Bucs Enter Bye After Win, Still Injured

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2) enter their bye week after a dominant win over the New Orleans Saints but remain hampered by significant injuries. QB Baker Mayfield has produced near-MVP numbers (1,767 yards, 13 TDs, two INTs) while rookie WR Emeka Egbuka has emerged as a contributor. Key starters are sidelined: WR Mike Evans was placed on injured reserve with a broken collarbone and concussion, Chris Godwin is out with a fibula injury, RB Bucky Irving is dealing with foot and shoulder issues, and LB Haason Reddick is awaiting MRI results. Defensively the Bucs have forced turnovers and pressured quarterbacks effectively, but short-yardage execution and play-calling remain concerns as tougher games loom after the bye. New Orleans continues to struggle as a divisional rival, with Spencer Rattler showing growth but committing costly turnovers. Separately, the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons are coping with injuries—Jaylen Brown questionable (left hamstring), Jayson Tatum out recovering from a right Achilles tear, and Detroit expected to be without Jaden Ivey and Marcus Sasser.