The Bucs saw starting outside linebacker Yaya Diaby exit Tampa Bay’s 16-0 win over the Falcons early in the contest, coming out in the first quarter. A knee injury kept him out for the rest of the game.

It was later revealed by Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, that Diaby was going to get an MRI on his knee to determine how bad the damage was going to be. An update was provided on Monday as Rapoport reported that Diaby has a Grade 2 MCL sprain, and will miss “some time,” but will be back in a couple of weeks. It’s a good news bad news situation for Tampa Bay.

Bucs OLB Yaya Diaby – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

Diaby had just turned a corner, recording three sacks in Week 7, but at least he’s not out long term.

Bucs head coach Todd Bowles confirmed as such this afternoon, stating that it’s an MCL sprain. They’ll see how Diaby progresses, but he “hopes” that Diaby doesn’t have to go on injured reserve. On the season Diaby has recorded 16 tackles, three sacks, six tackles for loss and one interception.

Bucs Are Equipped At OLB For Diaby’s Replacement

With Diaby expected to miss at least a few weeks due to suffering a right knee injury in the win over the Falcons, head coach and defensive play-caller Todd Bowles will need to replace him in the starting lineup. Thankfully for Bowles, the Bucs’ defense is flush at outside linebacker this season.

General manager Jason Licht drafted Rueben Bain Jr. in the first round and is a starter. Licht upgraded the depth at outside linebacker with veteran Al-Quadin Muhammad, who has two sacks and a forced fumble on the season. David Walker, a fourth-round pick in 2024 who missed his entire rookie season due to a torn ACL, is back this year and playing incredibly well, leading Tampa Bay with four sacks and is tied with Diaby with six tackles for loss, in addition to 22 tackles.

Bucs OLB Rueben Bain Jr. – Photo by: Cliff Welch P/R

Bain was the Bucs’ best pass rusher in Sunday’s win, as two of his pressures resulted in errant throws by Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr., leading to two of the four interceptions that Tampa Bay recorded in the game.

Bowles could turn to either Muhammad or Walker to replace Diaby, but considering that Muhammad has been playing more on the left side as a rotational substitute for Bain and the fact that Walker has been a primary sub for Diaby on the right side, it will likely be the second-year edge rusher. And Walker deserves to start given his fantastic production this year as a reserve.

Bucs OLB Al-Quadin Muhammad – Photo by: Cliff Welch P/R

Bowles can also turn to longtime veteran Anthony Nelson, as the Bucs are truly five-deep at the outside linebacker position. Tampa Bay also has undrafted rookie free agent Yasir Holmes on the practice squad.

Tampa Bay went with Walker after Diaby left the game. He just edged out Muhammad for second amongst outside linebackers in snap percentage. However, with a primetime game coming up against the Bears on Sunday night football, that could dictate a different game plan and personnel usage.

The Bucs’ stellar defensive play lately must continue to succeed as they face a high potent Bears offense with all of the football world watching it.