Starting Buccaneers Safety Gets Huge Injury Update

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got a crucial injury update regarding a member of their defensive secondary on Tuesday.

Sep 11, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Mike Edwards (32) in action during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Two weeks ago, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers bolstered their secondary by bringing back safety Mike Edwards via a waiver claim. The veteran safety spent four years with the Bucs, winning a Super Bowl with the team in 2020, so his recall of Todd Bowles' defense allowed him to suit up the same week he was claimed. In his first game back with the Bucs, Edwards made his presence felt. And while he totaled just one tackle, he also had a key pass breakup late in the game that he nearly intercepted.

Edwards was looking to carry that momentum into his second game with an expanded role due to starting safety Jordan Whitehead's pectoral injury and got off to a quick start. He had four tackles in the first two quarters before he suffered an unfortunate injury of his own just before the half. Originally ruled questionable to return, he was quickly ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Speaking to the Media on Monday, Bowles did not give an immediate update on the severity or any sort of timetable for Edwards' return. However, ESPN's Jenna Laine has reported that Edwards is dealing with a Grade 1 hamstring injury and should only miss a week if recovery goes as planned.

Bucs safety Mike Edwards suffered a grade 1 hamstring strain, source says. Expectation is he’ll likely be out for a week.

— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) December 3, 2024

The injury update is great news for the Bucs, as their secondary has been hit hard with injuries. Jordan Whitehead is on injured reserve with a pectoral injury and rookie defensive back Tykee Smith has missed the last three games with a knee injury.

To reinforce the secondary, the Bucs brought back safety Kaevon Merriweather, signing him off of the Lions practice squad. Merriweather was waived two weeks ago after Edwards was claimed to make room for cornerback Troy Hill on the active roster. Since the Bucs signed him off of the practice squad, he must remain on the active roster for at least three weeks, which would line up with a hopeful return of Whitehead from injured reserve.

READ MORE: Buccaneers Re-Sign Safety From Detroit Lions Practice Squad as Injuries Mount

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2024 season.

Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook

More Tampa Bay Buccaneers News

• Todd Bowles Gives Injury Update on Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield

• Buccaneers HC Todd Bowles Gives Injury Update for 2 Injured Defensive Starters

• Former Oklahoma Sooners QB Baker Mayfield Speaks on College Football Flag Planting Trend

• Panthers Player Gets Into it With Buccaneers Player After Loss