Oct 5, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (88) reacts after making a catch against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

As losers of five of their last seven games, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have effectively begun a fight for their playoff lives. Over the next month, the three-time reigning NFC South division will play the Carolina Panthers, who are nipping at their heels, in matchups that will decide this year's division champion. But the Buccaneers can't get ahead of themselves. First, they have to take care of business against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night.

Unfortunately for the Buccaneers, even with the potential return of Mike Evans on the table, it still doesn't sound like they're going to have their full complement of offensive weapons.

Starting tight end Cade Otton, who has 46 catches for 430 yards so far this season, has been listed as doubtful for Thursday night's matchup with a knee injury. His likely absence will certainly be felt by a Buccaneers offense that basically hasn't been whole all season:

We'll see how the Buccaneers get by without Otton, who is also an important blocker in their offensive scheme.

Who is Cade Otton's backup on the Buccaneers?

Payne Durham is listed as Otton's backup on Tampa Bay's depth chart. Durham is in his third NFL season after being drafted during the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Cade Otton injury update for Buccaneers on Thursday night

Reporting by Robert Zeglinski, For The Win / For The Win

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