Several Buccaneers' Defensive Linemen in Doubt vs. Detroit Lions

Despite the Detroit Lions' hot start to the season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their fans have maintained a reasonable level of confidence heading into this week 6 matchup.

Part of that optimism stems from the Buccaneers' own hot start to the season, as they're currently sitting at 3-1, in sole possession of first place in the NFC South. But the other source of confidence comes from the fact that Tampa Bay — who is coming off their week 5 bye week — is expected to be at full strength for this measuring stick game vs. Detroit.

With Mike Evans, Calijah Kancey, and Jamel Dean all cleared to return to the field, the health of their star players provides a significant boost for a team that's been missing key pieces in each game they've played through the first quarter of the season.

But as the old saying goes, don't count your eggs before they hatch.

A sudden illness popped up late in the week for star veteran pass rusher, Shaq Barrett. Although Barrett only has one sack on the year, his presence in the lineup is essential if the team hopes to present a serviceable pass rush against the Lions exceptional offensive line.

To make matters worse, veteran OLB, Anthony Nelson, who is a valuable depth piece for Todd Bowles' defensive line, was downgraded to doubtful late in the week with a concussion.

OLB Anthony Nelson (concussion) has been downgraded to Doubtful for Sunday’s game. https://t.co/5vSNVZ1wfK
— Buccaneers Communications (@BuccaneersComms) October 14, 2023

BucsGameday Staff Score Predictions: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Detroit Lions

For any team faced with the challenge of playing against a top-tier offensive line, having your star pass rushers in the lineup is paramount. Which makes Shaq Barrett's status especially important for the Bucs. When you throw in Anthony Nelson's absence, the team's depth becomes compromised as well.

Hopefully, Shaquil Barrett is recovering as I write this, and will be feeling well enough to take the field Sunday afternoon with his teammates at Raymond James Stadium.

Regardless, there is one young member of the Bucs pass rush who is likely to see his opportunity increase on Sunday.

That player is the Buccaneers' most recent third-round draft pick out of the University of Louisville, YaYa Diaby.

YaYa has all the physical tools to excel on an NFL field, it's just a matter of learning the nuances of the game. And although he's been seeking guidance from his veteran teammates since he first landed in Tampa, there's no better way to learn what it takes to play in the NFL, than... well, playing in the NFL.

And although Diaby has been a part of Bowles' DL rotation already in his young career, an absence of Anthony Nelson, and especially Shaq Barrett, would catapult him into a significant opportunity in this game vs. Detroit.

Trial by fire.

No matter who is taking the bulk of the snaps opposite Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, the Buccaneers are going to need to find a way to manufacture an effective pass rush if they have any hope of making Jarred Goff uncomfortable in the pocket.

If they can't? They're going to have a tough time winning this football game.

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