Buccaneers vs. Falcons; Initial injury report

The big story coming out of the Advent Health Training Facility on Wednesday is, of course, the return of Jordan Whitehead. With Whitehead missing numerous practices and week one with a lingering hamstring injury, his return is certainly a bright spot for the Bucs who have lost Sean Murphy-Bunting for an unknown amount of time after he suffered an elbow injury. Murphy-Bunting was placed on the injured reserve on Tuesday.

As for the rest of the Buccaneers, there were only three players in addition to Whitehead listed on the injury report. Antonio Brown (knee) and Shaquil Barrett (back) were both full participants while Jason Pierre-Paul (hand) was a limited participant.

JPP is no stranger to limited participation or “veteran off days” throughout the season and it seems to help ensure he gets through the entire season. His current hand issue is nothing to be alarmed about as he is expected to play on Sunday with no issues.

For the Falcons - who are looking to get their new offense on track and establish some pressure against Tom Brady - had no one listed on the injury report Wednesday.

Coming off a performance in week one where they managed just two field goals against the Eagles, the Falcons offense is looking to improve on their 260 yards of total offense under new head coach Arthur Smith. Matt Ryan was sacked three times while completing 21-of-35 passes for just 164 yards and a 71.6 quarterback rating.

They’ll surely look to utilize Russell Gage more, who had just two targets and zero catches on Sunday as Carlton Davis will be lined up across from Calvin Ridley.

The Bucs and Falcons kick off on Sunday at 4:05 inside Raymond James Stadium.