Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Indianapolis Colts: Injury Situation Could Get Worse

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers already know they'll have to play the Indianapolis Colts without Lavonte David and Jamel Dean, but it could get worse on Sunday.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6) have the benefit of playing in the NFC South Division which provides a lot of forgiveness these days in terms of how many games a team can lose and remain competitive.

Week 12, however, provides the Buccaneers with a golden opportunity in what should be a winnable matchup against the Indianapolis Colts (5-5).

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With the New Orleans Saints (5-5) taking on the Atlanta Falcons (4-6) this weekend, one of the NFC South teams ahead of Tampa Bay will lose - or is highly likely to lose - and even a tie between the two benefits coach Todd Bowles' team.

But, a loss against the Colts and that benefit is wiped away, something made more likely because of the absences of linebacker Lavonte David (groin) and cornerback Jamel Dean (ankle/foot).

If missing those two wasn't bad enough, three players currently listed as questionable are at serious risk of missing this weekend's critical contest as well.

"Everybody else will be game-time decisions," coach Bowles said referring to cornerback Carlton Davis III (hip), linebacker Devin White (foot), defensive tackle Mike Greene (calf), and defensive end Logan Hall who missed Friday's practice with an illness.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) runs the ball against Tampa Bay Buccaneers inside linebacker Devin White (45) and cornerback Carlton Davis (24) during the second half in a NFC Divisional playoff football game at Raymond James Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Of course, Davis and White are considered the most concerning of the foursome, but with key defenders already set to miss the game, the Buccaneers would like to have as many available as they can get.

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While Bowles specified all would be a game-time decision, that didn't keep him from having to field specifics about White and Davis.

"He ran around today. Again, it's about how he feels on Sunday. He'll be a game-time decision," Bowles said of White on Friday.

And of Davis, "Same thing -- he did some things today, too. We'll work them all out Sunday and see how they feel."

Bowles also echoed that both David and Dean are, "Day-to-day [or] week-to-week...When he gets better, he'll play."

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Those hoping Tampa Bay's playoff potential will get better are going to keep two fingers tightly crossed this weekend that at least White and Davis are able to play against the Colts.

From there the Buccaneers will enter the all-important month of December in the NFL with hopes that 'week-to-week' becomes just one week and the team can be healthier in the win/loss column and on the field in Week 13 when they host the rudderless Carolina Panthers (1-9).

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