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Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive linemen Logan Hall, Calijah Kancey and Vita Vea.
After losing 6 of their last 7 games and in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking for a boost from wherever they can get it.
That might come in the form of a surprise return from a player projected to be one of their biggest stars this season but ended up missing almost the entire season with an injury in defensive lineman and former first round pick Calijah Kancey.
“Big one for the Bucs: Tampa Bay has opened the 21-day window for star DT Calijah Kancey, who is recovering from a torn pec,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport wrote on X. “He remains on IR as he acclimates back to practice.”
Kancey, the No. 19 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, has missed 13 games since he was injured in a Week 2 win over the Houston Texans.
“BREAKING: DL Calijah Kancey is back on the practice field today, starting his 21-day return window,” Tampa Bay Sports Radio 95.3 WDAE wrote on X. “During that span, he can practice with the team without impacting the 53-man roster and may be activated at any time.”
Buccaneers Don’t Have Identity on Defense
The Buccaneers were counting on Kancey to have a breakout season in 2025.
In 2024, Kancey led the Buccaneers with 7.5 sacks despite missing 5 games due to a calf injury, with 6.5 sacks over the final 9 games of the regular season. Kancey missed 3 games during his rookie season with injuries as well.
Back in July, he made a bold claim during an interview with Buccaneers.com’s Brianna Dix as to what he might be able to accomplish with a complete, healthy season.
“I think you would be looking at the (NFL) sack leader,” Kancey said.
Instead, the story on Kancey for his first 3 seasons isn’t sacks, it’s been how much he’s been hurt — now sitting at 21 games total he’s been on the sideline for an entire season-plus.
When Kancey was hurt against the Texans, the original projection was he would be out for the entire regular season.
“Sources: Bucs DT Calijah Kancey will miss the rest of the season with a pectoral injury suffered on Monday night vs. the Texans,” NFL insider Jordan Schultz wrote on September 16. “The former first-round pick is a huge piece of Tampa’s defense.”
“An MRI just now confirmed #Buccaneers DT Calijah Kancey tore his pec last night, source says,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo wrote on his official X account. “He will need surgery and his season is over.”
Buccaneers Still Control Playoff Destiny
Despite losing 3 consecutive games to NFC South opponents, including consecutive home games against the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons followed by a road loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 16, the Buccaneers still control their playoff fate.
To make the playoffs, the Buccaneers now need to win out against the Miami Dolphins in Week 17 and in their rematch against the Panthers in Week 18.
From The Pewter Plank: “Something that helps Tampa Bay out is Carolina’s game next Sunday, which is against Seattle. The Seahawks are hot off a thrilling win that propelled them to the No. 1 seed, a position they won’t be looking to lose against the Panthers.”
Tony Adame covers the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Commanders, Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos. A veteran sports writer and editor since 2004, his work has been featured at Stadium Talk, Yardbarker, NW Florida Daily News and Pensacola News Journal. More about Tony Adame
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