The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be without several players for Sunday's Week 6 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, including running back Sean Tucker, whose availability remained uncertain heading into game day.
According to Buccaneers Communications, Tampa Bay has announced seven inactive players ahead of kickoff at Raymond James Stadium. Tucker joins quarterback Baker Mayfield, safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and cornerback Benjamin Morrison among those unavailable against Pittsburgh.
Tucker was listed as questionable with a quad injury after missing Wednesday's practice and participating in a limited capacity on Thursday and Friday. Head coach Todd Bowles had indicated that Tucker would be evaluated before Sunday's game, but the final inactive list confirms he will not play. His absence leaves Tampa Bay without another option in the running game as the Buccaneers look to build on last week's victory over Dallas.
Mayfield will miss his third consecutive game with a right thumb injury, leaving rookie Jalon Daniels under center once again. Veteran Easton Stick was elevated from the practice squad Saturday to provide depth behind Daniels.
The Buccaneers will also be without Winfield, who continues to recover from a rib injury, and Morrison, who was listed as doubtful on Friday with a quad injury. Both absences affect a Tampa Bay secondary preparing to face Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
There is some encouraging news for the defense. Rookie linebacker Josiah Trotter, who appeared on Friday's injury report with a knee issue, has been cleared to play. SirVocea Dennis is also available after missing the previous game with ankle and foot injuries, according to Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com.
Tampa Bay also elevated running back Josh Williams from the practice squad Saturday, providing another backfield option with Tucker unavailable.
Buccaneers inactive players vs. Steelers
- QB Baker Mayfield (No. 6)
- CB Benjamin Morrison (No. 21)
- S Antoine Winfield Jr. (No. 31)
- RB Sean Tucker (No. 44)
- G Luke Haggard (No. 72)
- G Billy Schrauth (No. 75)
- DL DeMonte Capehart (No. 90)
Practice squad elevations
- QB Easton Stick (No. 16)
- RB Josh Williams (No. 18)
The Buccaneers enter Sunday's game at 1-4 and are looking for their second consecutive victory. With Tucker joining Mayfield on the sidelines, Tampa Bay will have to make another adjustment offensively, while the returns of Trotter and Dennis provide some much-needed help on defense.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Buccaneers announce seven are inactive for Week 6 vs. Steelers