Buccaneers vs. Panthers: Initial Week 9 injury report
By Ryan Doyle
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released their first injury report of Week 9, and the team should have some reason for optimism.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released their initial injury report for their Week 9 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
Tampa received some positive news regarding significant defensive contributors, but some key names missed the first day of this week’s practice.
Gerald McCoy and Vinny Curry returned to practice on a limited basis after missing the past two games. Their ability to participate on Wednesday bodes well for their status this Sunday.
Both veteran linemen will need to be at the top of their game this week as the Carolina Panthers feature one of the best rushing attacks in the league. The Panthers average 138.9 yards per game on the ground.
Following last week’s defeat, Tampa Bay had feared that 2018 first-round pick Vita Vea suffered a torn ACL. However, the MRI results came back negative and his season would continue. Even so, many expected Vea to see some time on the shelf.
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Vea wasn’t even listed on the injury report and may be able to play as soon as this week; it looks like the Washington product caught a tremendous break.
Second-year linebacker Kendell Beckwith also made his return to practice. Now that Kwon Alexander is out for the season with a torn ACL, Beckwith’s return is even more critical.
On the negative side, both Mike Evans and Jason Pierre-Paul were unable to participate in Wednesday’s practice. It’s too early to tell if they will be unavailable for Sunday, but their absence would be a massive loss for the Bucs.
Here is the full Buccaneers injury report:
RB Peyton Barber – Limited
DE Vinny Curry – Limited
DT Gerald McCoy – Limited
T Demar Dotson – Did not participate (DNP)
WR Mike Evans – DNP
RB Ronald Jones – DNP
DL Jason Pierre-Paul – DNP
OL Evan Smith – Limited
CB M.J. Stewart – DNP
Carolina looked quite healthy after their win over Baltimore last week. Veterans Julius Peppers and Mike Adams had an off day, and Torrey Smith was unable to practice after missing last week’s game.
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Aside from them, every other Panthers player practiced. Cam Newton and Greg Olsen were limited on Wednesday, but they should be ready to go this week.