The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will again be without Antonio Brown and Rob Gronkowski as they return to action against the Washington Football Team.

Tampa Bay had a bye last week and will be keen to atone for their 36-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 8.

Bruce Arians' team will be widely expected to bounce back against Washington, whose 2-6 record is in part down to a steep decline from their defense.

However, the defending Super Bowl champions must do so minus Brown and Gronkowski, robbing Tom Brady of two reliable targets.

Tight end Gronkowski has featured just once since injuring his back in the Week 3 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams. He returned to face the Saints but played just six snaps before leaving the game.

Brown has been out of action since Week 6 because of an ankle injury and the Bucs' receiving group could also be missing Chris Godwin, who is expected to be a game-time decision with a foot issue.

Tampa Bay's trip to FedEx Field is a rematch of last year's NFC Wild Card clash, which the Buccaneers won 31-23 en route to victory in Super Bowl LV.