It’s been a roller coaster of emotions during Thursday practice for the Bucs. Everyone started off in a great mood after left tackle Tristan Wirfs signed a contract extension with Tampa Bay to make him the highest paid offensive lineman in NFL history. The vibes were high at the beginning, but the changed as practice went on because of an unfortunate injury to Yaya Diaby, the Bucs’ best defensive pass rusher.

Bucs DT Calijah Kancey and OLB Yaya Diaby – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Second year outside linebacker Yaya Diaby suffered an ankle injury during 11-on-11 drills. It was a passing play where Diaby was lined up on the right side and eventually went to the ground. Trainers looked at him and then a cart came out for Yaya Diaby to take him off for the rest of the day.

After practice, Todd Bowles confirmed it was an ankle injury but didn’t have much more of an update.

“He has an ankle (injury),” Bowles said. “That’s all we know right now. We’ll see what the prognosis is as we go forward and they take some more tests. It’s football, we’ll wait for the results to come in. Right now we’re hopeful, so we’ll wait and see before we say all is lost right now. He’s been having a great camp, he’s a great player and just wish the best for him.”

Pewter Report has learned that it does not appear that Diaby has torn his achilles, which avoids a catastrophic outcome. There’s still a long way to go, but there is at least some positive news as we learn more.

What Do The Bucs Do At OLB If Yaya Diaby Isn’t Available?

Diaby was having a stellar training camp to begin the 2024 season. If sacks were recorded during practice, he would have been leading the Bucs by a landslide. It felt as if play after play, Diaby was in the backfield creating a problem for his offensive teammates while simultaneously having great moments for the defense.

Bucs OLB Yaya Diaby – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

The potential loss of Diaby would be a huge blow for the Bucs at outside linebacker. They’ve already had Randy Gregory out ever since he signed with the Bucs as he hasn’t attended any training camp practice. This would leave veterans Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Anthony Nelson as the only experienced starters for the Bucs.

Tampa Bay would also have to rely more on second year outside linebacker Chris Braswell out of Alabama, who has shown some flashes in camp. Other options for the Bucs include Markees Watts and Jose Ramirez. Watts had a big game against the Titans last year, but only had a small amount of playing time throughout the season and was a situational pass rusher. Ramirez was drafted in the sixth round and was put on the practice squad for the season.

Going into 2024, Diaby had it down this year as one starter at outside linebacker for Tampa Bay while all the others would compete for starting spot opposite of him. Those plans may have to be altered depending on the severity of his injury.

Pewter Report will continue to update Diaby’s status when more information is provided.