On Sunday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be playing a key NFC South divisional matchup against the visiting Carolina Panthers. However, they will do so without two key players on defense. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys have provided a clearer picture of how long kicker Dan Bailey will be out, and the Washington Redskins have lost a defensive starter for the season.

Buccaneers to be down two cornerbacks Sunday

ESPN's Jenna Laine reported on Friday that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be without the services of cornerbacks Brent Grimes and Robert McClain on Sunday.

Both players were injured in last week's loss to the Buffalo Bills, as Grimes injured his shoulder and McClain suffered a concussion.

Neither player has practiced all week and McClain has not yet been cleared from being in the concussion protocol. It is likely that Vernon Hargreaves will move from his nickelback role to take McClain's spot on the outside. 2016 fourth-round pick Ryan Smith will probably be the other starter, taking Grimes' role.

Cowboys give status update on Dan Bailey

ESPN's Todd Archer reported today that Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said that Dan Bailey could be out “four or more games” due to the groin strain he suffered last week in the team's win over the San Francisco 49ers.

If Bailey were to miss four games he would come back to the Cowboys for their Thanksgiving matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Archer also reported that the team will be careful with Bailey when he does return, saying they might decide to keep two kickers so that he does not have to do kickoffs.

Redskins lose Mason Foster for the season

ESPN's John Keim reported today that Washington Redskins starting middle linebacker Mason Foster had season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder.

Head coach Jay Gruden said that Foster would be placed on injured reserve today. He also added that Will Compton and Martell Spaight would replace Foster.

Foster originally separated his shoulder in the team's week two game against the Los Angeles Rams. He kept playing with the injury but at some point tore his labrum and the pain he was experiencing kept increasing. This morning he told the team of his desire to have the surgery.

Foster joined the Redskins in 2015 after playing four seasons in Tampa Bay. In his time with Washington he has played in 34 games, starting 22 of them. He has 187 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception in his time with the team.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED