A light injury report this week put all of the attention on Bucs nose tackle Vita Vea and his availability due to a foot injury. It was only Vita Vea and outside linebacker Anthony Nelson (concussion) that have been on this week’s injury list, and Nelson has practiced in full each day.

Was Vita Vea At Practice?

Bucs NT Vita Vea and Eagles C Jason Kelce – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Vita Vea was limited in practice on Wednesday but sat out on Thursday. This built the suspense for Friday’s practice and whether not he’d be able to go. After Vea wasn’t out there warming up with the rest of the Bucs like he typically does, he did arrive not long after when the rest of the Bucs starting participating in special teams drills.

The first person that he went up to and talked with was assistant coach Tom Moore. Vea has highlighted his discussions with Moore on his instagram since last season and also this year, which has brought much enjoyment to Bucs fans. The fact that Vea was in his jersey and at practice was a good sign, but didn’t necessarily mean he’s all systems go.

The rest of the Bucs were all at practice, with the exception of wide receiver Mike Evans. This isn’t cause for concern, though, as Evans most likely received the day off to rest up for the game. The Bucs have done this with him and other veterans before.

Todd Bowles Announces Game Status Of Vita Vea

Bucs NT Vita Vea – Photo by: USA Today

Following practice, Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles declared that Vea will “hopefully” play on Sunday when the Bucs host the Falcons.

“He looked a little better today,” Bowles said. “Hopefully by Sunday he should be a full tilt.”

Bowles then discussed whether this injury happened last game or at practice.

“It didn’t happen in neither,” Bowles said. “It was just sore. He just came in and said it was sore. We got it checked out so we’ll monitor it.”

At 350 pounds, perhaps Vea just needs a few days off his feet to rest up and be ready to attack the Falcons and their potent ground game.