The Buccaneers’ Week 6 inactive list brought almost no surprises, but it did settle one of the bigger pregame questions: running back Sean Tucker won’t suit up against Pittsburgh.
Tucker was listed as questionable and head coach Todd Bowles said Friday that he was likely a game-time decision. Tampa Bay also brought up practice squad back Josh Williams before kickoff as insurance. That move made sense once Tucker landed on the inactive list alongside quarterback Baker Mayfield, safety Antoine Winfield Jr., cornerback Benjamin Morrison, guard Luke Haggard, guard Billy Schrauth and defensive lineman DeMonte Capehart.
Players Inactive for Today’s Game vs. Pittsburgh (10/18):
#6 QB Baker Mayfield
#21 CB Benjamin Morrison
#31 S Antoine Winfield Jr.
#44 RB Sean Tucker
#72 G Luke Haggard
#75 G Billy Schrauth
#90 DL DeMonte Capehart
Elevations:
#16 QB Easton Stick
#18 RB Josh Williams
- Buccaneers Communications (@BuccaneersComms) October 18, 2026
With Mayfield still out because of the thumb injury and Winfield sidelined by a rib issue, Easton Stick was elevated for the third straight game. That leaves him out of elevations now, meaning Tampa Bay would have to add him to the active roster next week if it wants him available again as Jalon Daniels’ backup while Mayfield remains unavailable.
Tucker’s absence means the Bucs will go with Williams in uniform and lean on Kenny Gainwell behind starter Bucky Irving. Gainwell, who signed a two-year, $14 million deal, still hasn’t made a real splash in an offense that has struggled under offensive coordinator Zac Robinson.
The rest of Tampa Bay’s inactive group was pretty much as expected. With the offensive and defensive lines in good shape health-wise, Schrauth, Haggard and Capehart are all on the sidelines without helmets.
Pittsburgh’s inactive list carried its own notable names, especially at receiver. Ben Skowronek and Roman Wilson were ruled out on Friday, and safety DeShon Elliott is also out.
Inactives for #PITvsTB ⤵️ @UPMC
- Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 18, 2026
Two former Buccaneers stand out for the Steelers. Jamel Dean, who signed a three-year, $36.75 million contract with Pittsburgh in the offseason and was questionable because of an ankle injury, is active and will make his first start against the team that drafted him in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Sean Murphy-Bunting, who won a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay in 2020-2021 and rejoined the Buccaneers’ practice squad earlier this season before signing to Pittsburgh’s active roster last week, is inactive for Sunday’s game.
In Other News...
Buccaneers Suddenly Face New Depth Concerns Ahead Of Steelers Game
The Buccaneers had to lean on their practice squad for some late-week reinforcement before facing the Steelers, elevating quarterback Easton Stick and running back Josh Williams for Week 6. It is the kind of roster shuffle that usually signals more than just routine depth, especially for a team still trying to navigate the ripple effects of Baker Mayfields dislocated thumb and the uncertainty that comes with reshuffling the depth chart on short notice.
Stick gives Tampa Bay another arm behind rookie Jalon Daniels, while Williams adds insurance in the backfield as the Bucs wait to see how Sean Tucker responds to a quad injury. For a team heading into a tough matchup, those moves underscore how quickly one injury can turn into a broader depth test, with the next layer of questions still hanging over Sundays lineup. [Read more 🡒]
Buccaneers Face A Steelers Threat Tampa Bay Fans Should Note
Curt Popejoy of Steelers Wire made it clear that Pittsburghs offensive identity is still very much a work in progress with Aaron Rodgers in the mix, and that makes Sundays matchup worth a closer look for Buccaneers fans. From Tampa Bays side, the biggest concern remains how the run game holds up behind Bucky Irving, because if the Steelers can control those early downs, it can change the whole shape of the afternoon.
Popejoy also pointed to one of the more interesting wrinkles in this meeting: special teams coordinator Danny Smith is now on Tampa Bays sideline after leaving Pittsburgh. His departure has become part of the conversation around the Steelers underwhelming special teams, and it adds another layer to a game that already has a few key matchups to watch. Popejoy leaned toward Pittsburgh in his final score prediction, so the Bucs will need cleaner execution in a hurry if they want to keep that forecast from coming true. [Read more 🡒]
Rueben Bain Jr. Addresses The Slow Start Buccaneers Fans Are Watching
Rueben Bain Jr. finally offered a little public perspective on the start Buccaneers fans have been watching, and it sounded like a young pass rusher trying to stay steady through the early bumps. The first-round pick has dealt with a slow opening stretch, spending time out of the lineup while working through shoulder and groin injuries, and his early production has been limited as he gets back into rhythm.
Even so, Bain said he feels optimistic about where things are heading and was encouraged to be part of Tampa Bays first win of the season. For a defense that counted on him to bring energy off the edge, the bigger picture remains the same: the Bucs need the version of Bain they envisioned when they made him a premium pick, and hes still trying to get there on his own timeline. [Read more 🡒]