Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers live score updates, highlights, news

We’re providing live score updates, highlights, injury news and more for Lions vs. Buccaneers:

The Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers face off in a big Week 2 matchup. It’s a clash of NFC contenders, the winner of which will hold a tiebreaker that could be critical come January.

Both teams are dealing with some notable injuries that could impact Sunday’s results. On the Bucs’ side, they’ll be missing starting right tackle Luke Goedeke, defensive lineman Calijah Kancey, and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. The Lions will be without defensive end Marcus Davenport, but the good news came pregame when Detroit announced that All Pro right tackle Penei Sewell is ACTIVE and will play.

That certainly seems to favor the Lions, but it’s early in the year, and we’re still trying to figure out the strengths and weaknesses of each team.

Of course, one of the main storylines in this game is this being a rematch from the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL playoffs. The Lions got the better of the Buccaneers by a score of 31-23, ending with an impressive interception from linebacker Derrick Barnes.

Tampa is not only looking to get revenge, but to take the next step as a franchise. They’ve won their division three years in a row, yet haven’t advanced beyond the Divisional Round in any of those seasons. They’re off to a dominant start, having handed the Washington Commanders and decisive 37-20 victory. Mayfield was particularly impressive, throwing for 289 yards and four touchdowns.

But the Lions are hoping their improved defense can slow them down and help move them to 2-0.

We’ll be providing live updates of the Week 2 matchup below, including score updates, drive-by-drive analysis, injury updates, and highlights. Simply stay on this page and refresh as the game progresses.

We’ll see you at kickoff at 1 p.m. ET.

First quarter

The Lions won the toss and deferred, just like last week against the Rams. Baker Mayfield quickly got to midfield with a 18-yard strike to Chris Godwin. Then he took a deep shot to Trey Palmer, and while the ball fell incomplete, officials called pass interference on rookie Terrion Arnold, setting the Bucs up first-and-goal at the 5-yard line. Detroit’s defense stood up, though, with Brian Branch picking up a nice PBU, then on third-and-goal Aidan Hutchinson got to Mayfield and forced a fumble. The Bucs recovered and settled for a 30-yard field goal. 3-0 Buccaneers.

On the very first play of the Lions’ possession, Jared Goff threw an interception to Zyon McCollum. The pass was intended for Jameson Williams, but the Lions receiver was hit before the ball came and no flag was thrown for pass interference.

Another sack from the Lions defense (by Hutchinson but with help from Levi Onwuzurike) set the Bucs back, and they again had to settle for a field goal.

This time, Chase McLaughlin was good from 55 for a 6-0 Buccaneers lead.

The Lions offense went right back to Jameson Williams on the next play, hitting him in stride for a 50-yard bomb.

A roughing the passer set the Lions up first-and-goal at the 10, but on third-and-goal, Goff couldn’t find Williams and they settled for a short field goal. 6-3 Bucs

Tampa’s offense was slowed the following drive thanks to Hutchinson third sack of the quarter on third down.

The Lions offense got moving thanks to four passes to Amon-Ra St. Brown, gaining 15, 16, 4, and 6 yards. That would put Detroit at the Bucs 22-yard line at the end of the first quarter.

Second quarter

Detroit’s offense would stall in the red zone for the second consecutive drive, and Jake Bates tied up the ballgame with a 35-yard field goal 6-6 tie.