The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are facing a challenging Week Six game against the 49ers, with key players on the sidelines. The Bucs' offense will be without two of its top wide receivers, Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, who have both been ruled out due to injuries. Godwin suffered a fibula injury in Seattle, while Evans is dealing with a hamstring strain. Additionally, rookie running back Bucky Irving, who led the Buccaneers in scrimmage yards last season, will miss his third consecutive game due to foot and shoulder issues. This is a significant setback for the team, as both Evans and Godwin are among the franchise's leading pass-catchers. The Buccaneers' inactive list also includes cornerback Zyon McCollum and Benjamin Morrison, with Jamel Dean returning after missing the previous game with a hip injury. Safety Christian Izien is also back after missing two games with a quad injury. The team's practice squad players, Owen Wright and Josh Williams, are elevated for the game, but they must still name six inactives to meet the game-day limit of 48. The 49ers, on the other hand, are dealing with their own injuries, with wide receivers Ricky Pearsall and Jordan Watkins also ruled out. However, they welcome back wideout Jauan Jennings, who missed the previous game. Quarterback Mac Jones will start for the fourth time this season, as Brock Purdy is not yet cleared to return from his toe injury. The 49ers' inactive list includes defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos, running back Jordan James, linebacker Nick Martin, and wide receivers Ricky Pearsall and Jordan Watkins. The game promises to be a strategic battle, with both teams facing key injuries and strategic decisions.
