Bucs' "confidence is high" as they enter bye week with a 6-2 record After watching his team limp into its bye week at 6-2, coach Todd Bowles delivered a state-of-the-Bucs address Monday that was equal parts contentment and concern. He likes the traits of this club: tough, resilient and among the league's best at taking the ball away and protecting it when it has it. But Bowles admits the growing list of injuries has left the Bucs uncertain who will even be healthy enough to play when they return. Tampa Bay's only losses have come against NFC heavyweights Philadelphia and Detroit. With the trade deadline looming next Tuesday, Bowles said the cost of adding players must make sense. But the price of standing pat could be just as steep. "I feel good. We played tough," Bowles said Monday, one day after watching the Bucs force four turnovers to beat the Saints 23-3. "We're 6-2. We can do a lot of things better, obviously. We (have) to work on fundamentals, and we (have) to self-scout as coaches. We (have) to make sure we do not forget the fundamental part of it. They have to make sure they continue to take care of their bodies. "Our confidence is tough, and our confidence is strong, but we have a long way to go. We understand that it is going to be a big second half when we come back, so we have to be ready." Of course, the biggest question is which players will be ready to practice when the team reconvenes next Monday? Receivers Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan, running back Bucky Irving, tackle Luke Goedeke and outside linebacker Haason Reddick have been out, and there still is no timetable for their return. "‘I think that will be discussed at the end of the week," Bowles said. "I think those guys will start doing some things this week depending on the progress they make. We will see how practice goes next week if they can get some things done this week. I do not have a timeline on it, either. We just have to see how they are progressing." Sometime this week, Bowles will continue discussions with general manager Jason Licht about the possibility of adding a player through trade. Since Licht became GM in 2014, the only player he acquired around the trade deadline was veteran nose tackle Steve McLendon from the Jets in October 2020. "I think the discussion is more of how much do you have to give up to get somebody that you really want?" Bowles said. "That will be the discussion more or less going forward. We feel like hopefully guys can come back, but at the same time, if there is something out there that is available. Depending on whether you have to rob Peter to pay Paul, we have to weigh those options." How quickly could a new player integrate into the Bucs offensive or defensive system? "It depends on the experience of the player," Bowles said. "I do believe that. If you're picking up a young guy, obviously there is going to be a lot to learn. If you are picking up a veteran who has been in systems here and there, it will be an easier transition, regardless of position." Bowles said Reddick has an ankle sprain, but the Bucs benefitted Sunday from increased playing time by Anthony Nelson, who had two sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception returned for a touchdown. In fact, the Bucs rank third in the league with 25 sacks despite no player having more than four. "I like that we are getting home," Bowles said. "It does not matter where they come from. If one guy has 40 sacks and everyone else has none, then I am happy for that. As long as we can get the sacks, it really does not bother me where it comes from." Players will be off until next Monday, when they return to prepare for the Nov. 9 game against the Patriots at Raymond James Stadium. Bowles admits there probably isn't a team that needs a bye week more than the Bucs. "It could have been Week 4 and I probably would have said it was the most important one," Bowles said. "It is Week 9 and that is the halfway point, and we are kind of banged up, so it is very important now. But if we were banged up in Week 4, that would have been important as well. "I think you like to have it in the middle of the season, and it came at the right time for us because those guys are fighting hard and a lot of guys are playing banged up, as is everyone in the league. To get it right at this time, it could not be a better timing." The Bucs' losses came against the Lions and Eagles, teams they likely would see again if they make the postseason. "We feel we match up with them," Bowles said. "I mean, we beat them both last year and that got us nowhere, so we lost to them both this year, so hopefully that gets us everywhere. We will see what happens." Rick Stroud, Tampa Bay Times, published 27 October 2025