The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be without rookie pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr. for their Week 3 game against the Minnesota Vikings due to a groin injury. Bain, the No. 15 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, started Tampa Bay’s first two games but missed all practices this week and has been officially ruled out for Sunday’s matchup.
Bain’s absence opens the door for David Walker, a fourth-round pick in 2025, to take on a larger role in the Buccaneers’ pass-rush rotation. Walker played just nine defensive snaps in Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns but made a notable impact with a tackle for loss, a quarterback hit, and his first NFL sack on Deshaun Watson, forcing an eight-yard loss on third down early in the second quarter.
Walker’s journey to meaningful playing time has been slow. Selected 121st overall, he tore his ACL during the third practice of his rookie training camp and missed the entire 2025 season. Now fully recovered, Walker has started to show the potential that caught Tampa Bay’s attention. He impressed during the offseason and earned more snaps against Cleveland, where his brief time on the field translated into tangible production.
The Buccaneers plan to distribute Bain’s snaps rather than rely on a single replacement. Al-Quadin Muhammad, listed behind Bain on the depth chart, and Anthony Nelson, who provides depth alongside Walker behind Yaya Diaby on the other edge, are also options. Head coach Todd Bowles is expected to use a committee approach against Minnesota.
Still, Walker’s performance last week makes him the most intriguing candidate to absorb Bain’s workload. One sack does not guarantee he will become a long-term answer off the edge, but it was enough to earn him more consideration from the coaching staff. With Tampa Bay searching for their first win of the season, Walker’s opportunity to build on that showing comes at a critical moment.
The Buccaneers’ decision on how to manage their pass-rush rotation in Bain’s absence will be one to watch. Walker’s development will be a key part of that process as Tampa Bay faces the Vikings this Sunday without their top rookie linebacker.
According to Yahoo Sports.