Luke Goedeke Injury Status
Buccaneers' right tackle Luke Goedeke suffered a foot injury against the Atlanta Falcons in the season opener but played through it. The line underwent a shuffle leading into the Week One matchup in the absence of All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs. Graham Barton moved out to left tackle from center and Ben Bredeson slid from his post at left guard to center. Michael Jordan, a late-summer addition who was elevated from the practice squad for the Week One contest, filled in at left guard. Goedeke has developed into one of the league's premier tackles and helps set the tone at the line of scrimmage with a fiery disposition. He finishes blocks through the whistle and possesses foot quickness, anticipation at the second-level and a powerful punch on initial contact. The staff will monitor his progress throughout the week in determining his status for Monday Night Football. If he is not able to suit up, Charlie Heck will likely take over at right tackle.
"He's got a foot injury, so he didn't practice today, and then we'll see how the week goes for him and how he recovers," said Head Coach Todd Bowles on Thursday.
Houston Texans' Weapons
Despite playing in just 12 games in 2024, Texans' receiver Nico Collins nabbed his second consecutive 1,000-yard season while earning his first Pro Bowl selection. His 2.86 yards per route run ranked second among all NFL receivers, displaying his speed and late-separation capability. On the defensive side of the ball for Houston, Danielle Hunter recorded 12 sacks and 66 total pressures in 2024 while forming a formidable pass-rush duo with Will Anderson Jr. The pair combined for 23 sacks a season ago and In Week One against the Rams, Anderson snagged a sack to continue his trend. Hunter has a rare combination of athleticism and explosion, establishing himself as one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. Anderson overwhelms at the point of attack and with a high pursuit motor and has added another dimension to DeMeco Ryans' aggressive-styled defense. He has a variety of tactics to disrupt the edges and his get-off burst, closing speed and footwork allow him to crash the pocket.
"We've got to start fast," stated Bowles. "We know they play great. They play very fast, especially at their home place. They've got the two edge rushers that set the tone. The quarterback is very accurate and obviously Nico Collins is a hell of a receiver and they have more players other than that. [They're a] talented team. [they were] in the playoffs the last two years. So, it's going to be another tough battle."
Primetime Stage
Last season, the Buccaneers went 0-4 in their regular-season primetime clashes. Tampa Bay lost to the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football, the Baltimore Ravens via Monday Night Football, the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football and the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. The Buccaneers were wrought with self-inflicted wounds last season during the aforementioned contests on the national stage, and in 2025 the team is focused on details to foster ascension. Players can often look to press or play hero ball under the lights but this time around, the Bucs are looking to start 2-0 on their quest for a fifth-straight division crown.
"Just the little details – executing [and] doing the right stuff," said Baker Mayfield. "Like I told you guys, obviously we have a great team, but it's about just doing our job [and] trusting the guy next to you to do theirs – especially in the prime time games when you're waiting around all day. Not doing too much – just do your job, your job only, at the very highest level you possibly can and then just execute it."
