Buccaneers’ Plans Shift After Dolphins’ Key Injury Ahead of Week 17 Matchup

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will head to Miami on Sunday facing a Dolphins defense missing its most important piece.

Head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed Friday that safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has been ruled out for the second straight week with a calf injury. 

This removes one of the league’s most versatile defensive backs from a matchup that carries significant stakes for Tampa Bay’s season.

Fitzpatrick’s absence is a major blow for a Miami defense that already ranks in the bottom third of the league in points allowed.  

He leads the Dolphins with 82 tackles and has added an interception, a sack, a forced fumble, and two recoveries this season. 

He also serves as the defense’s primary communicator in the secondary.

McDaniel described Fitzpatrick as “day-to-day” and did not rule him out for Week 18, but the veteran safety will not be available against the Bucs on Sunday.

How Fitzpatrick’s Absence Changes Bucs Approach

For the Buccaneers, losing Fitzpatrick alters how they can attack Miami’s defense. 

Fitzpatrick’s ability to rotate between deep safety, nickel corner, and blitzer allows the Dolphins to disguise coverages and clean up mistakes in the back end.  

Without him, Tampa Bay can afford to be more aggressive, throwing into the intermediate areas of the field. 

Quarterback Baker Mayfield acknowledged Fitzpatrick’s importance earlier this week. 

He called him “extremely versatile” and praised his coverage and blitz ability. 

With that threat removed, Tampa Bay is expected to lean into matchup advantages for Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka on downfield plays. 

This is going to be an inexperienced Miami secondary that is going to struggle with communication and assignments. 

The Bucs could also expand their use of running backs in the passing game. 

This would force inexperienced defensive backs to tackle in space and defend option routes. 

Fitzpatrick’s absence takes away some of Miami’s disguise on the back end, which may allow Mayfield to see the field clearer and get the ball out faster. 

Game Preview and What’s at Stake

Sunday’s matchup carries massive postseason implications for Tampa Bay.

At 7-8, the Bucs need a win to ensure that Week 18 against the Panthers remains a winner-take-all game for the NFC South title.  

A loss would leave their playoff fate out of their control. 

Miami, meanwhile, has shifted its focus toward evaluating rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers, who made his first start last week.  

Bucs head coach Todd Bowles noted that Ewers presents a different challenge than Tua Tagovailoa, calling him “more of a drop-back passer.”

He still emphasized that Miami’s system still creates problems through motion, misdirection, and perimeter speed. 

The margin is thin this late in the season as the Bucs have put themselves in a less than ideal situation. 

But they still control their own destiny. 

Against a Miami team missing its defensive anchor, the Bucs have a huge opportunity to build momentum into a win or go home Week 18 matchup with Carolina.

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