Bucs Get Key Reinforcements Ahead of Panthers Matchup, Injury Report Shows Encouraging Signs
As the Bucs gear up for Sunday’s divisional clash with the Panthers, the latest injury report brings more optimism than concern - a welcome shift this late in the season. For a team still in the playoff hunt, having more players trending toward “available” than “out” is exactly where you want to be in December.
Let’s start with the biggest development: Lavonte David is back on the practice field. The veteran linebacker and emotional heartbeat of the defense was limited on Thursday after missing Wednesday’s session with a knee issue.
That might not sound like much, but for those who’ve followed David’s routine over the years, this is notable. He’s often held out until Friday to manage his workload, so seeing him suit up a day earlier suggests he’s pushing to be ready for Sunday - and that tells you everything about how seriously the Bucs are taking this matchup.
On the offensive side, two familiar names popped up on the “Did Not Participate” list - Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr. But before any alarms go off, let’s be clear: both absences were rest-related.
No setbacks, no new injuries. Just veteran maintenance.
Evans was even spotted on the practice field during the media viewing portion, so this looks like a routine day off for two of Tampa Bay’s most reliable playmakers.
Tight end Cade Otton and linebacker SirVocea Dennis were both full participants, as were defensive backs Tykee Smith and Rashad Wisdom. That’s a great sign for the depth of this defense, especially with the kind of speed and versatility those players bring.
Here’s a full look at Thursday’s injury report for both teams:
Buccaneers Injury Report - Thursday
- Lavonte David (Knee) - Limited Participation
- Mike Evans (Collarbone/Rest) - Did Not Participate
- Cade Otton (Knee) - Full Participation
- SirVocea Dennis (Hip) - Full Participation
- Chris Godwin Jr. (Fibula/Rest) - Did Not Participate
- Tykee Smith (Neck/Shoulder) - Full Participation
- Rashad Wisdom (Quad) - Full Participation
Panthers Injury Report - Thursday
- Ikem Ekwonu (Knee) - Did Not Participate
- Damien Lewis (Illness) - Limited Participation
- Tetairoa McMillan (Foot/Ankle) - Full Participation
- Turk Wharton (Hamstring) - Did Not Participate
- Jaycee Horn (Rest) - Full Participation
- Taylor Moton (Back) - Limited Participation
- David Moore (Elbow) - Full Participation
For Tampa Bay, the return of Lavonte David looms large. His ability to diagnose plays and lead the front seven is critical against a Panthers team that, while struggling, still has weapons that can test a defense that isn’t locked in.
And while Evans and Godwin are technically listed as non-participants, their rest days are more about preservation than concern. This is the time of year when managing veteran bodies is just as important as game-planning.
All told, the Bucs are in a solid spot health-wise heading into a must-win game. If David is good to go and the offense stays intact, Tampa Bay will be fielding a near-full-strength roster - a luxury not every team can claim in Week 16.