Lavonte David suffers MCL sprain, two Buccaneers land on IR

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were hit with some unfortunate injury news. Former All-Pro linebacker Lavonte David may be on the shelf for the next few games.

According to ESPN’s Jenna Laine, Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David suffered a sprained MCL in Sunday’s 16-3 loss to the Washington Redskins.

Recovery for an MCL sprain typically takes 2-4 weeks, meaning the struggling Bucs defense may be without the former All-Pro for the time being.

David racked up 71 combined tackles, 0.5 sacks and a forced fumble on the year. With Kwon Alexander already out for the season, losing David is the last thing the defense needs.

Tampa Bay also had a pair of players land on the injured reserve. Running back Shaun Wilson and offensive lineman Evan Smith will be out for the remainder of the season.

More from The Pewter Plank

• Devin White posts cryptic message to Lavonte David on Twitter
• ESPN predicts surprising outcome to Devin White trade saga
• Updated Buccaneers depth chart after signing two players from rookie minicamp
• Todd Bowles sends clear message about Baker Mayfield’s role with Bucs
• The Athletic is wrong about Bucs one ‘must-watch’ game in 2023

Wilson was a popular name in training camp. The undrafted rookie out of Duke made noise with his ability to catch passes and return kicks. He spent the majority of the season as the team’s third running back and primary kick returner.

Smith spent the season rotating at right guard with Caleb Benenoch. Around halftime, Smith would slide in and take over for Benenoch. Smith was also the team’s backup center. His absence will leave Tampa Bay with little depth along the interior of the offensive line.

In corresponding moves, the Bucs signed linebacker Kevin Minter and promoted running back Dare Ogunbowale to the active roster.

Minter had a one-game stint with the Bucs earlier this season. With injuries hindering the linebacking corps, the veteran will slide in as a backup and special teams contributor. He spent time with Cincinnati, Arizona and New York.

The Bucs promoted Dare Ogunbowale from the practice squad to replace Wilson. Ogunbowale played well in the preseason, but Wilson earned the job out of training camp. Sunday may be the first time he suits up for the Bucs. He will likely slide in as the third running back on the depth chart if Ronald Jones is unable to play.

Tampa Bay signed running back Ralph Webb to fill out their practice squad. Webb went undrafted out of Vanderbilt and was the school’s all-time leading rusher.