The Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are each dealing with some notable injuries ahead of Sunday’s season-opening matchup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Buccaneers were missing six players at Wednesday’s practice, including Pro Bowl defensive tackle Vita Vea (foot).

Tampa Bay is already dealing with injuries to wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) and left tackle Tristan Wirfs (knee), both of whom will miss Sunday’s game in Atlanta. The Bucs also practiced without defensive back Christian Izien (oblique) and linebacker Haason Reddick (rest).

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Tight end Cade Otton was limited as he works through a groin injury. If Vita or Otton are forced to miss Sunday’s game, it would give Atlanta a major advantage.

The Falcons are being cautious with wide receiver Darnell Mooney (shoulder), who was limited at Wednesday’s practice. Aside from Mooney, three other players were listed on Atlanta’s initial Week 1 injury report.

Backup safety DeMarcco Hellams (hamstring) and rookie offensive tackle Jack Nelson (calf) did not participate, while cornerback Clark Phillips III was limited with a rib injury.

WR Darnell Mooney (shoulder): LP

CB Clark Phillips III (rib): LP

OT Jack Nelson (calf): DNP

S DeMarcco Hellams (hamstring): DNP

While it appears Nelson could be in danger of missing Sunday’s opener, the Falcons are confident about their other four rookies playing a role. Atlanta listed first-round picks Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. on the second-string defense, but third-round pick Xavier Watts and fourth-rounder Billy Bowman Jr. will both start in the secondary.

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Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles praised both Pearce and Walker while addressing the media on Wednesday.

“Pearce was a heck of a pass rusher in college — he could really run,” said Bowles. “I got to see Walker a few times myself. One of my favorite players in the draft coming out. He’s really multi-faceted. He can do a lot of things for them outside, inside. He played with a high motor. High character guy, great leadership.”

Check out the Falcons’ updated depth chart and starting lineup (with player grades) entering Week 1. Plus, be sure to check back tomorrow afternoon for Thursday’s injury report.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons vs. Buccaneers: Vita Vea, Darnell Mooney injury updates