Bucs designate Vita Vea for return from IR

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Buccaneers designate Vita Vea for return from injured reserve

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 1/18/21

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be getting a huge piece back just in time for the NFC Championship Game against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.

According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, the Buccaneers are designating defensive tackle Vita Vea for return from injured reserve. He can practice with the team on Wednesday and be added to the active roster in time for Sunday's game at Lambeau Field.

#Bucs are designating DT Vita Vea for return from injured reserve. He will begin practicing Wednesday and could be activated for Sunday's NFC title game. Vea fractured his ankle against the Bears in Oct.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) January 18, 2021

Vea missed the majority of the season after breaking his leg in October. At the time, the injury was considered season-ending. Two playoff wins have extended the Buccaneers season, allowing Vea the opportunity to take the field again.

If Vea cannot play this weekend and Tampa Bay wins, he would have two weeks to prepare for Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium.

In five games this season, the 25-year-old had two sacks, six solo tackles, three tackles for a loss and three quarterback hits.

More must-reads: