As the week begins, it’s still status quo on Bucs injury front

TAMPA — Head coach Todd Bowles had nothing new to say about Bucs injuries on Monday. The way things have been going this season, that may qualify as a cause for celebration.

Running back Bucky Irving (7) missed the Seattle game after suffering foot and shoulder injuries against the Eagles. Irving's status for this week's game against the 49ers is still up in the air. ©Jefferee Woo
Running back Bucky Irving (7) missed the Seattle game after suffering foot and shoulder injuries against the Eagles. Irving's status for this week's game against the 49ers is still up in the air. ©Jefferee Woo

TAMPA — Head coach Todd Bowles had nothing new to say about Bucs injuries on Monday.

The way things have been going this season, that may qualify as a cause for celebration.

The Bucs had no new injuries coming out of Sunday’s 38-35 win at Seattle, but there’s still no word on whether previously sidelined players might be available this weekend against the 49ers.

Receiver Mike Evans (hamstring), running back Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder), cornerback Jamel Dean (hip), defensive back Christian Izien (quad) and cornerback Benjamin Morrison (hamstring) all missed the Seahawks game.

“A little early,” Bowles said, “so we’ll wait until the report comes in and see where they’re at.”

There were reports over the weekend that Irving’s shoulder injury might delay his return, but Bowles said the running back remains day-to-day.

Chris Godwin was limping on the field during Sunday’s game, although it could be related to his recovery from last season’s dislocated ankle.

Forget the haters and your frayed nerves. The Bucs are 4-1. Enjoy it

“Playing only in his second game right now, I’m pretty sure he was sore,” Bowles said. “Still waiting for the injury report to come out.”

Rookie cornerback Jacob Parrish made his first start and had mixed results. Moving from the slot to the outside, Parrish had seven passes throw his direction and allowed seven receptions, according to Pro Football Focus. He also committed a pass interference penalty, but finished tied with Lavonte David with a team-high nine tackles.

“I thought that was a lot on Parrish’s plate, but I thought he handled it well,” Bowles said. “He had a (penalty) I thought was very good coverage in that respect, but to go outside and inside is not easy.”

Rookie Tez Johnson had a career-high four receptions for 59 yards against the Seahawks, but seemed most excited about meeting Seattle receiver Cooper Kupp before the game. Cowboys receivers coach Junior Adams was Johnson’s coach at Oregon and, before that, coached Kupp at Eastern Washington. Johnson said he studied Kupp’s route running while in college.

“I have watched everything he has done,” Johnson said Monday. “(I) was similar to him coming out of college with option routes. Cooper Kupp is one of those guys I look up to. Meeting him this pregame, and him just telling me congratulations for being here, it was really surreal. That was my welcome to the NFL moment.”

• • •

Sign up for our Sports Today newsletter to get daily updates on the Bucs, Rays, Lightning and college football across Florida.

Every weekday, tune into our Sports Day Tampa Bay podcast to hear reporter Rick Stroud break down the biggest stories in Tampa Bay sports.

Never miss out on the latest with your favorite Tampa Bay sports teams. Follow our coverage on X and Facebook.

Category: General Sports