Lavonte David Injury History & Analysis

The Buccaneers have ruled out LB Lavonte David (groin) and LB Devin White (foot) for Sunday's game against the Panthers. No. 3 LB SirVocea Dennis is also doubtful with an illness. That leaves K.J. Britt and J.J. Russell as the only non-edge LBs on the depth chart. Britt has 33 total tackles through three pro seasons. Russell has 7 since entering the league in 2022. Neither looks like a guy worth attention in your IDP league. The dearth of LBs could help Carolina's passing game over the middle. We wouldn't give the Panthers' run game a significant upgrade, though. Tampa Bay also ruled CB Jamel Dean out.

The Buccaneers have officially ruled LB Lavonte David (groin) and CB Jamel Dean (ankle, foot) out for Sunday's game against the Colts. David is the more impactful absence, both for the Tampa defense and IDP lineups. This was the expectation reported earlier this week, though. Rookie Sirvocea Dennis looks like the replacement. LB Devin White (foot) is also questionable for the game. he's expected to be a game-time decision, according to multiple reports. White played through the issue for 100% snap share last week despite following the same practice schedule he did this week: out, out, limited. We'll see about his status Sunday. CB Carlton Davis (hip) is also questionable. He missed Week 10 and then saw his playing time limited a bit (75%) last week but finished this week with a full Friday practice.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that Buccaneers LB Lavonte David is "considered a long shot" to play against the Colts this week because of a groin injury. We have removed David from the Week 12 LB rankings and given LB Devin White a tackle boost. We'll have to watch White's status as well, as he missed Wednesday's practice with a foot issue. He started last week the same way, though, and wound up playing every snap. Expect rookie LB SirVocea Dennis to start in David's place.