Antonio Brown out for Bucs vs. Giants amid Controversy Surrounding COVID Vaccine Card

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians announced Saturday that wide receiver Antonio Brown will not play Monday night against the New York Giants.

It will mark Brown's fourth consecutive game missed due to a sprained ankle, but ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that he has a "real chance" to play next week against the Indianapolis Colts.

While Brown's absence Monday will be related to injury, he is also mired in controversy, as his former personal chef, Steven Ruiz, has alleged that Brown obtained a fake COVID-19 vaccination card, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.

Per ESPN's Jenna Laine, Arians said Friday that the Bucs did their "due diligence" regarding Brown and found no evidence that he was in possession of a fake vaccination card.

Brown's attorney, Sean Burstyn, denied the allegation by Ruiz and added: "If Antonio's doctors and the guidelines require a booster shot, then at that time, he'll be happy to do it live on TV and everyone can come watch."

The 33-year-old Brown suffered an ankle injury prior to the team's Week 7 game against the Chicago Bears, and it resulted in his spending time in a walking boot.

Before landing on the shelf, Brown was enjoying a highly productive season as one of quarterback Tom Brady's favorite targets. In five games, Brown has registered 29 receptions for 418 yards and four touchdowns.

It is likely no coincidence that the Bucs are just 1-3 in the four games Brown has missed this season. Meanwhile, they are 5-0 when he plays.

Tampa still has a strong receiving corps led by Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, but AB gives opposing defenses another dynamic element to worry about.

With Brown out once again Monday, the Buccaneers will look toward Tyler Johnson and Jaelon Darden to fill in behind Evans and Godwin.

Tight end Rob Gronkowski also figures to play a big role in the passing game after he missed most of the past six games with rib and back injuries.