Buccaneers - Titans Injury Report: Barrett Ruud Out, Michael Bennett Doubtful

The Tampa Sick Bay is starting to fill up again as the Bucs have listed seven players on the injury report for Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans. The most significant name on the injury report is DE Michael Bennett's, who is listed as Doubtful and is likely to miss the game with a groin injury. If he is out, expect Da'Quan Bowers to make his first NFL start. Bowers has looked good in recent games, and while Bennett has been very good this season, Bowers should be able to fill in adequately at least. 

The Bucs have three other significant injuries to report: S Tanard Jackson, LB Dekoda Watson and LB Adam Hayward are all listed as Questionable. Jackson and Watson both missed last game. The Bucs are struggling at the safety position and Jackson's return would boost at least the pass defense, although he has been lacking in run defense when healthy. Per Rick Stroud, the Bucs expect Jackson to suit up. 

The Bucs can't really afford to miss both Watson and Hayward, however. The Bucs have really struggled with their play at outside linebacker, as especially highly-priced veteran Quincy Black has disappointed this year. Hayward has earned a lot of playing time in recent weeks as a result of Black's lackluster play. If Watson does return he should see a significant portion of the snaps as well. 

For the Titans, Barrett Ruud's name is the perhaps the most familiar to Bucs fans. The much-criticized linebacker won't play against the Bucs, so they won't be able to shout "RUUUUUUUD" again: he is listed as Out with a groin injury. The two Titans' starting offensive tackles are both listed as Questionable, and their right tackle David Stewart did not participate in the Titans' last practice. If they can't play the Bucs could take advantage by punishing the backups and disrupting QB Matt Hasselbeck's play. The veteran signal caller is also listed on the injury report but is almost certain to suit up. 

Full Injury Report:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Doubtful: DE Michael Bennett (groin)

Questionable: S Tanard Jackson (hamstring), LB Dekoda Watson (groin), LB Adam Hayward (foot)

Probable: DT Albert Haynesworth (knee), DT Brian Price (forearm), T Jeremy Trueblood (knee)

Tennessee Titans

Out: LB Barrett Ruud (groin)

Questionable: DT Karl Klug (knee), LB Colin McCarthy (knee), DE Derrick Morgan (ankle), T David Stewart (calf), T Michael Roos (groin)

Probable: K Rob Bironas (back), C Eugene Amano (hip), QB Matt Hasselbeck (right elbow)