Fans feared the worst when Tampa Bay Buccaneers pass rusher YaYa Diaby had to be carted off at practice last week. Fortunately, Diaby avoided a serious injury.
The Buccaneers' 2023 third-round pick isn't expected to feature in the preseason this summer, but the team hopes he can return in time for the Week 1 matchup against the Washington Commanders.
Diaby is coming off an impressive rookie season. He made 7.5 sacks and 12 quarterback hits, earning a vote for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He has an important role to play in Todd Bowles' defense, and the Buccaneers are thankful he escaped a significant ankle injury.
And he is making good progress.
YaYa Diaby says he will be ready for Buccaneers' season opener vs. Commanders
Diaby appeared to be moving well during Wednesday's practice (although he wasn't actually practicing) and wasn't wearing a boot to protect his injured ankle, which is an encouraging sign. He sounded pretty confident he will be back in time for the season opener, telling reporter Rock Riley that he is feeling good.
"I'm taking it day by day. I'll be ready Week 1," said Diaby.
#Bucs YaYa Diaby walking fine. Feeling good!
— rock riley (@realrockriley) August 7, 2024
He says he definitely will be ready for the opener vs #Commanders Sept 8! pic.twitter.com/QFEzElJOyK
That's good news for the Buccaneers and less so for Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels in his NFL debut.
Getting Diaby back for the regular-season opener is huge. The Buccaneers play three home games in the opening four weeks and need to make a fast start. Their lone road trip in that stretch is a playoff rematch with the Detroit Lions. The way to beat Detroit is to disrupt one of the league's best offensive lines, and Tampa Bay needs a healthy Diaby for that game.
It's not ideal that he is missing valuable practice and preseason reps, but it could've been so much worse. The worry was for a season-ending injury, but an ankle issue that keeps him out of the preseason is no big deal in the grand scheme of things.
The breakout season is still on, especially if Diaby is fully healthy by Week 1.