Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive guard Sua Opeta suffered a torn ACL during training camp this week, and now the Buccaneers have to worry about another notable player potentially suffering a serious injury. According to multiple reports Bucs pass rusher YaYa Diaby was carted off the practice field with a left leg injury. Coach Todd Bowles informed reporters after practice that it was actually an ankle injury. per NFL Media.
Rick Stroud of TampaBay.com reported that X-rays of Diaby’s ankle were “normal” and that he will undergo an MRI later today. The Bucs are optimistic that Diaby has avoided a serious injury.
Diaby was selected by Tampa Bay in the 2023 third round NFL draft from Louisville. In his rookie season, Diaby started seven of 17 games played and recorded 38 combined tackles, 12 tackles for loss and a team-leading 7.5 sacks.
Diaby will likely start opposite Joe Tryon-Shoyinka at outside linebacker. Tampa Bay used its second-round pick on former Alabama pass rusher Chris Braswell and signed veteran Randy Gregory — though he hasn’t reported for camp yet.
The Bucs were tied for recording the seventh-most sacks in 2023 with 48, and were tied for having the No. 6 scoring defense with 19.1 points allowed per game.