By Avnish Singh 
Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defensive lineman Vita Vea was spotted with a brace on his right knee following the team’s hard-fought 20-16 win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday, as reported by Jenna Laine of ESPN. Vea, a cornerstone of the Bucs’ defense, exited the game early in the second half after sustaining a knee injury. The 2018 first-round pick is set to undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury, with updates on his availability for Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles expected soon.
If Vea is unable to suit up, the Buccaneers will likely turn to Greg Gaines to fill the starting nose tackle spot, while C.J. Brewer will serve as the backup. The team will closely monitor Vea’s participation in practice throughout the week as they prepare for a tough upcoming matchup against the Eagles.
Vea’s Absence Felt on Defense
The Buccaneers had a solid first half against Detroit, heading into the locker room with a 13-6 lead. Tampa Bay’s defense performed admirably, holding the Lions to just a field goal on their first possession of the second half, cutting the lead to 13-9. While the Lions’ offense boasts versatility, the Bucs managed to keep them out of the end zone for the first two-and-a-half quarters, maintaining control of the game.
Baker Mayfield and the Bucs’ offense had already scored the only touchdown of the game by that point, giving Tampa Bay a lead to protect. However, losing Vea’s presence on the defensive line presented a significant challenge. Without him anchoring the line, Detroit could focus more on establishing the run, potentially flipping the game’s momentum.
Game Impact and Defensive Efforts
The defense managed to hold firm, but Vea’s absence was evident. Last season, the Bucs suffered a 31-23 playoff loss to the Lions, and Sunday’s game was their chance at redemption. Tampa Bay ultimately secured a close 20-16 win, thanks in large part to their defense. Lions quarterback Jared Goff attempted 55 passes, throwing for 307 yards, but Tampa Bay intercepted him twice and kept him from finding the end zone. Goff ended the game with a passer rating of just 61.7, largely due to the Bucs’ relentless pressure, even without recording a single sack.
Here is the play where #Bucs NT Vita Vea was injured. Looks like Yaya Diaby who was coming around on the loop fell into his knee. Doesn’t look great pic.twitter.com/yT3X1JArtN
— JC Allen (@JCAllenNFL) September 15, 2024
The Bucs’ defense, which logged 10 quarterback hits and nine pass breakups, proved key in disrupting Detroit’s passing attack. However, the cost of this defensive success was high—Vea’s injury occurred when teammate Yaya Diaby inadvertently rolled onto his knee. The scene looked grim, but there’s a silver lining.
Vea’s Injury: A Lucky Break?
Initial fears regarding Vea’s injury pointed to a serious knee issue, but early reports indicate a less severe outcome. Vea has been diagnosed with an MCL sprain, which is expected to sideline him for 3-to-6 weeks. While it’s possible that some players recover quicker from this type of injury, the Bucs will likely be cautious with their star lineman.
In the grand scheme of things, the news could have been far worse. Given how the injury looked, an ACL tear was a genuine concern, but the Bucs and Vea dodged that bullet. With Tampa Bay sitting at 2-0 and leading the NFC South, the timing of Vea’s injury is manageable. The team faces the Denver Broncos and rookie quarterback Bo Nix in Week 3—a favorable matchup that should allow them to handle Nix even without their defensive leader.
Tough Stretch Ahead for the Bucs
While the Bucs might be able to navigate the next game without Vea, the schedule becomes more challenging in the weeks ahead. After Denver, Tampa Bay will face the Philadelphia Eagles and the New Orleans Saints, two formidable opponents that will test the Bucs’ depth on defense. Week 5 pits the Bucs against the Atlanta Falcons, a game that, on paper, presents less of a challenge for Tampa Bay.
For now, the focus remains on Vea’s recovery. The Buccaneers will hope to have their star defensive tackle back on the field as soon as possible, but they’ll be cautious to ensure he returns at full strength.
