Bucs are dealing with another injury to a key player after losing Mike Evans for several weeks
The hits just keep coming as the Bucs await word on the severity of Haason Reddick’s injuries.
If losing Mike Evans for an extensive period wasn’t enough – the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are also dealing with a potentially serious injury when it comes to Haason Reddick’s knee and ankle.
Reddick was injured during the Bucs’ loss to the Detroit Lions and it’s to the point where Todd Bowles told reporters Monday he’s getting an MRI on both the knee and the ankle in order to fully understand the extent of the damage.
“He’s going to get an MRI today, so we’ll see what happens after that,” said Bowles.
Losing Haason Reddick would be a pretty big blow
Sure, the sack numbers aren’t there, but Reddick has been pressuring quarterbacks all season long. Per Pro Football Focus, his 25 total QB pressures are tied for 21st out of all 200 EDGE players and his pressure rate of 15.3% is better than guys like Myles Garrett (13.6%), Josh Hines-Allen (14.7%), Byron Young (15.1%), and Brian Burns (10.7%).
Reddick hasn’t been a game-changer, but he’s been a solid presence that’s allowed Todd Bowles to mix up his blitz and general defensive calls to the point where it’s hard to tell where the pressure is coming from, even if it’s just a four-man rush.
He’s complemented Yaya Diaby well, which has helped Diaby pull off 4.0 sacks through the first seven games. Not to mention the off-the-field impact in terms of helping the third-year pass rusher develop mentally technically.
If Reddick does miss time, the encouraging aspect is a) the Bucs get a downtrodden New Orleans Saints team in Week 8 before going on a much-needed bye in Week 9 and b) Bowles is one of the best defensive schemers in the league. Not only does he come up with great game plans, but he’s been in his bag when it comes to in-game calls and adjustments.
We’ll provide updates as soon as they come in, which will most likely be Tuesday.