TAMPA, Fla. -- Tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins won't be in the lineup Sunday when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers visit the Houston Texans (1 p.m. ET, Fox).
Coach Lovie Smith ruled out Seferian-Jenkins, who didn't practice all week because of a strained shoulder. On Tuesday, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported that the second-year player is expected to be sidelined four to six weeks.
Seferian-Jenkins leads the Bucs in receiving with seven catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns. In his absence, Luke Stocker, Brandon Myers and Cameron Brate will fill out Tampa Bay's tight-end depth. None of those three players has a reception this season.
Center Evan Smith (ankle) and safety Major Wright (abdomen) were listed as doubtful for Sunday. Neither player practiced all week.
Smith sustained his injury in the third quarter of the Bucs' Week 2 victory. Wright was injured in a Week 1 loss.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Mike Evans should enjoy a larger role after he was held to 40 snaps in his season debut in Week 2 because of a hamstring injury. He had no catches in the victory over the New Orleans Saints.
"Mike didn't have any issues," Smith said. "He should be a lot better this week. Mike is one of the best players on our team, one of the best receivers in the league. ... Normally something good happens for the Buccaneers if we are getting the ball up to Mike Evans. It's good to see him back out there."
