The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are walking a tightrope as they head into the final stretch of the regular season. Losers in five of their last seven, they’re clinging to playoff hopes in a wide-open NFC South race that’s anything but settled.
With two upcoming matchups against the Carolina Panthers - their closest competition in the division - the Bucs still control their own destiny. But before they can start thinking about those pivotal games, they’ve got a Thursday night showdown with the Atlanta Falcons that could either keep their season afloat or push them closer to the brink.
And they’ll likely be heading into that game shorthanded - again.
Tampa Bay has struggled all year to keep its offensive unit intact, and it looks like that trend will continue. Starting tight end Cade Otton is listed as doubtful with a knee injury, a tough blow for a team already dealing with inconsistencies on offense.
Otton has quietly been one of the more reliable pieces in this attack, hauling in 46 catches for 430 yards this season. He’s not just a safety valve for quarterback Baker Mayfield - he’s also a key blocker in both the run game and pass protection.
Losing him means more than just missing a few receptions; it affects how the entire offense functions.
Even with the potential return of Mike Evans looming, the Bucs won’t be at full strength. And in a game where every possession could matter, Otton’s absence will be felt.
So who steps up in his place? That responsibility falls to Payne Durham, Otton’s backup on the depth chart.
Durham, now in his third NFL season, was a fifth-round pick back in 2023. He hasn’t seen a ton of action so far, but this could be his moment to show he can handle a larger role.
Whether he’s asked to contribute in the passing game or help hold the edge in the run game, Durham’s performance could quietly be one of the swing factors in Thursday night’s matchup.
For a Bucs team that’s already walking a fine line between contender and collapse, every snap matters - and every player, especially those stepping into bigger roles, will need to deliver.