The Buccaneers will already be without several defensive linemen. The first week has arrived, But it looks like the blows just keep coming: When the Buccaneers injury report came out, second-year starting defensive tackle Kalijah Kansey was listed with a calf injury and is questionable for Sunday.
Cansey didn’t practice at all with the injury during the week when it was revealed on Wednesday and Thursday. He showed up to practice on Friday and was listed as at least a limited participant, but the fact that it’s a calf injury feels like deja vu from a season ago.
The Buccaneers defensive line could take another big hit.
As a rookie last year, Kansey suffered a calf injury on the first day of training camp and was forced to miss the entire preseason. Kansey made a brief return in Week 1 against the Vikings, but aggravated the injury early in the game and missed the next three games.
Buccaneers DT Kariya Kansi – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
This year, Kansey saw a significant increase in playing time in training camp, but missed some time with a knee injury, which wasn’t a major issue and he was expected to be available for the game against the Commanders in Week 1. Coming off a full training camp and with even better chemistry alongside Vita Vea next to him, Kansey is poised for a big season in the second year of his career.
This is a big problem for the Buccaneers on a couple of fronts. First, Kansey is one of the best defensive linemen on the team and the team is built around him and the Bears. With Logan Hall already ruled out, two starters could miss the game if Kansey can’t play. Another concern is the depth of the defensive line, especially after the backup defensive tackle went on injured reserve.
That leaves Bear, Will Gholston, Greg Gaines and Ben Steele, with Steele just showing up in Tampa on Friday and having a lot of catching up to do. Use the playbook. Given the situation, it’s almost certain the Buccaneers will promote C.J. Brewer and/or Mike Green. It’ll be a heated battle on Sunday afternoon as the Buccaneers try to pursue rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, so rotation of all defensive linemen will be very important.
Buccaneers WR Trey Palmer – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
Another Bucks player is questionable
Kalijah Kansey wasn’t the only Buccaneers player listed as questionable on Friday. Wide receiver Trey Palmer is also listed as questionable on the injury report with a concussion. Palmer wore a non-contact jersey for Monday’s bonus practice but will now wear his regular jersey for the rest of the week.
The good news is that Palmer participated fully in practice and was seen catching punts. He is projected to be the Buccaneers’ starting punt returner with Kameron Johnson and Jalen McMillan as backups.
Buccaneers injury report – Friday
DT Logan Hall – Foot – Did not play – Out
DT Kariya Kansi – Calf – Limited – Questionable
WR Trey Palmer – Concussion – Full Time – Questionable
LB Lavonte Davis – Rest – Limited
OLB Yaya Diaby – Ankle – Played the full game
ILB Servosia Dennis – Shoulder – Full time
WR Mike Evans – Rest – Limited
CB Tyreek Funderburk – Foot – Played the full game
CB Josh Hayes – Hip – played the full game
K Chase McLaughlin – Abdominal/Illness – Full Participant
S Kayvon Meriweather – Knee – Full time
ILB JJ Russell – Ribs – Played the full game
OT Justin Skull – Abdomen – Played the full game
OLB Joe Tryon Soyinka – Shoulder – Played the full game
S Jordan Whitehead – Quadriceps – Full Participation
Commanders injury report – Friday
QB Marcus Mariota – Chest – Did not play – Out
DT Jerzan Newton – Foot – Limited – Questionable
OT Brandon Coleman – Shoulder – Played the full game
DE Clelin Ferrell – Knee – Played the full game
DE Dante Fowler – Knee – Played the full game
DT Daron Payne – Back – Played the full game
OT Trent Scott – Knee – Played the full game
