By Tom Krasniqi

 

Sunday at Raymond James Stadium, the 2-3 Bucs square off against the 1-4 Saints at 1pm.  The Bucs made their final preparations at practice on Friday.  One concern is the health status of WR Vincent Jackson, who was limited with a calf injury.  VJax was limited on Friday but head coach Greg Schiano says it was just precautionary and that he should be able to go.  Jackson is listed as probable and so is LG Carl Nicks (foot).

The Saints could be without All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham this week.  Graham is listed as questionable with an ankle injury and will be a game-time decision.  That would be a big blow to the Saints passing game if he can’t suit up.  LB David Hawthorne (hamstring) is out and it looks like LB Jonathan Vilma will not be activated from the PUP list even though he has practiced all week.  Vilma was hoping to make his 2012 season debut.

Other Saints injuries of note: CB Jabari Greer (groin), G Jahri Evans(toe) and WR Lance Moore (hamstring) and LB Scott Shanle (illness) are all probable and should be able to go. 

 

News & Notes:

  • Sunday’s game will NOT be blacked out and will be televised locally on Fox 13.  The team met the 85% requirement and says tickets are still available by going to buccaneers.com or calling 800-745-3000. 
  • The Bucs released DE Markus White on Friday and the team hasn’t made a corresponding move yet.  Does this mean Da’Quan Bowers will be activated?  Probably not.  Schiano wouldn’t tip his hand and is trying to keep the Saints guessing.  But Bowers does not appear to be in football shape yet. 
  • The Bucs are in the midst of a 3-game stretch over an 11-day span.  The Bucs visit Minnesota next Thursday night.  Schiano says the game plan for the Vikings is all set and the practice schedule will be scaled back next week on a short week to protect the players. 
  • In 6 career games against the Saints, Bucs QB Josh Freeman has passed for 1,455 yards with 7 TDs and 5 INTs while completing 63.5% of his passes.
  • In 13 career games against the Bucs, Saints QB Drew Brees has passed for 3,328 yards with 25 TDs and 13 INTs while completing 67% of his passes.  If Jimmy Graham doesn’t go, that would be a key loss for the passing game.  The Bucs had better account for WR Marques Colston, who has a whopping 18 catches for 284 yards and 4 TDs over the last two games.
  • Don’t forget, you can catch the Bucs-Saints game Sunday on 620 WDAE, your home of the Bucs.  Our pre-game coverage begins at 9am.