The Bucs received some good news in advance of Sunday’s home opener against the Chicago Bears in Week 2.

Starting nickelback Christian Izien returned to practice on Thursday. The rookie, who had a great NFL debut in Week 1 with a clutch interception at the goal line right before halftime to preserve a 10-10 tie at Minnesota, was placed in the concussion protocol this week. Izien took a big blindside hit from Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson after his pick, but stayed in the game. Injury spotters missed the injury, likely because the play happened right before halftime.

Izien played the second half, but missed an open-field tackle at the 4-yard line on Alexander Mattison’s touchdown catch.

On Thursday, Izien was seen practicing in the individual period in a black jersey, which means no contact. If he practices again on Friday, that could be a huge sign toward him being cleared from the concussion protocol and being eligible to play on Sunday versus the Bears.

2 Other Bucs Starters Don’t Participate In Thursday’s Practice

Bucs NCB Christian Izien and Vikings WR Justin Jefferson – Photo by: USA Today

The return of Christian Izien was welcomed news, but the Bucs were without rookie defensive tackle Calijah Kancey and cornerback Carlton Davis III for the second straight practice.

Last week, Kancey practiced in a limited capacity last Thursday before being a full participant on Friday, following four weeks of not practicing due to a calf injury on July 30. Tampa Bay’s first-round pick missed most of camp and the entire preseason before making his NFL debut on Sunday in Minnesota. But Kancey lasted just 11 plays before his calf tightened up again and the trainers shut him down.

If the rookie does not practice on Friday, it’s hard to see him being ready to play on Sunday. And with hot and humid conditions expected for Tampa Bay’s home opener, which starts at 1:00 p.m. ET, the Bucs might be wise to give him an extra week of rest so he doesn’t get dehydrated and take a chance at re-injuring his calf.

The Bucs host the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday, Sept. 25 with kickoff slated for 7:15 p.m. ET, which should make for a much cooler atmosphere for Kancey to return to action.

Logan Hall would replace Kancey in Tampa Bay’s nickel rush package, and Mike Greene would replace Kancey in the team’s 3-4 base defense.

If Davis can’t play on Sunday, then Zyon McCollum would replace him as the starting cornerback opposite Jamel Dean.

Bears Injury Report On Thursday

As for the Bears’ injuries, the team placed starting cornerback Kyler Gordon (hand) on injured reserve and signed Greg Stroman off the practice squad.

The Bears have placed Kyler Gordon on IR and signed Greg Stroman off the practice squad.

— Josh Schrock (@Schrock_And_Awe) September 14, 2023

One other Bears note ahead of Sunday’s game. Chicago reporter Cassie Carlson reported that Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams was not at the team’s facility for personal reasons on Thursday.

We won’t hear from #Bears DC Alan Williams today. Bears PR says he’s not in the building today.

— Cassie Carlson (@CassieCarlsonTV) September 14, 2023

Full Thursday Injury Report For Bucs And Bears

Here is the full injury report from Thursday, with the final injury report ahead of Sunday’s game set to drop on Friday:

Bucs

Carlton Davis — Toe — Did Not Participate

SirVocea Dennis — Hamstring — Limited Participation

Christian Izien — Concussion — Limited Participation

Calijah Kancey — Calf — Did Not Participate

Baker Mayfield — Right Shoulder — Full Participation

Bears

Josh Blackwell — Hamstring — Did Not Participate

Dylan Cole — Hamstring — Full Participation

Kyler Gordon — Hand — Injured Reserve

Marcedes Lewis — Rest — Did Not Participate