Tampa Bay will be without two important rookie defenders for its Week 3 matchup against Minnesota, with Josiah Trotter and Rueben Bain Jr. both expected to miss the game. The Buccaneers are still seeking their first victory of the season.
Fox Sports reporter Greg Auman reported that Bain is sidelined by a groin injury, and Trotter is recovering from a shoulder sprain. Tampa Bay chose the two players with its first selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, taking Bain 15th overall and Trotter with the 46th pick.
Through two games, Trotter's 25 tackles lead Tampa Bay and rank tied for third in the NFL. He has one of the team's three sacks and produced its only takeaway by returning an interception 38 yards for a touchdown.
Christian Rozeboom or SirVocea Dennis is expected to replace Trotter as the starting linebacker. Trotter's absence could create an opening in the middle of the field for Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray, particularly with Minnesota's passing offense ranked second-worst in the league after two games.
