Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (50) warms up before a game against the Atlanta Falcons. Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Buccaneers get perfectly timed good news before Falcons season opener

Originally posted on Tampa Bay Buccaneers on SI
By River Wells | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 11:46 AM ET

Vita Vea is a crucial part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' stout defensive line, and thankfully for Bucs fans, it's looking like he's set to play against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1.

Vea was out of practice on Wednesday and Thursday with a foot injury, and some were growing concerned that he could miss Tampa Bay's Week 1 NFC South showdown against the Falcons. The general feeling, though, was that Vea would be alright and that his foot was just sore, and that was confirmed on Friday when Vea came out to practice late into the media's viewing period.

Vita Vea (shown here hiding his face from us, lmao) came out to practice at the end of our viewing period with his helmet. That’s good news. #Bucs #GoBucs pic.twitter.com/fUtIghKNAn
— River Wells (@riverhwells) September 5, 2025

Vita Vea should be good to go for Buccaneers

Todd Bowles will speak to media to confirm the level of participation from Vea and other Buccaneers players. Even if Vea ends up being listed as questionable, his return to practice is generally a good indicator that he'll be ready to go on Sunday vs. the Falcons.

Vea's presence will be needed on Sunday. Vea did some good work in the pass-rushing game last year, netting a career-high seven sacks, but he particularly shines in the run game. Vea's size makes him a perfect plug up the middle, and any deterrence to Falcons star running back Bijan Robinson will be welcome for the Bucs. Had Vea not been able to play, it's likely that Greg Gaines or practice squad member C.J. Brewer would have had to take his place, and that wouldn't have been great news for the Bucs.

Now, though, Tampa Bay doesn't have to worry about that. The only player completely set to be out on Sunday is defensive back Christian Izien, who is dealing with an oblique injury. Cornerback Benjamin Morrison is questionable, but he's unlikely to debut in Tampa Bay's first game after missing a good chunk of training camp.