Bucs vs. Colts Final Injury Report: Hope For 2 Key Starters?

The Bucs’ 27-14 loss to the 49ers in Week 11 was costly both in terms of the loss itself and the health of the team’s defense. Lavonte David (groin), Jamel Dean (ankle/foot) and Carlton Davis III (hip) all left the game with injuries. And with the long flight back to Tampa followed by the team turning around for another road game at Indianapolis in Week 12, it was going to be a longshot for all three of those key defensive starters to play.

Sure enough, both David and Dean were ruled out by head coach Todd Bowles after Friday’s practice, though he did leave the door open for Davis and Devin White (foot), who have been on the injury report all week.

Is There Some Hope For Carlton Davis III?

Bowles mentioned that Davis had been able to practice some on Friday as he deals with his hip injury. The final injury report on Friday may have offered up some hope for his chances to play against the Colts on Sunday, as he was upgraded from limited participation on Thursday to full participation on Friday. Of course, how he feels over the next couple of days and before the game on Sunday will be what decides whether the team’s top cornerback can suit up.

Davis has struggled heavily in recent weeks and hasn’t had his best year overall, but the Bucs would be much better off if he’s able to go against Indianapolis. Being without its top two cornerbacks would be problematic for Tampa Bay given its depth behind the two starters.

Zyon McCollum has improved in his second year, but he’s still not at the point where he’s a solidified starter. Dee Delaney has been a serviceable backup himself and can certainly step in when needed, too. He’s actually tied with Christian Izien for the team lead in interceptions with two. But Davis being out would ultimately leave the Bucs starting their No. 3 and No. 4 cornerbacks in a game they badly need to win. So having him out there would be a big plus for Todd Bowles and his defense.

Other Improvements, Plus New Additions

Davis wasn’t the only one whose practice status improved on Friday. After not participating in Wednesday’s walk-through and Thursday’s practice, linebacker Devin White was a limited participant on Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday.

“He did some things,” Bowles said about White’s day on Friday. “He’ll be a game-time decision.”

Asked further about White’s participation on Friday, Bowles didn’t offer much more.

“He ran around today. Again, it’s about how he feels on Sunday. He’ll be a game time decision.”

Center Robert Hainsey (knee) also saw his status upgraded on Friday. He was a full participant after practicing in a limited capacity on Wednesday and Thursday. He isn’t carrying an injury designation heading into the weekend.

Although there were improvements for some, the Bucs did have two new additions to Friday’s injury report. Reserve defensive lineman Mike Greene was listed as a non-participant with a calf injury, while Logan Hall also didn’t participate because of an illness. Hall is the latest Buc to deal with an illness, as Chris Godwin played through an illness against the Titans two weeks ago and Vita Vea played through one last week against the 49ers.

Bucs’ Final Injury Report For Week 12

Here is the Bucs’ full final injury report for Sunday’s game against the Colts:

Lavonte David – Groin – Did Not Participate – OUT

Jamel Dean – Ankle/Foot – Did Not Participate – OUT

Carlton Davis – Hip – Full Participation – QUESTIONABLE

Mike Greene – Calf – Did Not Participate – QUESTIONABLE

Logan Hall – Illness – Did Not Participate – QUESTIONABLE

Devin White – Foot – Limited Participation – QUESTIONABLE

Chris Godwin – Knee/Elbow – Limited Participation

Robert Hainsey – Knee – Full Participation

Ryan Neal – Thumb – Full Participation

Tristan Wirfs – Ankle – Full Participation

Colts’ Final Injury Report For Week 12

Here is the Colts’ full final injury report for Sunday’s game against the Bucs:

JuJu Brents – Quadriceps – Did Not Participate – OUT

Ryan Kelly – Concussion – Did Not Participate – OUT

Drew Ogletree – Foot – Did Not Participate – OUT

Grant Stuard – Illness – Limited Participation – QUESTIONABLE

Rodney Thomas II – Knee – Full Participation

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