NEW ORLEANS, La. (WFLA) – Every game against a division opponent is important, but for the Bucs, Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints has a little extra meaning.

The team obviously wants to get the taste of its late-game collapse against the Falcons out of its mouth, but it also knows a win on Sunday could bring some joy to a Tampa Bay region that hasn't had much to offer of late devastated by Hurricane Milton.

“We’re not just playing for football now. We’re trying to play for something bigger,” Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans said.

“This could be the kind of Sunday that gives people in Florida, especially in our region, some hope and something to look forward to,” quarterback Baker Mayfield added.

The good news for the Bucs is that they will have starters back from injury. Starting defensive lineman is expected to make his season debut Sunday, starting right tackle Luke Goedeke has passed concussion protocol and All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. is a game-time decision after practicing in a limited capacity this week.

However, it wasn't all good news for the Bucs due to injuries. The team lost starting center Graham Barton to a hamstring injury. Veteran Robert Hainsey will start at center on Sunday.

The Saints are dealing with their own injuries. Starting quarterback Derek Carr will miss Sunday's game with an oblique injury, leaving rookie Spencer Rattler a tied starter for New Orleans.

We'll see if the Bucs can use that extra motivation Evans and Mayfield talked about to get a much-needed win against the Saints and keep pace with the Falcons for first place in the NFC South.

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