The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be without rookie linebacker Josiah Trotter and rookie edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. For Minnesota, the more inviting opening is behind the line of scrimmage, where T.J. Hockenson could give Kyler Murray a reliable answer in his return to the lineup. The Vikings’ Week 3 injury tracker has the rest of the lineup picture.
Todd Bowles said neither starter will play after suffering injuries against Cleveland. Trotter’s shoulder injury removes the Bucs’ leading tackler through two games: 21 tackles, a sack, and their only interception, which he returned for a touchdown.
Alex Anzalone remains at one inside linebacker spot, while SirVocea Dennis and Christian Rozeboom are expected to share work at the other, according to the Buccaneers’ Friday personnel update. Bowles has options next to Anzalone, but none has produced like Trotter through the first two games.
Trotter’s absence won’t leave the middle of the field empty. But if the Vikings sell a run to Aaron Jones, Dennis or Rozeboom may have to step up before Hockenson breaks behind him. Murray needs throws like that as he settles back in, even with Jefferson waiting outside.
T.J. Hockenson gives Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray a quick option against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Minnesota has run the ball often early this season, and Jones is coming off a 100-yard game against Chicago. He practiced fully on Friday after a knee issue, while Jordan Mason is on injured reserve. Jones gives Kevin O’Connell a credible run threat, though the Vikings’ running back depth problem limits how heavily he can lean on it. A few runs from similar formations could get Dennis or Rozeboom stepping forward before Hockenson breaks behind them.
Hockenson has seven catches for 65 yards and a touchdown through two games. Those totals say little about his connection with Murray, as the quarterback left the opener after 11 snaps and missed Week 2 with a concussion. Murray's start gives the pair their first extended chance to work the middle together. O’Connell can help with a quick throw to Hockenson when the Buccaneers send pressure, or move him across the formation to force the linebackers to sort out coverage before the snap.
Jefferson’s presence gives Bowles another decision. Tilt coverage toward him, and a linebacker may have to carry Hockenson through the middle; devote a safety to the tight end, and Jefferson has less help over the top. Minnesota’s secondary receivers have contributed little so far, giving the Buccaneers a reasonable case for testing whether anyone else can beat it.
Anzalone is an experienced coverage linebacker, and Bowles can use pressure and safety help to close the middle. Bain’s absence shouldn’t be treated as an equal opening. Tampa Bay still has Yaya Diaby, Anthony Nelson, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and David Walker on the edge. Murray may have to get the ball out quickly, especially if Hockenson has to help block a rusher.
Bowles expects both Dennis and Rozeboom to play, so their roles will give Minnesota an early clue. If the Buccaneers substitute between run and pass situations, O’Connell could use tempo after a Jones carry to keep the same linebacker across from Hockenson on the next snap. That’s a specific chance to exploit Trotter’s absence without asking Murray to force a throw into coverage.
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