Buccaneers’ Winfield returns fumble for 58-yard TD vs. Saints

NEW ORLEANS — In his first game back from injury, Tampa Bay Buccaneers All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. recovered a Tykee Smith forced fumble against the New Orleans Saints and returned it 58 yards for a touchdown to make it 14-0 with 8:42 remaining in the first quarter.

ANTOINE TO THE HOUSE 🙌

📺: #TBvsNO on FOX pic.twitter.com/GBnYB58wYQ

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 13, 2024

Saints backup quarterback Spencer Rattler, in for starter Derek Carr who is out with an oblique injury, connected with wide receiver Chris Olave on a 5-yard out route. But Smith swiped the ball away and Winfield, playing as part of a two-deep safety shell, recovered it at the Tampa Bay 42. Winfield had missed four games due to a foot injury.

Smith, the Bucs’ starting nickelback and a rookie, also had a forced fumble last week in the Bucs’ overtime loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

The Bucs scored on the opening drive, with quarterback Baker Mayfield completing 6-of-6 passes for 62 yards and a 4-yard touchdown to wide receiver Chris Godwin. They also scored a field goal to take a 17-0 lead with 4:01 remaining in the first quarter.