Bucs rule 3 starters out, but several key players expected back

play

The Los Angeles Rams will be without a Pro Bowl defensive back, a tight end, a left guard and a wide receiver.

One of the top players on the defensive side of the ball, Winfield Jr., suffered a concussion in the 7th week of the season. He returned to practice this week in a limited capacity but is still in the concussion protocol.

It's good to see him out here. He's going through the process right now but he's moving in the right direction.

Brate left the game on a stretcher after suffering a neck injury in Week 6. He returned to practice this week. Their starting left guard, Goedeke, and their fourth receiver, Gage, have been out with injuries since Week 7.

Several key players are expected to be back from injury as the Bucs try to end a five-game losing streak. Akiem Hicks has been a full participant in practice all week despite being out with a foot injury. The run defense, one of the top units in the league the last few years, has been struggling recently.

Everybody is back in their roles because of it. "It puts everybody back in their roles and they can get the amount of time and play how they're used to playing, and it helps us up front."

Cornerback Carlton Davis III, who missed the last two weeks with a hip injury, and Sean Murphy-Bunting, who missed the last five weeks with a quadriceps injury, were both full participants in practice this week.

The Bucs have dealt with a number of injuries to key defensive pieces this year, with a Pro Bowl outside linebacker going under the knife earlier this week to repair an injured toe.

The Rams are currently at 3-4. The Rams have never fallen below.500 under coach Sean McVay, but they will face off for the fourth time in three years.

We know we're going to get the best Rams team. Both of us are trying to win a game. It's going to be a battle since they have all their star players and high production.