The Tampa Bay Buccaneers cannot escape the risk of injury and their nasty net. Every week a new injury seems to crop up just as the defense is gaining momentum.
Safety Jordan Whitehead's injury seemed concerning on Sunday, but the team received some positive news on Tuesday.
reports that Whitehead will miss significant time due to a torn pectoral muscle, but surgery will not be required. That means he could return for the playoffs if the Bucs make a breakthrough in the second half of the season.
Such injuries have happened before in the NFL, most notably to Steelers star pass rusher TJ Watt, who tore his pectoral muscle in 2022. He suffered the injury in Week 1 of that season and was able to return in Week 9 after missing seven games.
Although no two injuries are the same, a timeline for the injury can be derived here. It also gives the Bucs hope and motivation as they try to build a new winning streak in the playoffs, which begin Sunday against the Panthers.