Calijah Kancey, SirVocea Dennis Trending Towards Return from Injury

Two Pitt Panthers rookies are expected to play after the Buccaneers' bye week.

PITTSBURGH -- Former Pitt Panthers defenders Calijah Kancey and SirVocea Dennis' have had to sit on the sidelines for most of the start to their rookie seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers so far, but that could change following the bye week. 

The Buccaneers are hopeful they'll get both former Pitt standouts - Kancey, who's been dealing with a calf strain, and Dennis, who's been out with a hamstring injury - back during Week 7 when they take on the Detroit Lions, according to head coach Todd Bowles. 

Tampa Bay has been cautious with Kancey to this point, choosing not to rush him back so he can fully heal. At this point, they say the issue is more about pain tolerance than anything structural. He played and started the first half of the season opener against Minnesota, but has been out ever since. 

Dennis appeared in one preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers but hasn't played in the regular season yet. 

The 3-1 Buccaneers are off to a hot start, far better than most expected, with their lone loss coming to the hands of the undefeated reigning NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles. They already bost the NFL's No. 7 defense by points allowed and No. 15 by yards allowed, but they'll certainly appreciate the lift that Kancey and Dennis' returns would provide. Both players had been impressive throughout training camp and into the 

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