What happened: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be without rookie defenders Rueben Bain and Josiah Trotter for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. Head coach Todd Bowles confirmed Friday that both the first-round edge rusher and second-round linebacker have been ruled out.
Why it matters: The absences leave the 0-2 Buccaneers significantly shorthanded as they search for their first victory of the season. Trotter's shoulder injury interrupts an impactful start, forcing Tampa Bay to rely on depth options to fill the void in the middle of the defense.
By the numbers: Trotter has made an immediate professional impact with 24 tackles, a sack, and an interception returned for a touchdown through two games. Bain, sidelined by a groin injury, has managed just one tackle during his campaign.
What to watch: Tampa Bay will look to its remaining linebacker and edge depth to contain the Minnesota offense this weekend.