It is not hyperbolic to state that it is all on the line for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday afternoon against the NFC South rival Carolina Panthers, who have often been their greatest rival in terms of the sporting side of things over the last 20 years. Once again, the Buccaneers and Panthers, just like old times, will compete for the division crown and the only realistic playoff spot for either of these teams.
The Buccaneers and Panthers are two franchises trending in opposite directions this season. Whereas the Bucs began the season as Super Bowl contenders and Carolina looked like they had no shot at the postseason at all, the Buccaneers are now sliding down to .500 whereas the Panthers are flying high with Bryce Young finally showing signs of franchise quarterbacking. Their differing trajectories was best exemplified by the Bucs getting embarrassed by the Los Angeles Rams before the Panthers beat them in a shootout a week later.
On Sunday, the Buccaneers will finally have an almost perfect bill of health. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Bucky Irving have all returned from their key injuries, and Tristan Wirfs will be back out there to man the all important left tackle position for star quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Is Lavonte David playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
So the last lingering injury question for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday in the first winner take all divisional battle against the Carolina Panthers has to do with veteran inside linebacker Lavonte David. The 35 year old franchise legend has been able to play lately and was out there in the blown loss to the Atlanta Falcons, but he is the one guy who was a limited participant in Friday's practice before the game against the Panthers, thus making him the main player in question for Sunday's game.
Despite the limited practice session, there do not appear to be any real concerns whatsoever about David's status this week. Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles told reporters before the game, via veteran Tampa Bay Times reporter Rick Stroud, that Lavonte David is "fine" to play against Bryce Young and Co.
So any questions about David's knee are a non factor at this point, but the real key is going to be the overall play of the defensive quarterback. The Buccaneers front seven has been a dumpster fire this season, especially in recent weeks, and even Bucs fans are beginning to resoundingly declare David as a finished player. It's up to him, once one of the best inside backers in the NFL, to come up big like the old days on Sunday.