The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense took a huge hit with linebackers Devin White and Shaq Barrett ending up on the COVID-19 reserve list. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network explained how White and Barrett ended up on this list and why they will be out against the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday:
#Bucs LB Devin White tested positive for COVID-19, while teammate Shaq Barrett landed on the COVID list as a close contact, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
Both are out for Sunday, but Barrett would be on track to return for the wild-card round if he keeps testing negative.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 1, 2021
This is a huge blow for the Buccaneers as White and Barret have been making an impact this season on the defensive end. Ian Rapoport tweeted how long White will be out for:
White must isolate for 10 days, meaning he most likely will miss the first playoff game. https://t.co/3r3u6Se62T
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 1, 2021
White, who leads the league in unassisted tackles with the Buccaneers, has nine sacks and one forced fumble this season. Meanwhile, Barrett has eight sacks on the season along with two forced fumbles.
The Buccaneers, who are second in the NFC South, are a game behind the New Orleans Saints. The Bucs have already clinched a playoff spot, but they can establish themselves as the fifth seed if they win the game against the Falcons, according to Scott Smith of the Buccaneers. This is the first time the Bucs are going to the playoffs in the last 13 years, and head coach Bruce Arians will ensure that his team will be ready regardless of who and where they play.
Acquiring a six-time Super Bowl champ this past offseason, Tom Brady is eager to win another championship with this franchise. In one season, Brady has made this team a title contender, and they will be ready to compete in the first round of the playoffs. Yes, it will be difficult without having White and Barrett on defense, but the Buccaneers are hopeful that Barrett is ready to go by the wild-card round.
The Buccaneers are almost certain to face the winner of the NFC East in the wild card round. The Buccaneers would travel to the NFC East champion's home field.
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