Injury Update: A number Of Defensive Starters For Buccaneers Are Out v Indianapolis Colts

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear to be without their defensive leader, Lavonte David, when they go to Indianapolis to play the Colts this Sunday, as if losing five of their previous six games wasn’t bad enough.

During the second half of the team’s game against San Francisco last week, David exited the game and did not come back.

It wasn’t just David who suffered harm, either. This week, Jamel Dean, Devin White, and Carlton Davis—all fellow starters—were out due to injuries.

However, David’s significance to Todd Bowles’ defense cannot be emphasized enough. On that side of the ball, younger players like Vita Vea and Antoine Winfield Jr. usually garner a little more attention, but Lavonte is still the major guy that drives this defense.

However, David’s significance to Todd Bowles’ defense cannot be emphasized enough. On that side of the ball, younger players like Vita Vea and Antoine Winfield Jr. usually garner a little more attention, but Lavonte is still the major guy that drives this defense.

Devin White, another inside linebacker for the Buccaneers, did not practice on Thursday either, raising questions about whether or not either linebacker will be able to play on Sunday.

There’s no doubt that David’s absence from the lineup would create a more obvious void on the field, even though White’s absence would equally hurt. David has outperformed his protégé in every way, even though he is eight years White’s senior and is presently in his 12th season in the NFL.

Lavonte David has been a huge asset to the Buccaneers defense, which has struggled this season to play disciplined football and make tackles. He can cover tight ends, running backs, and even receivers. He can also consistently shed blocks and defend the run.

Despite the fact that the Bucs have more skill than the Indianapolis Colts on both sides of the ball, the injuries the Bucs may have for this game could swing the outcome significantly.

The Tampa Bay Bucs’ defense would suffer a great deal in Lavonte David’s absence.

UPDATE

According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Dean and David will not be present for Sunday’s game versus the Colts. Devin White’s status for the game will probably depend on his foot issue.