Bucs linebacker Devin White was a surprise name on Wednesday’s injury report, missing practice with a quad injury. The third-year pro has something extra to be thankful for today, as he returned to practice on Thursday. Alongside him was defensive tackle Vita Vea, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Both players were in full pads in the media portion of practice for what head coach Bruce Arians called a “Turkey Bowl practice.” White suffered a quad injury during one of the last plays of the game in the Bucs 30-10 victory over the Giants. Addressing the media on Wednesday, Arians said he’s comfortable with Kevin Minter stepping in if necessary.

“We’ve played without Devin [White],” Arians said. If Devin can’t play, Kevin [Minter] will step in and do a hell of a job.”

White’s return to practice is a good signal that he may be able to play Sunday when the Bucs head to Indianapolis. They will need his presence in the middle with how effective Colts running back  Jonathan Taylor has been running the ball.

Bucs NT Vita Vea – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Getting Vea back will go a long way in stopping the Colts vaunted running game. Vea was carted off the field during Tampa’s loss to the Washington Football Team. The Bucs breathed a sigh of relief when the MRI revealed only a bone bruise and slight MCL sprain. Arians said that Vea, who has had this injury before, knows how to deal with it.

After making good progress last week, Arians said he was optimistic Vea could return this week. His availability for a practice in which the Bucs head coach indicated the players would, “get after a little bit” is a strong sign.

“Yeah, he jumped out there today,” Arians said after Wednesday’s practice. “Again, we’ll know a whole lot more tomorrow when I see them work around, playing blocks with pads on. That’s one of the reasons we’re putting pads on tomorrow. Great running team that we’re playing against and just see our guys fit the run.”

If White and Vea can play on Sunday, it will be great news for the NFL’s No. 1 ranked run defense, as they take on the league’s current rushing leader. The Bucs travel to Indianapolis for their game against the Colts this Sunday.

Injury Update

Here is the complete injury report from Thursday’s practice