Key Defensive Starter Ruled Out For The Bills Against Tampa Bay
The Buffalo Bills are preparing to face one of their toughest challenges of the 2021 regular season, when the travel to Tampa Bay to play Tom Brady and the Buccaneers on Sunday. The game is a rare 4:25 pm kickoff for Buffalo.
While the Bills are still disappointed about the way the game went against the New England Patriots, which was a 14-10 loss and featured 46 run plays by the Patriots in brutal winds, this game should be far different in Tampa Bay.
The forecast calls for temperatures in the low 80s, with partly cloudy skies and minimal winds. The Bucs also love to pass the ball with receivers Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and tight end Rob Gronkowski, along with running back Leonard Fournette, who has 58 catches this season.
The Bills defense is already without all-pro cornerback Tre'Davious White, and now will have to do without another key defensive starter for Sunday's game.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott told WGR radio in Buffalo on Friday morning that they will not have starting defensive tackle Star Lotulelei against the Buccaneers. He's been ruled out, along with tight end Tommy Sweeney.
With defensive tackle Justin Zimmer on season-ending injured reserve, that means Vernon Butler will likely play again, after being a healthy scratch the past couple of games.
Both fullback Reggie Gilliam and defensive end Efe Obada are both questionable for Sunday's game.
The Bills better be keen on passing the ball as much as possible, since that's the kind of game they have to play against a high-powered offense like the Bucs. Tampa Bay is also great against the run, so even more emphasis on passing with Josh Allen.