Buccaneers brace for Goedeke’s return ahead of Patriots showdown
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are welcoming some much-needed good news on the injury front as they gear up for their upcoming matchup against the New England Patriots. After enduring a string of setbacks, the team is poised to reintegrate a vital player into their lineup.
Luke Goedeke’s anticipated return
Offensive tackle Luke Goedeke, who has been sidelined since Week 2 due to a re-aggravated foot injury, is inching closer to a return. His absence has been felt deeply along the Buccaneers’ offensive line, which has struggled in his absence. On Monday, the team announced that Goedeke has activated his 21-day practice window, indicating he could rejoin the squad at any moment.
Impact of Goedeke’s absence
The Buccaneers have been grappling with multiple injuries, including those to running back Bucky Irving and wide receiver Chris Godwin. However, the impact of Goedeke’s absence may be the most significant. Charlie Heck has stepped in at right tackle, but his performance has left much to be desired. According to Pro Football Focus, Heck has surrendered 32 pressures this season—an alarming statistic that ranks him as the worst tackle in the league among those with qualifying snaps. He has allowed pressure on 11.3% of his pass-blocking attempts, a figure that underscores the distressing state of the Buccaneers’ protection scheme.
Moreover, Heck’s struggles in pass protection have a ripple effect on the right guard position, which has seen a revolving door of players filling in beside him. The potential return of Goedeke not only strengthens the tackle position but also promises to elevate the performance of whoever lines up at right guard.
Goedeke’s past performance
Last season, Goedeke was a reliable presence on the line, allowing just 17 pressures throughout the entire year, as noted by PFF. His return could provide a much-needed boost to the Buccaneers’ offensive effectiveness and stability.
Looking ahead
While the exact timeline for Goedeke’s return remains uncertain, he has three weeks to rejoin the active roster. His availability could coincide with this Sunday’s pivotal match against the Patriots or possibly the subsequent clash with the Los Angeles Rams on November 23. The Buccaneers will gain further clarity on his status during their first practice after the bye week on Wednesday.
As Tampa Bay continues to navigate the challenges of the season, Goedeke’s impending return is a beacon of hope for a team eager to bolster its offensive line and improve its chances on the field.
