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Buccaneers Receive Update on $71 Million Star After Missing Two Practices

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 11:45 AM ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers open the 2025 season on Sunday with a divisional matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

Although the Falcons haven't had a winning record since 2017, they have been a difficult matchup for the Bucs, defeating Tampa Bay in four of their last five meetings. So, the Bucs will be looking to turn the tide and get off to a good start in Atlanta.

However, like many teams, the Buccaneers have been struggling with injuries. That includes nose tackle Vita Vea, who was listed as "did not participate" in practice on Wednesday and Thursday.

Missing back-to-back practices called into question whether he'd be healthy for the season opener.

But things are trending in the right direction, with Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reporting on Friday, "Good news for #Bucs. DT Vita Vea has returned to practice after missing the last two days with a foot injury."

Good news for #Bucs. DT Vita Vea has returned to practice after missing the last two days with a foot injury. pic.twitter.com/pZEqLtvQDa
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) September 5, 2025

There's no doubt the Buccaneers will have their hands full against the Falcons' offense led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and running back Bijan Robinson.

Having a player like Vea out on the field, who is one of the NFL's most versatile nose tackles, stopping the run and rushing the passer, is crucial to how the Buccaneers attack this game.

That's also a reason Tampa Bay has shelled out so much money for his services, entering the third year of a four-year, $71 million contract.

If Vea can't play, the Buccaneers would need to go with Greg Gaines, who currently sits as the No. 2 nose tackle. Gaines is still a decent option, racking up 17 tackles, one sack and two tackles for loss last season, but a clear step down from the two-time Pro Bowler.

A clearer picture of Vea's ability will soon be revealed, because according to NFL.com, teams playing Sunday games must report game status reports by Friday at 4 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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