Multiple Buccaneers Defensive Starters Out Against Indianapolis Colts

The Buccaneers could be without both of their inside linebackers this week. That said, the absence of one would far outweigh the other.

As if losing five out of their last six games wasn't damaging enough, it looks like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are likely to be without their defensive leader, Lavonte David when the team travels to Indianapolis to take on the Colts this Sunday. 

David left the game in the second half of the team's matchup vs. San Francisco last week and did not return.

David wasn't the only one to get hurt, either. Fellow starters, Jamel Dean, Devin White, and Carlton Davis were all on the shelf nursing injuries this week.

Significant Injury Updates Regarding Multiple Tampa Bay Buccaneers Starters

But David's importance to Todd Bowles' defense can not be overstated. Younger players like Antoine Winfield Jr. and Vita Vea tend to get a little more attention on that side of the ball, but Lavonte remains the engine that makes this defense run.

According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, David is a 'long shot' to suit up in the Bucs' all-pewter uniforms when they travel to Indianapolis in hopes of rediscovering their winning ways from earlier in the season.

Lavonte David is considered a long shot to play this week due to his groin injury. Barring late-week improvements, Bucs will likely be withouts star LB for Colts game. https://t.co/GoXNA1Yxx2

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) November 23, 2023

Fellow inside linebacker, Devin White, was also a nonparticipant at practice on Thursday, casting doubt on whether or not either of the Buccaneers' linebackers will be able to suit up on Sunday.

Although White's absence would also sting, there's no question that David's absence from the lineup would leave a more glaring vacancy on the field. Despite being eight years older than White, and currently playing in his 12th season in the NFL, David has outplayed his protege by every possible measure. 

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Lavonte David's intelligence and ability to defend running backs, tight ends, and even receivers in coverage, combined with his consistency shedding blocks and defending the run has been invaluable to a Buccaneers' defense that has struggled with missed tackles and playing disciplined football this season.

Although the Buccaneers' talent on both sides of the ball outweighs that of the Indianapolis Colts, the injuries the Bucs could be facing for this game have the potential to tip the scales dramatically.

Lavonte David's absence would be a significant blow to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defense. 

UPDATE

Per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, both David and Dean will miss the game on Sunday against the Colts. Devin White is likely a game-time decision dealing with a foot injury.

Bucs LB Lavonte David (groin) and CB Jamel Dean (ankle) will not play in Sunday’s game at Indianapolis. They have not practiced this week. LB Devin White will practice today and at best could be a game time decision with an injured foot.

— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) November 24, 2023

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