Vita Vea to Play as Bucs Face Saints in Superdome

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Vita Vea to Play as Bucs Face Saints in Superdome

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to face the New Orleans Saints at the Caesars Superdome this Sunday. While the Buccaneers will be missing some key players, they retain a vital asset for their defensive line.

Key Players Inactive for the Buccaneers

Outside linebacker Haason Reddick will not participate in the game due to knee and ankle injuries sustained last week in Detroit. He is one of four players sidelined:

Wide receiver Chris Godwin – fibula injury
Guard Luke Haggard – shoulder injury
Running back Bucky Irving – foot and shoulder injuries

Additionally, wide receiver Mike Evans has been placed on injured reserve following a broken clavicle.

Vita Vea Returns to Action

Nose tackle Vita Vea has been cleared to play despite missing two practices earlier in the week due to a foot issue. His presence is crucial for the Buccaneers’ interior defensive alignment.

Quarterback Situation

For the first time this season, the Buccaneers will have three quarterbacks active. Rookie Connor Bazelak has been elevated from the practice squad and could make his NFL debut if necessary. Both Baker Mayfield and Teddy Bridgewater are also on the game day roster despite recent injury concerns:

Baker Mayfield – knee injury
Teddy Bridgewater – dental issues

Status of Other Players

The Buccaneers and Saints submitted their inactive rosters at 2:30 p.m. ET, 90 minutes before their Week Eight matchup. The Buccaneers had to name seven inactives to comply with the game-day limit of 48 players. On the other hand, the Saints elevated linebacker Eku Leota from their practice squad and listed six players as inactive, yet the Saints report no injury-related absences.

Inactives for the Buccaneers

DL C.J. Brewer
S Sebastian Castro
WR Chris Godwin Jr.
G Luke Haggard
RB Bucky Irving
OLB Haason Reddick
CB Kindle Vildor

Anticipated Game Dynamics

The Buccaneers will look to leverage Vita Vea’s return as they face a formidable Saints team. This matchup promises to be an exciting showdown at the Superdome.