Bucs Gameday

Three Buccaneers unable to make team's trip to Germany

Tampa Bay departed for Germany on Thursday and three members of the squad were absent.

Dustin Lewis

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have an opportunity to win their second straight game on Sunday when the team matches up with the Seattle Seahawks in Germany. This is a big contest at the mid-season mark as the Buccaneers and Seahawks both lead their respective divisions and are firmly in the playoff hunt.

READ MORE: Tom Brady fired up for "epic game" in Germany

Tampa Bay will have to get it done without at least three players - including two starters. The team released its latest injury report on Thursday as wide receiver Russell Gage (hamstring), guard Luke Goedeke (foot), and linebacker J.J. Russell continued to miss practice. According to the Buccaneers, the trio will remain in the United States while the team is abroad.

Gage has missed the last two games with a tricky hamstring injury. Overall, he's appeared in seven contests, with four starts, and has compiled 29 catches for 231 yards (8 YPC, career-low) and one touchdown. Like with Gage, Goedeke's injury will keep him sidelined for the third straight weekend. His inconsistent play had Nick Leverett beginning to take some of his snaps anyway. Russell was elevated to the active roster in late October but hasn't recorded any statistics.

On the bright side, the Buccaneers upgraded Julio Jones (knee/rest) to a full participant after he missed Wednesday's practice. Plus, starting safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (concussion) and tight end Cameron Brate (neck) are trending towards returns against Seattle after back-to-back days of full participation. 

Tampa Bay travels to Germany for an international matchup with the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. The game will be held at 9:30 a.m. eastern time which equates to 3:30 p.m. in Munich.

READ MORE: Buccaneers listed in latest betting odds for Odell Beckham Jr.

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Dustin Lewis
DUSTIN LEWIS

Lewis joined BucsGameday when it was founded in 2022. He's also the Editor-In-Chief of NoleGameday. A graduate of Florida State, Lewis has worked for NG since 2016.