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Bucs' Safety Feared to Have Season-Ending Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Anthony Goss | Last updated Nov 25, 2024 12:51 PM ET

Riding a four-game losing streak heading into Sunday afternoon's matchup with the New York Giants, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers got the victory and performance they needed coming out of the bye week. A 30-7 thrashing of their NFC foe moves them to 5-6 and just a game out of first place in the NFC South.

However, the Bucs' defense took some considerable hits in this game. Injuries have chipped away at their depth all season and that trend continued against the Giants.

Linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka left with an ankle injury and he is currently listed as questionable. But the more pressing injury as the Bucs enter a new week centers around starting safety Jordan Whitehead.

Whitehead is feared to have a torn pectoral, an injury that would end his season, according to multiple reports. The team is awaiting the results of an MRI on Monday to confirm the diagnosis.

He left Sunday's game after assisting on a stop for the Tampa Bay defense at their one-yard line.

This would be a significant loss in the secondary for Todd Bowles' defense, given Whitehead's availability and production through 11 games. He has appeared in each contest, totaling 76 tackles, a mark second to only Lavonte David with 77.

The Bucs signed Mike Edwards last week and he made his debut against the Giants. If Whitehead misses the rest of the season, Edwards will likely be thrust into the starting spot.

As the Bucs navigate forward potentially without Whitehead in the lineup, they will remain on the road in Week 13 for a key NFC South matchup against the Carolina Panthers.

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

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