The Bucks received some great news Thursday when the team’s first-round pick, rookie defensive tackle Kariya Kansi, practiced for the first time in over a month. Kansi has been sidelined since July 30 after suffering a calf injury during training camp.
RB Keshawn Vaughn and DL Kariya Kansi were practicing with restrictions this morning.
Bourne stretched with the team, but remained seated for most of the media coverage. Cuncy practiced with other defensive linemen at the edge of the field. pic.twitter.com/Fuc2CFY5IJ
— Pewter Report 🏴☠️ (@PewterReport) September 7, 2023
Kariya Kansi was moving at Bucks practice
Bucks DT Kariya Kansi – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
Rookie defensive lineman wore full padding and uniform Warm up with Bucks. He did calisthenics with the team, as he usually does when starting practice. He was also running and seemed fine while traveling.
head coach Todd Bowles didn’t rule out that possibility either. Kariya Kansi will appear in Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings on Wednesday, but his appearance on Thursday morning is a welcome sign that he could be available in the next few days.
Cansi’s return will bring more agility, speed and athleticism to Tampa Bay’s forward defense. Quarterback Kirk Cousins wants to stay in the pocket and soak up hits as long as possible to clear passes, which he will need against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Bucks’ ability to reach quarterbacks could be the deciding factor in Sunday’s game.
Bowls will determine how much Cuncy can play. He doesn’t usually reveal much information about his playing time, especially when it comes to Week 1. So it’s doubtful we’ll get an exact answer as to how long he’ll probably be able to play until kickoff itself. Either way, this is a big step in the right direction for Kariya Kansi and Tampa Bay.