HEAD COACH TODD BOWLES
(On who will start at left guard Thursday night)
"Luke [Goedeke] will be out for this one, [Nick] Leverett will start."
(On what the team likes about OL Nick Leverett)
"We loved him in summer camp. He was feisty, he was smart, he was one of the first ones in the building. He studied. He had some technique stuff to work on just like Luke but they were neck-and-neck in the spot. We like his aggressiveness."
(On the status of DL Akiem Hicks)
"Probably doubtful. We'll see how he feels on [Thursday]. I've got to see how he feels after being out here for two days, but we'll play it by ear."
(On any other players who have been ruled out for Thursday's game)
"[Russell] Gage will be out. Obviously [Sean Murphy-]Bunting. Cam [Brate] obviously will be out. Who am I missing? Julio [Jones] is a game-time decision. Carlton [Davis] will be out. Antoine [Winfield Jr.] is out as well."
(On if the Buccaneers will use CB Dee Delaney in the slot with Winfield out)
"We had Mike [Edwards] and Delaney work there all week. Depending on how they come out we may see different guys in there."
(On the biggest challenges of a short week)
"Really, healthy bodies. You want healthy bodies and you've got to do as much mental work as you can because you don't get the physical work. So that's the biggest preparation part of going into it, because you're going into a game playing full-speed when you really haven't seen it full-speed."
(On if this season's run of injuries to the secondary is almost as challenging as a similar one last season)
"It's just as challenging, but again, we have guys that make this team for a reason. It's throughout the league – you have to almost get used to it and get guys ready to play regardless. So, we're prepared for it and we're comfortable with the guys we have."
(On if the Buccaneers could make a trade before next Tuesday's deadline)
"If something comes across our table that we're interested in and we think we can get some value, sure we'll look at it."
(On if the Buccaneers have actively been seeking trades)
"That's probably a question for [General Manager] Jason Licht."
(On if the offense needs more rushing attempts)
"I'm sure it does, and being successful has a lot to do with it. We try to take what they give us at most points but at some time we're going to have to run the football."
-BUCCANEERS-