FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The Buccaneers (4-9) could be without one of their best defensive players on Monday night when the Falcons come to town for the primetime NFC South matchup.
Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy suffered a biceps injury last weekend and according to reports, McCoy believes it was a tear, which would mean he could possibly miss the remainder of the season.
Tampa Bay has struggled to get to the quarterback this season as its 17 sacks ranks 32nd in the league. McCoy has five of those sacks.
Falcons coach Dan Quinn said that if McCoy is unable to go, they're expecting Robert Ayers to fill his role and will prepare for him. Ayers has two sacks on the year and has recorded 30 tackles and one forced fumble.
"He's a factor," Quinn said of how Tampa's defense would be impacted if McCoy can't play. "It's the length and speed he has as a rusher. Ayers I would imagine if he wasn't able to play would take on a lot of that role. He's also a guy who has real pass rush and versatility to play a number of spots. He's someone that we regard highly as well."
