The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense has kept with a trend of allowing the opposition to get back into the games. They would want to change that in future games, but Tom Brady and Co. might find themselves in an acid test in week 13. This is because they might not have the service of an important player against the New Orleans Saints.

Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks has found his way to the Bucs’ injury list with a reported foot injury ahead of Week 13. 

Akiem Hicks did not practice on Friday

According to the Bucs’ defensive leader Devin White, Hicks, a big name in the Buccaneers’ defensive line, “scares a lot of offensive linemen with his demeanor.” Based on what’s happening, ‘The Black and Gold’ may not have to worry about him when they visit Raymond James Stadium for Monday Night Football. 

As per emerging reports, the defensive tackle did not practice with the team on Friday. Tampa has added him to the injury report for a foot problem. With the Saints clash just days away, he might not be able to make it back to the field in time.

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Hicks missed nearly two months this season due to a foot injury. While it is not clear if it is the same injury that has aggravated, the previous length of his absence puts forward a scary proposition for Tom Brady’s team.

Tom Brady and the Bucs could face an acid test against New Orleans Saints

The Akiem Hicks injury has added to the already growing issues with the Buccaneers. Their season hasn’t gone as smoothly as people expected, with a 5-6 record after 11 games. While they are sixth in the NFL for a total number of points allowed in the season, the defense has faced scrutiny for allowing opposing teams to make late comebacks into games. 

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Against the Baltimore Ravens, the Bucs gave away 24 points in the second half and suffered a third consecutive defeat. They then allowed the Seattle Seahawks to claw back into the game and take the score from 21-3 to 21-16 in the final 10 minutes at Munich. As Tampa Bay was aiming to secure a third win, they capitulated late against the Browns. 

Hence, it may be an acid test for the Bucs if they take to the field without a pivotal member of the defense. Any subsequent defeat here could see Brady’s hopes of an eighth Super Bowl in jeopardy as the Atlanta Falcons are closing in.

The good news is that the Buccaneers hold the top spot in the NFC South and have a game in hand over Atlanta. Can they make it count? Or will Hicks’ potential absence prove costly?

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