Long Gone Key Player Returns To Practice…
Lavonte David, a legendary linebacker for the Bucs, is anticipated to test his healing groin on Sunday in Atlanta.
David hurt his groin against the 49ers on Sunday, missing his second game of the season. Both David and backup linebacker SirVocea Dennis, who missed Sunday’s game due to an undisclosed illness, have resumed practice, according to Todd Bowles’ announcement today.
The Bucs have a great chance to win against an Atlanta team that runs the ball like it’s 1992 thanks to this development. With David on the field, it should be much harder to try to run the ball down the Bucs’ throat.
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Bucs vs. Falcons on Wednesday: Significant Development
On Sunday afternoon in Atlanta, the 5-7 Bucs take on the 6-6, division-leading Falcons in a crucial NFC South game. In particular, at inside linebacker, Tampa Bay hopes to be healthier in Week 14 than it was in Week 13 when it defeated Carolina 21–18.
What sort of advancements were made, then, when the Bucs conducted a walkthrough on the field at the AdventHealth Training Center on Wednesday? To start, two of the team’s linebackers made some significant comebacks to the field.
Lavonte David, SirVocea Dennis Trending In The Right Direction For Sunday
Even though the Bucs’ only practice was a walk-through, it was still positive to see Lavonte David (groin) and SirVocea Dennis (illness) listed as complete participants on Wednesday.
David’s return, who sustained an injury late in the San Francisco game three weeks prior, was particularly significant. The following week, he was again absent from Tampa Bay’s victory over Carolina, missing their loss to Indianapolis.
David had been playing some excellent football before this groin injury occurred. Even at 33 years old, he has been one of the Bucs’ best defenders in 2023. Getting him back at full health for Week 14 would be a major help for Todd Bowles and his defense, as the Atlanta rushing attack is a big threat with both Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier.
Dennis was sick all week, so his return to practice early this week is encouraging. He missed the Panthers game last week. The rookie made his first career start two weeks ago, but with Devin White and David out of the picture and K.J. Britt eventually suffering a back injury, he lost a great chance to put together another start in Week 13. Dennis should be able to start alongside David against the Falcons if everything goes as planned when he returns.