Buccaneers' Star DT Suffers Knee Injury vs. Lions

The star Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman will be sidelined for the rest of the contest vs. the Detroit Lions.

Jan 15, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (50) reacts after a play against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of a 2024 NFC wild card game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a clean first half against the Detroit Lions, leading 13-6 at the break. The defense gave up a field goal in the first series of the second half, cutting their lead to 13-9.

Overall, though, the defense has done a good job of keeping the Lions out of the end zone through two and a half quarters, which is surprising given the versatility Detroit's offense hoists. With Tampa Bay scoring the lone touchdown in the game at this point, they're playing from ahead.

As long as the defense keeps slowing the Lions and keeping them from the end zone, Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers offense will have a chance to extend and protect their lead. That might be more difficult for the defense in the second half, though, as star defensive lineman Vita Vea was ruled out of the game with a knee injury early in the second half.

Here is the play where #Bucs NT Vita Vea was injured. Looks like Yaya Diaby who was coming around on the loop fell into his knee. Doesn’t look great pic.twitter.com/yT3X1JArtN
— JC Allen (@JCAllenNFL) September 15, 2024

Vita Vea is OUT for the remainder of today's game (knee). pic.twitter.com/veE8FMFpEw
— Buccaneers Communications (@BuccaneersComms) September 15, 2024

Missing Vea' presence on the defensive line could open up the run game for the Lions, which could significantly turn this game around. Should Detroit begin to find success on the ground with Vea sidelined for the rest of the game, the Buccaneers could find themselves in trouble during the second half.

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