Tampa Bay Buccaneers provide update on Vita Vea following MRI

There was a update provided Tuesday about standout Tampa Bay defensive tackle Vita Vea after he received an MRI to examine his recent leg injury. Vea had to be carted off the field as the Buccaneers played the Washington Football Team on Sunday.

Vita Vea injury update

“Bucs standout defensive tackle Vita Vea was diagnosed with a bone bruise and slight MCL sprain after his MRI, source said,” detailed NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. “There was some concern there for more, and Vea may miss some time. But could have been much worse.”

The news comes as a relief after the images of Vea having to be taken off the field on the injury cart. With his diagnosis of a slight MCL sprain, the Buccaneers are optimistic that he will be able to return quickly.

The Buccaneers selected Vea in the 2018 NFL Draft with the 12th overall pick, and the star from Washington has been a big part of their success on defense. In 2019, Vea played in all 16 games and ended with 2.5 sacks on the season with 12 quarterback hits.

Vea also recorded 19 solo tackles and four tackles for a loss that season, but perhaps his most memorable moment came against the Atlanta Falcons. Vea would sometimes see playtime on offense as a fullback in short yardage situations, resulting in a touchdown reception by the nose tackle.

The 6’4″, 347 pound defensive tackle became the heaviest player in NFL history to score an offensive touchdown after his catch according to NFL.com.

Unfortunately, Vea broke his leg in Week 5 of the 2020 season and only returned in time for the NFC title game and the Super Bowl.

Vea finished his college career as a junior with Washington, accumulating 9.5 sacks, 15 tackles for a loss and 65 solo tackles. He was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2017, before his selection in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.