The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defense suffered a big blow in Monday’s win over the Houston Texans.
Buccaneers defensive lineman Calijah Kancey suffered a torn pectoral muscle, which will require surgery that will knock him out for the season, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported on Tuesday, per a source informed of the injury.
Kancey left Monday’s game after 15 snaps and did not return.
The 2023 first-round pick had improved in each of his first two seasons and was in for a potential blow-up campaign next to Vita Vea. Kancey followed up a four-sack rookie season with 7.5 QB takedowns in 12 games in 2024.
The big man’s presence was sorely missed early last season when he missed the first five games due to a calf injury. Kancey’s size-speed combo made him a menace up front, with the ability to plug holes and still chase quarterbacks.
Losing Kancey for the duration of the season is a massive blow to head coach Todd Bowles’ front. The Bucs will see an uptick in reps from Greg Gaines and fifth-round rookie Elijah Roberts.