Buccaneers face challenges as $90M tackle Goedeke is placed on injured reserve
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are navigating a turbulent path as they confront significant shifts in their offensive line. Following their recent victory over the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football, news broke regarding right tackle Luke Goedeke’s status. While he managed to avoid a severe injury to his foot during the game, the immediate implications are anything but encouraging.
Goedeke’s Injured Reserve Status
On Thursday, the Buccaneers made the decision to place Goedeke on injured reserve, a move that will sideline him for at least the next four games. Although the exact severity of his injury remains unclear, the implications for the team’s offensive line are profound. The Buccaneers are already grappling with issues in this area, and Goedeke’s absence will exacerbate their struggles.
The timeline for Goedeke’s return is structured around the NFL’s rules for players on injured reserve. He will miss crucial matchups against the New York Jets this Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4, the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5, and the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6. If all goes well, he could rejoin the team in Week 7 when the Buccaneers face the Detroit Lions on the road.
Further Setbacks with Mauch’s Injury
Adding to the Buccaneers’ woes, guard Cody Mauch was also revealed to have sustained a season-ending knee injury, which will require him to be placed on injured reserve as well. This double blow has forced the Buccaneers to reassess their offensive line depth, leading to two key signings. They brought in Dan Feeney from the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad and elevated guard Luke Haggard from their own practice squad to the 53-man roster.
Restructuring the Offensive Line
With Goedeke and Mauch sidelined, the Buccaneers are left with only two of their original five offensive linemen available for the upcoming clash against the Jets. Graham Barton and Ben Bredeson are set to step in, but both will be playing out of position, which adds another layer of uncertainty to the team’s offensive strategy.
As the Buccaneers prepare for this weekend’s game, they will have to rally as they adapt to these significant changes. The road ahead is undoubtedly steep, but the resilience of the team will be put to the test as they strive to maintain their competitive edge despite the injuries to key players.
