Bucs linebacker Devin White returns to practice after two-week absence
TAMPA ― After missing two games with a foot injury, Devin White returned to practice on Thursday.
It was a great sign for the Bucs defense, which had been thin at linebacker the last couple of weeks. Neither White nor Lavonte David played in the 21-18 win over Carolina on Dec. 3. Only David returned for last week’s 29-25 victory at Atlanta.
White has had an inconsistent season but still ranks fourth on the team with 69 tackles. He also has two sacks and an interception.
He has said the foot injury has affected his ability to plant and change direction. That was evident when he was unable to tackle Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew 1-on-1 on a 2-yard touchdown run in the Bucs’ 27-20 loss Nov. 26 at Indianapolis.
“It’s frustrating,” co-defensive coordinator Larry Foote. “You’ve just got to stay ahead of the curve as far as rehab. A lot of times dealing with injuries, you never know when it’s going to feel good. So you just keep attacking the rehab, stay in the training room and keep pushing at it. The better you feel, you’re ready to go. But it is frustrating.”
Second-year pro K.J. Britt started at White’s spot the past two games. He was forced to leave the game against Carolina after only a half dozen plays due to a back injury. But against Atlanta, he had eight tackles and a pass defensed.
“I knew (Britt) would be physical; that’s what he does,” Foote said. “It’s what he excels at. I’m just looking for the leadership, communication, and can things be run smoothly? For the most part, he did a good job.”
White will become an unrestricted free agent following the season and needs a good finish.
Overall, however, the Bucs remain pretty beat up.
Receiver Chris Godwin (knee), defensive tackle Vita Vea (toe), defensive lineman William Gholston (knee/ankle), cornerback Carlton Davis (groin), safety Ryan Neal (back) and long-snapper Zach Triner (elbow) did not practice Thursday.
Foote: Assistant coaches to blame
Foote didn’t single out any players, but he said the miscommunication that led to the defense having only nine players on the field during Bijan Robinson’s early fourth-quarter touchdown run was not the fault of head coach Todd Bowles.
“Communication, but more assistant coaches,” Foote said. “More my fault than Coach Bowles’ fault, and other coaches. We’ve got to make sure down there, teams are going to hurry up, you’ve got to communicate. It’s everybody. The players on the field signaling, stuff that teams from time to time may have that issue.”
Packers feeling the Love
There’s no Brett Favre. No. Aaron Rodgers. But Bowles said playing the Packers could be just as tough with Jordan Love at quarterback.
In his first full season as a starter, Love has passed for 3,084 yards and 23 touchdowns, with 11 interceptions.
“He’s very poised,” Bowles said. “He understands the offense. He’s great in play-action. When a play breaks down, he can buy time to make a play or he can use his feet and run with the ball. There’s nothing panicky about the guy. He sat behind Aaron for four years. He’s very poised in the pocket. I think he’s a very good football player.”
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