On Sunday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will head north to face the Green Bay Packers. The Week 15 matchup has a lot of playoff implications. The Packers are now the NFC’s seventh and final seed, while the Buccaneers are in a three-way tie for first place in the NFC South.
Prior to Sunday’s game, Tampa Bay made some worrying announcements about the middle of their defense.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will most likely be without star defensive tackle Vita Vea when they face the Green Bay Packers.
Vita Vea has been unable to train all week, including Friday, according to Fox Sports’ Greg Auman. If Vea is unable to play, it will be the second week in a row that he has not played.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22413565/usa_today_15544729.jpg)
Vea did not practice at all the week before their game versus the Falcons. Vea will once again be a game-changing decision. This season, Vea has fought pectoral, shoulder, and foot problems but has played through them.
The Packers’ offensive line would benefit greatly from not having to face Vita Vea.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71401352/1298187057.0.jpg)
For years, the 28-year-old defensive tackle has established himself as one of the finest in the NFL. This season, he leads all defensive tackles in forced fumbles, is 11th in sacks, and has a PFF grade of 78.1.
Keeping Jordan Love upright will be critical if the Packers are to get back on track against a squad that is also playing for a lot.
