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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers look to reclaim their NFC South title this fall. After an epic downward spiral during last season's second half, the Buccaneers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2019. An offseason of change followed, and now Tampa Bay looks to start 2026 off with a victory. On Sunday, they'll travel to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals, an old division rival of franchise quarterback Baker Mayfield. However, Tampa Bay's defense could take a hit before it gets to game day. According to team insider Rick Stroud via X, formerly Twitter, rookie edge rusher Reuben Bain Jr. could miss Week 1 due to a shoulder injury. “Bucs/Bengals injury report,” reported Stroud Wednesday afternoon. “RB Sean Tucker (hamstring) did not practice. OLB Ruben Bain Jr. (shoulder), WR Jalen McMillan (knee), LB Christian Rozeboom (foot), and T Justin Skule (oblique) were limited in practice Wed. WR Emeka Egbuka (toe) and G Billy Schrauth were full go.” Bain Jr., the Buccaneers' first round pick this past April, is being counted on to be a big part of the team's defensive revamp. Franchise icon Lavonte David has retired. Veteran cornerback Jamel Dean left in free agency, joining the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bain Jr., linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, and defensive back Keonte Scott are poised to have a strong share of snaps early and often this season. If Bain Jr. can't play on Sunday, look for the Buccaneers to use a variety of options, most notably veteran Al-Quadin Muhammad, to help fill the void. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow would likely love to see Bain Jr. on the sidelines. Tampa Bay linebacker Alex Anzalone discussed how much respect the defense has for Burrow. With or without Bain Jr., the Bucs will still go into Paycor Stadium ready to kick 2026 off on a high note.