The Bucs received some good news on the injury front this week with inside linebackers Lavonte David and Servocea Dennis returning against Atlanta. But what was the status of defensive tackle Vita Vea? listed as questionable Did you hurt your toe on Friday?
The Pewter Report learned Bear will actually make the decision during the game, testing his toes at the stadium in pregame workouts with trainers to determine if he can play in Sunday’s big game against the Falcons. I learned that I was planning to do so. Vea has battled injuries to his chest, shoulder and foot this season, but he has played through them. He missed the game against Buffalo due to his groin injury, his only gameday absence this year.
On Saturday, the team upgraded former third-round pick Deadlin Senato from Atlanta to backup nose tackle from the practice squad in case Baer is unable to play. Wide receiver David Moore also moved up the rankings on Saturday.
The Bucs could really use Bear against Atlanta’s potent rushing attack, led by rookie running back Bijan Robinson and backup Tyler Allgaier. Robinson has rushed for 756 yards and three touchdowns this season, while Allgayer has 492 yards and three scores on the ground.
The Falcons have the sixth-best rushing attack in the NFL, averaging 135.2 yards per game.
Robinson was sick in the first game against the Bucks in October and played sparingly, finishing with just one carry in Week 7. Allgaier ran for 59 yards and added three catches for 53 yards. They won 16-13 at Tampa Bay earlier this season.
The Bucs are hopeful that reserve inside linebacker KJ Britt, who is also listed as questionable, will be able to play against the Falcons. Britt injured his hip after playing seven times on defense last week and did not return against Carolina. Britt provides depth as an inside linebacker and is a key player on Tampa Bay’s special teams.
Vita Vea’s game time is up for grabs, but the Bucks know who will start at ILB.
As Pewter Report first reported on Tuesday, the Bucs are scheduled to start Lavonte David and rookie Servocea Dennis at inside linebacker against the Falcons. Tampa Bay will need big games from both players to shut down Atlanta’s ground game, especially if Vita Vea is unavailable.
David missed the last two games with a groin injury, while Dennis was sick all last week and missed his chance to make his second NFL start against Carolina. With inside linebacker Devin White missing his second consecutive game with a foot injury, David and Dennis are expected to start, making their second career start today.
Cornerback Jamel Dean remains sidelined with ankle and foot injuries, so Zion McCollum will once again start opposite Carlton Davis III.
Speaking of cornerbacks, Atlanta cornerback AJ Terrell is scheduled to return against Tampa Bay after clearing concussion protocol, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Terrell missed last week’s game against the New York Jets and typically plays against Mike Evans, the Bucs’ top receiver.