Buccaneers Safety Antoine Winfield Sidelined By Rib Fracture
Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield is expected to miss two to four weeks because of a rib fracture, coach Todd Bowles said. Tampa Bay, still winless, will also be without Baker Mayfield, SirVocea Dennis, and Benjamin Morrison against Dallas in Week 5. Ifeatu Melifonwu is likely to fill in for Winfield on Thursday night.
Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles said Monday that safety Antoine Winfield is expected to miss two to four weeks after fracturing a rib. The 28-year-old had 24 tackles in four games, second on the team, plus one quarterback hit. Pro Football Focus ranked his run defense and tackling among the best at his position.
The 0-4 Buccaneers also will lack Baker Mayfield (thumb), SirVocea Dennis and Benjamin Morrison against Dallas in Week 5. Ifeatu Melifonwu, a six-year veteran, replaced Winfield in Week 4 and likely starts Thursday. Tampa Bay’s remaining safety depth is unproven beyond special-teamer Miles Killebrew, so GM Jason Licht may examine free agents.
The absence of Winfield and other starters may dampen Buccaneers fans’ hopes for a turnaround and could affect fantasy football managers relying on Tampa Bay’s defense. A longer skid might reduce local game-day buzz, though injuries are routine in professional football and their broader social effects are usually limited to fans, bettors, and the team’s immediate community.