Buccaneers' Rueben Bain: Considered full participant Monday
Rotowire
Bain (groin) was listed as a full participant on the Buccaneers' estimated injury report Monday, Brianna Dix of the team's official site reports.
Bain was unavailable for Sunday's 17-14 loss to the Packers, sitting out a second straight game while nursing a groin injury. His ability to be considered a full participant at Monday's walkthrough practice is a positive sign, and he seems likely to play Thursday night versus the Cowboys.
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Buccaneers' Rueben Bain: Will miss Week 4
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Bain (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's games against the Packers, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
Bain missed Week 3 after seemingly suffering a groin injury in the game prior. The 22-year-old was unable to practice all week and will now miss Sunday's game versus Green Bay. The first-round rookie only has one tackle on the season but has garnered starter reps in each of his two regular-season games played. Al-Quadin Muhammad is set to receive more snaps in Bain's place.
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Buccaneers' Rueben Bain: Won't play against Minnesota
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Bain (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Vikings.
Bain was a DNP in all three practices during Week 3 prep due to a groin injury that he presumably picked up in Week 2 against the Browns. The rookie first-rounder has only one solo tackle through two regular-season games but has played at least 35 defensive snaps in each of those contests, and those reps will be absorbed Al-Quadin Muhammad, Anthony Nelson and David Walker. Bain's next chance to play is Week 4 against the Packers on Sunday, Oct. 4.
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Buccaneers' Rueben Bain: Dealing with groin issue
Rotowire
Bain (groin) was a non-participant at the Buccaneers' practice Wednesday.
Bain recorded no stats while playing 35 defensive snaps in the team's 23-19 loss to Cleveland in Week 2, but he may have picked up a groin injury along the way. The 22-year-old will have two more opportunities to return to practice prior to Sunday's contest versus Minnesota.
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Buccaneers' Rueben Bain: Cleared to make NFL debut
Rotowire
Bain (shoulder) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's regular-season opener against Cincinnati.
Bain, whom the Buccaneers selected with the 15th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, opened Week 1 prep as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder. However, he practiced without restrictions Thursday and Friday, which was enough for him to shed the injury designation and look toward making his NFL regular-season debut Sunday. Bain and Yaya Diaby are projected to be the Buccaneers' starting edge rushers, with Al-Quadin Muhammad, Anthony Nelson and David Walker all working in rotation.
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Buccaneers' Rueben Bain: Practices in limited capacity
Rotowire
Bain (shoulder) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
Bain was diagnosed with an AC joint sprain on Aug. 26. The first-round rookie's absence from the start of the regular season would be a huge blow to the Tampa Bay defense. Bain will likely need to log three consecutive practices, with hopefully an upgrade to full participation, in order to suit up for Sunday's opener against the Bengals.
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Buccaneers' Rueben Bain: Draft slide ends in Tampa Bay
Rotowire
The Buccaneers selected Bain in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 15th overall.
Bain (6-foot-2, 263 pounds) is likely an example of a player whose skill set grade is stronger than his athleticism grade. Bain was utterly dominant at Miami (FL), yet there is concern that his light frame and extremely short arms (30 and 7/8 inches) could make the jump in competition hard on his game. If Bain's arms don't hold him back, though, then he should be one of the better defensive ends in the league, and his addition addressees an area of need (edge rusher) for the Buccaneers. Bain was a dominant starter for each of his three years at Miami, including a 2025 junior season where he posted 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss.