The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are dealing with an illness outbreak that has affected roughly 15 players and multiple coaches ahead of their Sunday night matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
22:01 ET, 19 Nov 2025
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 16: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up prior to the NFL 2025 game between Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)
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Baker Mayfield was among the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stars who fell ill ahead of the LA Rams matchup(Image: Bryan Bennett, Getty Images)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are facing an unforeseen challenge away from the gridiron, with a mysterious bug sweeping through their facility and affecting approximately 15 players and multiple coaching staff members before their crucial Sunday night showdown.
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles disclosed that Wednesday's scaled-back practice session was driven by circumstances beyond their control, coming just days after a 44-32 loss to the Buffalo Bills. "Unfortunately, this Wednesday, a lot of people have taken ill," Bowles said. Meanwhile, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has vowed to "clean things up" after Travis Kelce put his frustration on full display.
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"There is a bug going around the building," Bowles continued. "We had about five coaches and about 15 players down, so that helped aid in this walkthrough. There's nothing we can really do about that today."
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The setback adds another layer of complexity to what was already shaping up to be a demanding week of game planning.
Tampa Bay is gearing up to take on the Los Angeles Rams while simultaneously managing an expanding injury list that existed well before this health crisis struck.
According to the official injury report, the illness was cited as the main reason behind several players receiving limited participation status.
Signal-caller Baker Mayfield, pass-catcher Emeka Egbuka, center Graham Barton, offensive tackle Luke Goedeke, defensive lineman Logan Hall, and guard Dan Feeney were all among those hit by the outbreak.
Todd Bowles' Buccaneers take on the Rams
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Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles revealed that a bug was 'going around' the team's facility(Image: Getty)
Looking at players dealing with separate physical ailments, cornerback Jamel Dean attended the walkthrough but sat out all drill work, extending what has been a turbulent period for the defensive backfield. His hip problem has landed him on the did-not-participate list, casting doubt over his availability for the weekend.
Meanwhile, running back Bucky Irving and wide receiver Chris Godwin, who managed to return to practice last week, remained limited. Both were absent from the team's previous game, and it's a steep climb for them to be ready by Sunday.
The outside linebacker position continues to be one of the most fluid spots on the roster. Haason Reddick is still out with ankle and knee issues, while Chris Braswell Jr. showed up with a new foot injury that kept him entirely out of practice.
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As they head into their clash with the Rams, the Buccaneers boast a 6-4 record and sit at the top of the NFC South.
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Mayfield has racked up 2,365 passing yards (11th in the league) and 17 touchdown passes with just three interceptions, putting himself in the MVP discussion.
Rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka has been a shining star in Tampa Bay's passing game. Egbuka currently tops the team in receptions, with 45 catches for 717 yards and 6 touchdowns through ten games.
He kicked off his career with a record-breaking performance: he became the first NFL rookie to post at least 25 catches, 400+ yards, and five touchdowns in his first five games.