Bucs Injury Update: Vita Vea’s Status vs. Falcons

Pewter Report has learned that Vea will truly be a game-time decision and will test out his toe at the stadium in a pre-game workout with trainers to determine if he can play in Sunday’s big game against the Falcons. Vea has battled pectoral, shoulder and foot injuries this season but has played through them. He did miss the Buffalo game due to a groin injury, which was his only game day absence of the year.

On Saturday the team elevated reserve nose tackle Deadrin Senat, who was a former third-round pick by Atlanta, from the practice squad just in case Vea can’t play. Wide receiver David Moore was also elevated on Saturday.

The Bucs could really use Vea against Atlanta’s potent rushing attack led by rookie running back Bijan Robinson and backup Tyler Allgeier. Robinson has rushed for 756 yards and three touchdowns this season, while Allgeier has 492 yards and three scores on the ground.

The Falcons have the NFL’s sixth-best rushing attack, averaging 135.2 yards per game.

Robinson was sick against the Bucs in the first meeting back in October, and played sparingly, winding up with just one carry back in Week 7. Meanwhile, Allgeier ran for 59 yards and added three catches for 53 yards in a 16-13 win at Tampa Bay earlier this season.

The Bucs are hopeful that reserve inside linebacker K.J. Britt, who is also listed as questionable, can play versus the Falcons. Britt injured his back after seven plays on defense last week and did not return to action against Carolina. Britt provides depth at inside linebacker and is a core special teams player for Tampa Bay.

Vita Vea Is A Game-Time Decision, But Bucs Know Who Will Start At ILB

As Pewter Report first reported on Tuesday, the Bucs will start Lavonte David and rookie SirVocea Dennis at inside linebacker against the Falcons. Tampa Bay will need a big game from both to help shut down Atlanta’s ground game, especially if Vita Vea can’t play.

David missed the last two games with a groin injury, while Dennis was sick all last week and missed his chance to get his second NFL start versus Carolina. That second career start will happen today as David and Dennis are expected to start with inside linebacker Devin White missing his second straight game with a foot injury.

Cornerback Jamel Dean remains out with an ankle and foot injury, which means Zyon McCollum will once again start in his place opposite Carlton Davis III.

Speaking of cornerbacks, Atlanta cornerback A.J. Terrell will return to action versus Tampa Bay after clearing concussion protocol, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Terrell missed last week’s game against the New York Jets and typically squares off against Mike Evans, the Bucs’ leading receiver.