Buccaneers star in danger of missing Falcons game
For the second week in a row, the Falcons are in excellent shape as they head to Tampa Bay to play the Buccaneers for control of the NFC South after the Saints lost on Thursday Night Football.
Both have recently suffered humiliating defeats. Atlanta had a great chance to defeat Washington at home, but the Commanders capitalized on three interceptions by Desmond Ridder. The Lions crushed the Buccaneers as the divisional rivals attempted to prevent a potential losing streak from beginning.
Both the Falcons and their opponents are largely healthy, but one important player may not make it to the game.
The biggest question after Thursday’s report was the absence of defensive tackle Vita Vea.
The mountain of a man practiced in a limited capacity on Friday after suffering a setback on Wednesday. Todd Bowles seemingly alluded to Vea playing on Sunday, implying the foot is just sore and the time off would enable him to go in a couple of days.
Anthony Nelson needs to clear concussion protocol to play, but Vita Vea’s presence or absence is a game-altering situation to follow. The Buccaneers are stout against the run, and the 350-pound Vea is a primary reason for that.
However, an underrated part of his game is rushing the passer. He currently leads the Bucs in sacks and provides an immense push on the center of pockets. When a quarterback can’t step up, it limits them severely. Vita Vea is a game-wrecker and one that Atlanta has to game-plan for; this is a big one.
