Each week the injury report brings some news, and this time it's of a Dekoda Watson injury. I've heard a remark or two of Watson straining his hamstring, but the Buccaneers have listed him as questionable. If Watson can't play, the Bucs really lose a dimension of their pass rush. Watson looked a very good speed rusher during preseason, and the Bucs lack that dimension on defense. Watson had limited participation in all three practices this week.
In addition to Watson, the Bucs listed CB Myron Lewis as out. The second-year corner has struggled with minor injuries throughout his career, and had missed most of the preseason with injury as well. Losing him does not impact the Bucs in a major way, as he had not even won the dime cornerback job yet. Elbert Mack or Anthony Gaitor will see the field as the fourth cornerback instead.
Starting LG Ted Larsen was listed as probable but participated fully in all practices this week. It seems very unlikely that he will miss the game, but based on preseason play and this injury he should not be starting at left guard. Jeremy Zuttah outplayed him during the preseason.
Kellen Winslow did not participate on Thursday, but this is not uncommon and is part of Winslow handling his chronic knee injury. He did participate in other practices this week.
On the Lions side of the ball, DT Nick Fairley, CB Alphonso Smith and T Jason Fox have been ruled out for the game. Fairley is their first-round pick and has a lot of physical ability, but losing him does not really hurt the deep Lions defensive line. Fox is a backup tackle who wouldn't have seen the field anyway. Missing Alphonso Smith hurts the Lions a lot more, as he is a serviceable nickel corner. I suspect Rex Ryan paid them a visit, as all three of these ailments are listed as foot injuries.
In addition, the Lions listed DT Andre Fluellen and RB Maurice Morris as probable. If either of those misses the game, the Lions should not miss a beat. Kyle Vanden Bosch missed Wednesday's practice, but wasn't listed on the injury report.
Full Injury Report:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
CB Myron Lewis (ankle), Out
LB Dekoda Watson (hamstring), Questionable
C/G Ted Larsen (ankle), Probable
Detroit Lions:
DT Nick Fairley (foot), Out
T Jason Fox (foot), Out
CB Alphonso Smith (foot), Out
DT Andre Fluellen (hand), Probable
RB Maurice Morris (hand), Probable