Buccaneers will miss rookie defensive starters Rueben Bain Jr. and Josiah Trotter against Vikings
Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Josiah Trotter (45) celebrates after scoring a touchdown on a pass interception against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Cincinnati. Credit: AP/Joshua A. Bickel
TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be missing two rookie starters on defense when they host Minnesota on Sunday.
Edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. is out with a groin injury and linebacker Josiah Trotter won't play because of a shoulder injury. The Buccaneers (0-2) have lost nine of 11, dating to last season.
Bain was a first-round pick who had a standout preseason but only has one tackle in two games. Trotter had a pick-6 and a sack in Week 1 and leads the team with 24 tackles.
“It’s still a young season," coach Todd Bowles said of Bain. "We’ll get through this game (and) get him back healthy. We still have great expectations for him, so we’ve just got to get him healthy.”
SirVocea Dennis and Christian Rozeboom will replace them.
Cornerback Jacob Parrish is returning to the lineup after missing last week's loss to Cleveland.
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