Below is a selection of Tampa Bay Buccaneers quotes from today's earlier media availability. Full video of press conferences can be found on Buccaneers.com.
Head Coach Dirk Koetter
(On the rotation of defensive linemen being difficult because of the injuries)
"That's correct. When you've got guys out for extended periods of time, it just doesn't work like the best laid plans, but that's no excuse. You've just got to move forward."
(On how much defensive end Will Gholston's versatility has helped)
"Thank goodness for that. We needed that. You don't expect you're going to lose three of your top four defensive tackles. That's just crazy how injuries happen – how they come to one position. Again, thank goodness for Will's versatility because he's gone in there and held his own."
(On playing Chicago, a non-divisional opponent, five years in a row)
"They've definitely changed on offense. With Coach [Vic] Fangio, they haven't changed as much on defense they've just added personnel. I've never seen it where we've played a team this many teams in a row. I think it helps that players know the personnel a little bit, but again with a new head coach and a new offense, that part, and a new special teams coordinator. Two of the three phases are new."
(On how quarterback Jameis Winston has performed this week)
"That's hard to say until we really play full speed because practice is practice and game-speed is game-speed. But I think Jameis has looked good this week and I wouldn't expect anything else."
(On playing in cooler weather)
"I think it maybe bumped up a little bit – 60 tomorrow and maybe 70 on Sunday. It's been changing a lot, but I think our players are excited about it. Coming off two home games that even with the rain cooling it down on Monday night, it was still pretty warm on the field and humid. I think our guys are looking forward to fall weather."
(On if defensive tackle Vita Vea has a chance to play on Sunday)
"He does have a chance."
(On if they have to wait until Sunday to find out who the starting quarterback is)
"I'm not sure how long you're going to have to wait, but you're not going to hear it from me."
(On if he has ever seen a ball get stuck in the roof of the indoor practice facility like it did today)
"I haven't seen it. It was a first – I mean, it was a first in that roof."
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