Another Bucs starter is not playing against the Packers…………

For the NFL, and particularly for the Bucs, it’s that time of year. The health of Tampa Bay’s roster has suffered as a

result of the protracted season. The team’s announcement today that starting strong safety Ryan Neal has been

downgraded from doubtful to out was another setback. He will not go with the team to Green Bay.

Neal struggled in coverage early in the season, and as a result, his snap count has decreased in recent weeks. He has

mostly been employed by the Bucs on early downs as an extra box defender to stop the run, and the change has

boosted his effectiveness. Kaevon Merriweather will probably take over in that capacity in his place, with Dee

Delaney continuing to fill in as a pass defender on long and late downs.

Positive News Regarding Defensive Lineman Reachs Bucs

There is some positive news regarding injuries today. The Bucs then revealed some encouraging news on a much

more important defensive player.

The defense missed Vea’s absence from last week’s victory over the Atlanta Falcons, as they were unable to apply

much pressure to quarterback Desmond Ridder. Ridder had time to reach receiver Drake London for six passes for

more than twenty yards, as Tampa Bay only applied pressure on nine of his forty-five dropbacks. Vea is a game

changer for everyone around him, improving the Bucs’ run defense and pass rush. They will need him if they want to

have a chance to defeat the Packers tomorrow at Lambeau Field.

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