Former Washington Huskies tight end Cade Otton is in the midst of a breakout season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In his third season in the NFL, the former fourth-round pick has set a career-high in catches (59) and yards (600) and tied his career mark with 4 touchdowns.
After All-Pro wide receiver Chris Godwin was lost for the season with a dislocated ankle, Otton emerged as quarterback Baker Mayfield’s No. 2 target and has been a reliable option as the Buccaneers fight for the top spot in the NFC South.
However, when Tampa Bay takes on the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Otton will be sidelined for the second straight week and just the third time in his career with a left knee injury. He wasn’t able to practice all week and head coach Todd Bowles ruled him out during his Friday press conference.
In his stead, Mayfield will turn to another former Husky, wide receiver Jalen McMillan. Over the last three weeks, McMillan has also turned into a strong option for his quarterback and has tallied 14 catches for 191 yards and 4 touchdowns in that time span.
Otton’s absence may also lead to former Husky Devin Culp, who Tampa Bay selected in the seventh round of April’s draft, joining the active roster for the fourth time this season.