By Tom Krasniqi
The 6-4 Bucs made their final preparations on Friday as they get ready for Sunday’s big game against the 9-1 Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. It’s the first meeting of the season between the NFC South rivals. The Bucs are looking for their 5th win in a row.
Here’s the Bucs injury report: Safety Cody Grimm (hamstring) did not practice on Friday and is out. The good news is that CB Eric Wright (Achilles/ankle) and S Ahmad Black (illness) did practice on Friday. Wright is questionable for Sunday and head coach Greg Schiano says he’s taking a “wait and see approach”. Black is probable. DE Michael Bennett (shoulder), DE Aaron Morgan (shoulder) and WR Tiquan Underwood (head) are probable. LB Dekota Watson (hamstring) and CB Leonard Johnson (heel) were both added to the Friday practice report but both practiced in full and both are probable.
Notable injuries for the Falcons: WR Julio Jones (ankle), DT Peria Jerry (quad), CB Asante Samuel (shoulder) and LB Sean Weatherspoon (ankle) are questionable. Jones and Weatherspoon practiced on a limited basis on Friday. DE John Abraham (back), DT Jonathan Babineaux (neck), K Matt Bryant (back), RB Michael Turner (groin) and QB Matt Ryan (finger) are probable.
News & Notes:
- In case you missed it from yesterday: While you were feasting on your Thanksgiving turkey, the Bucs placed WR Arrelious Benn on injured reserve and signed WR David Douglas from the Giants practice squad. Head coach Greg Schiano says Benn re-injured the same right knee that was banged up during training camp.
- Falcons QB Matt Ryan is 6-2 lifetime against the Bucs but a closer look at the numbers reveals he hasn’t played all that well against them. In those games, Ryan has 8 TDs and 9 INTs against the Bucs.
- The Bucs have done a good job historically against Falcons WR Roddy White. In 14 career games against Tampa Bay, White has just 2 touchdowns and averages just 56 yards receiving per game.
- In 6 career games against the Falcons, Bucs QB Josh Freeman has 8 TDs and 10 INTs and his record is 1-5 against Atlanta.
- Sunday’s game is blacked out so the only place to catch the Bucs-Falcons game is on 620 WDAE, your home of the Bucs. Our pre-game coverage begins at 9am.
