night. Tykee Smith and Cade Otton are DOUBTFUL,” PewterReport posted on X. 

Otton’s knee issue is turning into a serious headache for the Buccaneers. The 26-year-old tight end has struggled to practice, missing Tuesday’s walkthrough entirely. He was a non-participant on Tampa Bay’s initial injury reports in Week 15, showing no clear recovery path in sight. Now, he remains questionable for Thursday’s game vs. the Falcons. 

Since joining the Buccaneers in 2022, Cade Otton has quietly become a reliable target. He has 46 receptions for 430 yards this season alone, averaging 9.3 yards per catch and has zero fumbles. But if he can’t suit up, Payne Durham is next in line to fill the tight end spot. 

Payne signed with the Bucs in 2023. This season, he has seen action in 13 games and started seven, but has yet to shine as a primary receiver, with only one catch for 11 yards. Backup Devin Culp also stands ready to fill the void, but the drop-off could be significant.

Beyond Otton’s uncertain status, the Bucs face more injury hurdles. Todd Bowles is juggling more absences, making depth and resilience crucial.

Todd Bowles faces injury struggles as key players sit out vs. Falcons

The Bucs lost SirVocea Dennis and Rashad Wisdom for the game, and Tykee Smith is also unlikely to play, making this an injury mess. These setbacks could change a lot for 7-6 Tampa Bay. Dennis struggles with a hip injury that has sidelined him after starting 13 games and contributing 84 tackles and two sacks this season.

John Bullock, a rookie linebacker, is next in line behind Dennis. Though he’s played in every game, Bullock’s 9 tackles reflect limited impact so far. The Buccaneers will hope he can step up in this high-stakes game.

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Historically, the Buccaneers and Falcons have played 64 regular-season games. The Falcons were leading with a slim 32-31 lead. However, Tampa Bay evened the record at 32-32 with a narrow 23-20 victory over Atlanta in Week 1.

If the Bucs make the playoffs this year, it will mark their sixth straight trip to the postseason and their fifth consecutive year doing it under coach Todd Bowles. But for the Falcons, this season is already over, as they sit at 4-9 with little chance to turn things around.