Lavonte David, Vita Vea return to practice for Buccaneers

After missing all of the preseason, defensive studs Lavonte David and Vita Vea are back at practice for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In a summer with a large amount of injuries for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, both starting linebacker Lavonte David and defensive tackle Vita Vea went down with knee injuries early in training camp. However as practice began today, the Buccaneers got some good news as both players were back at practice in Tampa Bay.

In what can now be seen as foreshadowing, the Bucs waived defensive lineman Pat O’Conner yesterday in order to make room for running back T.J. Logan off of waivers. Head coach Bruce Arians and general manager Jason Licht would not have made this move to cut down a position already struggling for depth if they did not know Vea was close to returning.

Vea is in his second year with the Bucs after being their first round pick from a year ago, but has already faced a bout of injuries. For the sake of both the Buccaneers and Vea, let’s hope that these injuries are outliers and he sees a career of health from here on out.

David had a minor knee injury to start camp that required a small surgery on his MCL. Out of precaution, the Buccaneers held their veteran linebacker and leader of their defense out of training camp and the preseason in order to ensure his health for the regular season; it appears that David will be ready to go against the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday in their week one matchup.

Tampa Bay is going to need Vea and David to be reliable forces this year as they are both expected to be significant pieces to defensive coordinator Todd Bowles’ defense this season. Barring a setback, Vea and David will be on the field with the starting defense on Sunday and will look to wreak havoc on the 49ers.