The Bucs are set to begin their 2025 season on the road against the Atlanta Falcons for the opener. There's been a big emphasis all summer to improve on the defensive side with aggressive play. It's tough to accomplish this, though, when they have top players out.

That what made the storyline about Vita Vea so intriguing for Tampa Bay. But the good news is that Vea did practice on Friday and it it looks the Bucs will have him for Sunday.

"He had a good practice right now," head coach Todd Bowles said. "It's looking promising. He's trending the right way."

It wasn't as good of news about Christian Izien and his status, Izien was ruled out for the game, which is a tough blow to the defense as he was an important chess piece to the unit. The other players out are Tristan Wirfs, Chris Godwin Jr. and rookie second round pick, Benjamin Morrison.

Bucs CB Benjamin Morrison and WR Tez Johnson – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

If Bucs fans are concerned about Morrison, the bright side is that he should be back soon.

"He should be fine next week," Bowles said. 

Bucs Friday Injury Report 

• WR Chris Godwin Jr. – Ankle – Did Not Participate – Out

• S Christian Izien – Oblique – Did Not Participate – Out

• T Tristan Wirfs – Knee – Did Not Participate – Out

• CB Benjamin Morrison – Quad – Limited – Out

• NT Vita Vea – Foot – Full – Questionable

Bucs DT Vita Vea and Eagles QB Jalen Hurts – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

• LB Lavonte David – Rest – Did Not Participate

• WR Mike Evans – Rest – Full

• CB Josh Hayes – Ankle – Full

• TE Cade Otton – Groin – Full

• OLB Haason Reddick – Personal – Full

• RB Sean Tucker – Hand – Full

Bucs RB Sean Tucker – Photo by: USA Today

Falcons Friday Injury Report

• S DeMarcco Hellams – Hamstring – Did Not Participate – Out

• OL Jack Nelson – Calf – Did Not Participate – Out

• WR Darnell Mooney – Shoulder – Limited – Questionable

• CB Clark Phillips III – Rib – Full

• DE Leonard Floyd – Rest

• T Jake Matthews – Rest

• DT David Onyemata – Rest