4 Buccaneers Ruled Out Sunday vs. Panthers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles ruled out four of his players Friday ahead of their Sunday matchup against the Carolina Panthers; Akiem Hicks (DL), Julio Jones (WR), Cam Brate (TE), and Sean Murphy Bunting (CB), according to The Athletic's Greg Auman

Bowles was asked how Brate was coming along after suffering a cervical neck injury that caused him to be stretchered to the hospital in Week 6's loss against the Steelers (20-18). 

"The fact that he's walking around and feeling better is fine.... and functioning well is a good thing," Bowles said. He also mentioned that he isn't sure the chances of Brate playing in the near future, but is glad he is making progress. 

Julio Jones, 33, missed practice all week and is still recovering from a knee injury. The Florida club seems to be playing the long game with their receiver, who signed with Tampa this past offseason and will be a crucial piece for his squad in a potential playoff push later this season. 

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