Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defensive Back Out for Sunday’s Game After Auto Accident
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced on Saturday that defensive back Jordan Whitehead will not play in Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints due to injuries sustained in a car accident. Whitehead was on his way to the team’s practice facility when the incident occurred. The 27-year-old safety will be placed on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury (NFI) list.
In addition to Whitehead, the Buccaneers have signed Ryan Neal off their practice squad to take his place on the 53-man roster.
Whitehead, a key player for the Buccaneers this season, has started in all 12 games he has appeared in and has recorded 79 combined tackles with two tackles for loss and one QB hit.
The Buccaneers, with a win over the Saints on Sunday, will clinch the NFC South division and ensure a playoff spot regardless of the outcome of the Atlanta Falcons-Carolina Panthers game.
Whitehead, a seven-year NFL veteran, has been involved in several important games throughout his career, including the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl win in the 2020-2021 season. He is set to return to the practice field once his injuries have fully healed.