The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense has been decimated by injuries this week: starters cornerback Brent Grimes, linebacker Kwon Alexander and defensive tackle Chris Baker are all absent today against the Minnesota Vikings, while backup edge-rusher Jacquies Smith is also out with the flu.
That leaves the Bucs shorthanded, though they thankfully have the depth to still field a competent group. Rookie Kendell Beckwith should replace Alexander for the second week in a row, while second-year cornerback Ryan Smith will likely get the first start of his career in Grimes’ place.