Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott confirmed early on Friday that his team will be without two pieces against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 14.
Via his weekly appearances on the team’s radio partner, WGR-550, McDermott said tight end Tommy Sweeney and defensive tackle Star Lotulelei will not play.
Sweeney, a depth piece behind starter Dawson Knox, has a hip injury.
The bigger loss is Lotulelei.
Lotulelei is battling a toe injury and had been in and out of practice this week. Most recently on Thursday, Lotulelei did not practice.
Both Sweeney and Lotulelei suited up in Week 13 against the New England Patriots and sustained their injuries during the loss.
During his weekly press conference on Friday before a Sunday game, McDermott went on to note that Lotulelei has been “frustrated” with his time off the field this season. Injuries and COVID-19 has held Lotulelei to only eight games played.
“Sometimes you have those seasons where things come up more than other seasons. Some of that’s what he’s dealing with and we just want him to get as healthy as he can as soon as he can,” McDermott said.
Without Lotulelei, Buffalo will provide a heavy dose of Harrison Phillips in the middle of their defensive line against the Bucs.
Tampa sports an offense with a bruising running back in Leonard Fournette. Buffalo has struggled against such players in 2021.
Bills Wire will provide the full and final injury reports for the Bills and Buccaneers when they are made available later on Friday. Check back.
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