This week, the Buccaneers may be without both of their inside linebackers. However, the absence of one would far outweigh the absence of the other.
As if losing five of their last six games wasn’t bad enough, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear to be missing their defensive leader, Lavonte David, when they travel to Indianapolis to face the Colts this Sunday.
David left the game in the second half of last week’s game against San Francisco and did not return.
David wasn’t the only one who got hurt. This week, fellow starters Jamel Dean, Devin White, and Carlton Davis were all out with injuries.
However, David’s significance to Todd Bowles’ defense cannot be overstated. On that side of the ball, younger players like Antoine Winfield Jr. and Vita Vea tend to get a little more attention, but Lavonte remains the engine that keeps this defense running.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, David is a ‘long shot’ to suit up in the Bucs’ all-pewter uniforms when they travel to Indianapolis in the hopes of resuming their winning ways from earlier in the season.
Devin White, another Buccaneers inside linebacker, was also absent from practice on Thursday, casting doubt on whether either of the Buccaneers’ linebackers will be able to play on Sunday.
Although White’s absence would be felt, there’s no doubt that David’s absence would leave a more noticeable void on the field. Despite being eight years older than White and currently in his 12th season in the NFL, David has outperformed his protege in every way.
Lavonte David’s intelligence and ability to defend running backs, tight ends, and even receivers in coverage, combined with his consistency shedding blocks and defending the run, have been invaluable to a Buccaneers defense that has struggled this season with missed tackles and playing disciplined football.
Although the Buccaneers’ talent on both sides of the ball outweighs that of the Indianapolis Colts, the Buccaneers’ injuries could tip the scales dramatically in this game.
The absence of Lavonte David would be a significant blow to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense.
UPDATE
According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, both David and Dean will miss Sunday’s game against the Colts. Devin White will most likely be a game-time decision due to a foot injury.
