Buccaneers dealt brutal double injury blow on MNF vs. Texans

Adam Schultz

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Buccaneers dealt brutal double injury blow on MNF vs. Texans image

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were ravaged by injury last season, and it almost cost them their playoff spot. Todd Bowles was hoping to avoid a similar injury list this year.

But against the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football, the Buccaneers were dealt two cruel injury blows, one on each side of the ball.

First, it was offensive lineman Luke Goedeke, who reportedly came into the game a little sore, who was ruled out in the first half with a foot injury, per the Buccaneers.

So, Baker Mayfield's already makeshift offensive line lost another body.

But the football gods weren't done there.

Defensive tackle Calijah Kancey suffered a pectoral injury, and while he was initially listed as questionable to return, the Buccaneers downgraded him to out per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

So that is two key pieces the Buccaneers have lost early in the game.

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Buccaneers can't avoid injury bug

Last season, it was the defense, along with Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, who struggled to get on the field, and now it appears history is repeating itself.

With the offensive line already in trouble, losing Goedeke isn't great for the Buccaneers and offensive coordinator Joss Grizzard, and then with Kancey, his push and power at the line of scrimmage were a big help to Tampa Bay's pass rush.

It isn't known how long either could be out for, but the fact that both were quickly ruled out isn't a great sign moving forward.

Tampa Bay is seen as a genuine NFC contender and possibly more, but to be that, it will need all its available weapons...and they might not have two after the Texans clash.

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Adam Schultz

Adam Schultz is a freelance writer at The Sporting News. An Australian journalist with years of experience covering the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL, Adam has interviewed several high-profile athletes in Australia for various sites and brings a unique view on the NFL.