The Bucs are in danger of being without some key players on Sunday

Losing to the San Francisco 49ers was a bummer, but not the end of the Tampa Bay Bucs’ playoff hopes as they’re still in the thick of the division race with four divisional matchups to go. However, losing as many key players as they did in that loss to the 49ers could be the reason their postseason hopes get derailed.

Lavonte David, Carlton Davis, Jamel Dean, Tristan Wirfs, and Chris Godwin all left the game with injuries while only Godwin and Wirfs returned – albeit in a limited capacity. Wirfs even gave up his first sack of the season because of the ankle injury he suffered during the game.

Todd Bowles told the media on Wednesday that if the game were that day, Davis, David, and Devin White would all not be playing.

The good news is that Tristan Wirfs was a full participant despite the ankle injury and Godwin was limited. Also some good news is that Dean’s ankle injury isn’t as severe as initially thought and he’s considered “week to week.”

It seems as though things are trending for Dean and David to not play on Sunday while the status of White is up in the air. The Bucs promoted linebacker J.J. Russell from the practice squad due to the injuries but if White also can’t go you’re looking at Russell and SirVocea Dennis as your starting inside linebackers.

White has played the majority of the season on a bad foot, so Wednesday’s missed practice is probably just allowing him some rest and recovery. As for David, we still have yet to hear the severity of his groin injury.

The Indianapolis Colts had three players not participate in practice – cornerback JuJu Brents (quad), tight end Drew Ogletree (foot), and former Bucs linebacker Grant Stuard (illness).

Here is the full injury report from Wednesday for both teams;

UPDATE

The Bucs and Colts released their Thursday injury report. Not much has changed for Tampa Bay. However, Indianapolis did see a couple guys upgraded for their Thursday session.

See the updated injury report below.

The Bucs and Colts kickoff on Sunday in Lucas Oil Stadium at 1:00 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on CBS with Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta, and Amanda Renner on the call.

For more on this and all things Tampa Bay Bucs check out James Yarcho and David Harrison on the Locked On Bucs Podcast!