As the Bucs gear up for a crucial two-game stretch that could define their season, they’re finally getting some good news on the health front. Tampa Bay enters the week as healthy as they’ve been all year - and just in time. With playoff implications on the line, the timing couldn’t be better.
The headline here? Calijah Kancey is back on the practice field.
It’s been over three months since the rookie defensive lineman took a rep, but he’s officially returned in a limited capacity as he works his way back from a pectoral injury. It’s a significant development for a defense that could use another disruptive presence up front, especially with depth being tested late in the year.
That said, not everyone was a full go. Two notable absences stood out on Wednesday’s injury report: offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs and outside linebacker Anthony Nelson. Neither practiced, but neither absence was unexpected.
Wirfs, who’s been managing a toe injury, was seen speaking with the media on Tuesday after earning another Pro Bowl nod - a sign that his absence is likely more about managing reps than a major setback. With Christmas falling on Thursday and another practice scheduled for Friday, the Bucs appear to be giving one of their most valuable players a little extra time to rest and recover.
Nelson, on the other hand, is a bit more of a concern. He exited early in last week’s game with a knee injury and was seen wearing a sizable brace.
His status for Sunday is very much up in the air. Co-defensive coordinator Larry Foote hinted that veteran pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul could see increased snaps if Nelson can’t go - a potential shift worth watching as the Bucs look to maintain pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Here’s how the full injury report looks heading into the Christmas Eve practice session:
Bucs Injury Report
- Anthony Nelson (Knee) - Did Not Participate
- Tristan Wirfs (Toe) - Did Not Participate
- Devin Culp (Illness) - Limited Participation
- Lavonte David (Rest) - Limited Participation
- Chris Godwin Jr. (Fibula) - Limited Participation
- Luke Goedeke (Ankle) - Limited Participation
- Calijah Kancey (Pectoral, IR) - Limited Participation
- Logan Hall (Knee) - Full Participation
- Kameron Johnson (Knee) - Full Participation
There are still a few players working their way back to 100%, including Chris Godwin Jr., who continues to manage a fibula issue, and Luke Goedeke, who’s dealing with an ankle injury. Both were limited, but their continued presence at practice is a positive sign.
Veteran linebacker Lavonte David was also limited, but that’s more about load management than injury. At this stage in the season, giving a leader like David some rest during the week is just smart planning.
The Dolphins, meanwhile, have their own injury concerns heading into Sunday’s matchup. Several key names were sidelined or limited, including standout safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and wide receiver Dee Eskridge.
Dolphins Injury Report
- Aaron Brewer (Neck) - Did Not Participate
- Tyrel Dodson (Chest) - Did Not Participate
- Dee Eskridge (Toe) - Did Not Participate
- Minkah Fitzpatrick (Calf) - Did Not Participate
- Darren Waller (Rest/Groin) - Did Not Participate
- Isaiah Johnson (Knee) - Limited Participation
- Benito Jones (Back) - Limited Participation
- Jason Sanders (Right Hip, IR) - Limited Participation
- Ifeatu Melifonwu (Thumb/Groin) - Full Participation
- Andrew Meyer (Tricep, IR) - Full Participation
- Jaylen Waddle (Wrist) - Full Participation
Miami’s injury list is longer than Tampa Bay’s, but the full participation of Jaylen Waddle is a big plus for their offense. Still, the status of Fitzpatrick looms large for a Dolphins secondary that will need all hands on deck.
With both teams fighting for playoff positioning, health could be the X-factor. The Bucs are trending in the right direction at just the right time - and if Kancey can get back on the field, it could give their defense a late-season spark.