Bucs leading tackler Devin White sidelined by quad injury
TAMPA — The Bucs’ preparations to face the NFL’s top rusher began Wednesday morning with their top tackler sidelined.
Coach Bruce Arians said inside linebacker Devin White suffered a quad injury in the waning moments of Monday night’s 30-10 victory against the Giants. The Bucs had a walk-through Wednesday minus pads, but White wouldn’t have practiced had it been a full-fledged workout, Arians said.
The team is set to practice in pads early Thanksgiving morning to prepare for Colts second-year tailback Jonathan Taylor (1,122 rushing yards, 5.8 yards per attempt), who has run for at least 100 yards in five of the last six games.
“If Devin can’t play,” Arians said, “Kevin (Minter) will step in and do a hell of a job.”
Others who would’ve been sidelined in a full-practice setting, according to Arians, were receiver Mike Evans (back), left guard Ali Marpet (oblique) and receiver Antonio Brown (ankle). Marpet exited roughly midway through Monday night’s game; Evans told reporters afterward his back tightened up late in the contest.
On the encouraging side, nose tackle Vita Vea, who missed Monday’s game with a bone bruise in his knee and MCL sprain, participated in Wednesday’s walk-through and appears in play to return against the Colts.
“We’ll know a whole lot more (Thursday) when I see him working around, playing blocks with pads on,” Arians said. “That’s one of the reasons we’re putting pads on (Thursday); a great running team that we’re playing against and just seeing our guys fit the run.”
Additionally, cornerback Carlton Davis, on injured reserve since suffering a quad injury Oct. 3 at New England, began his 21-day practice period Wednesday. An opening-night starter, Davis is eligible to be promoted to the active roster at any time during that span.
Arians, however, said he doubts Davis will play at Indianapolis. He suggested a return for the Dec. 5 game at Atlanta appears plausible.
“We’ve got to see how it goes, if he has a re-injury,” Arians said. “He’s got to go full speed. He’ll get a bunch of scout-team work this week and try to get acclimated and see where it goes.”
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