On paper, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defense under Lovie Smith has a ton of talent in its front seven. That Week 1 starting lineup has already taken a big hit, however.
The team placed starting defensive end Adrian Clayborn on season-ending injured reserve Friday with a biceps injury. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per a source informed of the injury, that the Clayborn suffered a torn biceps.
A lot of Bucs observers expected a breakout year for Clayborn, who also missed 13 games in 2012 with a knee injury. The Buccaneers declined the fifth-year option on Clayborn's contract during the offseason, meaning he'll be a free agent after the season.
The Bucs will be without both starting defensive ends for Sunday's game against St. Louis. Big free agent pickup Michael Johnson also hasn't practiced this week because of an ankle injury and was ruled out. William Gholston and Da'Quan Bowers are expected back, according to Rapoport (both are listed as questionable) and Jacquies Smith will help fill in the gaps.
The good news: They are facing Austin Davis and the St. Louis Rams' offense on Sunday.
The latest "Around The NFL Podcast" recaps the Steelers-Ravens game and previews the other 15 games in Week 2.