Heading into Sunday’s Week 1 matchup, there is no understating just how important Bucs defensive tackle Vita Vea will be in determining the game’s outcome.
Facing a Falcons’ offense boasting one of the best running back duos in the NFL with Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, Vea is the one who will be asked to block up running lanes. Not to mention, taking on double teams to allow defensive tackle Calijah Kancey and outside linebackers Haason Reddick and Yaya Diaby to get after second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Will he suit up?
Bucs Hopeful That Vita Vea Will Play On Sunday
After Vita Vea did not participate during Wednesday or Thursday’s Bucs practices while dealing with a foot injury, the Pro Bowl defensive tackle returned to practice on Friday as a full participant. That is when head coach Todd Bowles provided the first update on his status.
Bucs DT Vita Vea – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
“He had a good practice right now,” Bowles said of Vea on Friday. “It’s looking promising. He’s trending the right way.”
Pewter Report learned on Sunday morning that the team will use pre-game warm-ups to gauge whether or not Vea will be a go for the game.
Without Vea, the team would be shorthanded upfront, although they did elevate veteran defensive tackle Adam Gotsis to the active roster on Saturday. Still, the team’s run defense would suffer without the big nose tackle leading the charge. The Bucs want to dominate the trenches and set the tempo early against the Falcons on the road.
In two games against them last year, Vea recorded seven tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack while playing about 70% of the defensive snaps. A lot will hinge on Vita Vea’s status, and how much he plays should be active for the season-opener.
Adam Slivon has covered the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for five seasons at PewterReport.com, serving as a Bucs beat writer, social media manager, and podcaster. He joined Pewter Report as an intern during the 2022 season while studying Sport Management at the University of Tampa, graduating in May 2023. His reporting includes covering practices and press conferences, conducting exclusive player interviews, and breaking news on the Bucs.
In addition to his written coverage, Adam regularly appears on the Pewter Report Podcast, hosts a weekly YouTube series, Top 10 Takeaways, and manages Pewter Report's social media platforms.
A Wisconsin native, Adam spent his entire childhood growing up on a farm. In his free time, he enjoys watching the Brewers and playing sports video games. His Pewter Report colleagues call him "Sly" - which is a fitting nickname for someone whose favorite actor is Sylvester Stallone.
Follow Adam on X at @AdamLivsOn.
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