Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Buffalo Bills: Optimized Week 8 Inactives

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face injury woes as they head into a crucial game against the Buffalo Bills. Key players are out, including Vita Vea, while others are questionable. The Bills also have their own injury concerns.

It's been a challenging week for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and they're hoping to put their recent losses behind them. With back-to-back defeats and a struggling offense, the Bucs have gone from a promising 3-1 record to a concerning 3-3. Now, as they head into a mini-bye week, they're at risk of falling below a .500 winning percentage. Adding to their concerns is the fact that they have never won a road game in Buffalo, and the odds don't look favorable for that streak to end now.

In their previous game against the Atlanta Falcons, the Bucs faced some setbacks. Left guard Matt Feiler struggled with a knee injury towards the end of the game, and unfortunately, the short week will keep him out of the upcoming match. Additionally, Kaevon Merriweather, who left the Falcons game with an ankle injury, will also be absent.

One of the biggest uncertainties leading up to game time was whether Vita Vea would be able to play. Vea, who has been dealing with multiple injuries this season, didn't participate in practice due to a groin injury. Unfortunately, Vea is officially inactive for the Bucs, which is a significant loss for their defensive line.

On the other hand, Baker Mayfield, who had a knee issue, and Chris Godwin, who was dealing with a neck injury, both missed Monday's walkthrough but will be starting for the Buccaneers.

Prior to the game, the Bucs elevated defensive lineman Deadrin Senat and safety Richard LeCounte III from the practice squad. LeCounte III was brought in as a replacement for Merriweather, while Senat was the backup plan in case Vea couldn't play.

Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills are also facing their own injury concerns. Tight end Dawson Knox recently underwent wrist surgery, and fellow tight end Quintin Morris will be sidelined with an ankle injury. Additionally, linebacker Baylon Spector is dealing with a hamstring injury and won't be able to play.

Although Ed Oliver was questionable with a toe injury, he will still suit up and take the field against the Bucs tonight.

To provide a complete picture, here are the full lists of inactive players for both the Buccaneers and the Bills.

The highly anticipated matchup between the Buccaneers and Bills will take place on Thursday night at 8:15 p.m. ET, with the game being broadcasted on Amazon Prime. Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit will be providing the commentary for this exciting encounter.

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