It’s that time of year for the NFL, especially the Bucks. The long season took a toll on the health of Tampa Bay players. Another blow came today when the team announced it had demoted starting strong safety Ryan Neal from questionable to out.he won’t travel there green bay With the team.
Ryan Neal will not travel to Green Bay with the Buccaneers and will miss Sunday’s game.
— Buccaneers Communications (@BuccaneersComms) December 16, 2023
Neal has seen a decline in snaps in recent weeks after struggling in coverage to begin the year. The Bucks primarily use him as an extra box defender to stop runs on early downs, and his play has improved with adjustments. Kayvon Meriwether will likely fill that role in his place, and Dee Delaney will continue to play long and late downs as a pass defender.
Bucks SS Ryan Neal – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
Bucs receive good news on defensive lineman
But today’s injury news isn’t all bad. The Bucks followed up that announcement with some positive news regarding a more important member of their defense.
Vita Vea’s game status is currently “Suspicious.” He used to be a skeptic.
— Buccaneers Communications (@BuccaneersComms) December 16, 2023
Bear was absent from last week’s win over the Atlanta Falcons, and the defense felt his loss as they were unable to put much pressure on quarterback Desmond Ridder. Tampa Bay pressured Ridder on just nine of his 45 dropbacks and had time to find receiver Drake Rondon on six of his 20-plus passes. Baer is a key piece for everyone around him, and he will be needed to improve both the Bucs’ pass rush and run defense and give them a chance to beat the Packers tomorrow at Lambeau Field.
