Buccaneers Defensive Back Suffers Concussion

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are reeling following a shocking 21-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 7, and they'll be in a tough spot for this week's Thursday Night Football matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. suffered a concussion on Sunday and may not be available for Week 8.

Wide receiver Russell Gage is undergoing an MRI on his hamstring. Antoine Winfield Jr. does have a concussion so he is likely to be out Thursday.
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) October 24, 2022

Winfield Jr. exited against the Panthers after 33 total snaps. He notched two tackles, including a tackle for loss. His absence could prove devasting for a secondary that was already without Carlton Davis, Logan Ryan, and Sean Murphy-Bunting in Week 7 and faces a short week heading into Thursday Night Football.

Winfield Jr. has been a bright spot in a frustrating season for the Bucs, tallying three sacks on blitzes and allowing a mere 55.8 passer rating on throws in his direction. The one-time Pro Bowler had also earned an impressive 83.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus across the first six weeks.

Winfield Jr. joined the Bucs as their 45th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and immediately carved out a crucial role on the team, starting 19 regular season and postseason games for the eventual Super Bowl champions as a rookie. He followed up his strong debut with a star-making second season, earning his first Pro Bowl and a stellar 86.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. He is one of the league's most promising young safeties.