Is Vita Vea Debut Inching Closer?
September 28th, 2018
Could this be the week?
Is Vita Vea playing or not? Maybe we find out Sunday on the shores of Lake Michigan?
Vea, the Bucs’ first-round draft pick, had a calf injury early in training camp and was off the practice field until last week. The defensive tackle still hasn’t played in a game.
Yesterday, Bucs coach Dirk Koetter hinted Vea is getting closer to making his Bucs debut. The trick is getting in game shape after missing nearly two months of football.
“Yeah and trust me there is hitting in practice,” Koetter said. “There’s still – none of us in this room would be able to go out there and survive including and especially me. It’s still physical in practice, especially for those guys up front on both sides.
“There’s no better way to get in football shape than to play football. There’s a fine line though between training camp, preseason, practice football, and real NFL football. Some of that is medical decisions made by the guys that make those calls. After they’re cleared to play, then it becomes our call a little bit. Those are hard decisions.”
Of course, Koetter isn’t going to tip his hand about Vea, though there is no question he wants Vea on the field.
Later, when a media member suggested the Bucs’ injury report might be a sham, Koetter waved that notion off and said the Bucs comply under the rules of the NFL and are “legit.”
September 28th, 2018 at 12:40 am
we have 3 QB’s …someone has to be de-activated for Vea to make gameday
September 28th, 2018 at 12:54 am
Every team has three QBs. One is emergency activated only. Stop it!
September 28th, 2018 at 12:56 am
Unless they made room with Martino’s departure but what if RoJo is in the plans moving forward along with Vea. Do we need 3 QB’s on the 53? what is your opinion? Don’t forget after the bye we get closer to getting back one of last years stars LB Kendell Beckwith.
September 28th, 2018 at 12:58 am
Fitz to the 9ers
September 28th, 2018 at 12:58 am
What about Rojo??? Smh
September 28th, 2018 at 1:00 am
That would be the perfect scenario for both teams.
September 28th, 2018 at 1:06 am
We keep Jameis and Griff to finish the season. Get compensation for Fitz who can steer that ship now that JohnieGQ is finished for the season. Win Win
September 28th, 2018 at 3:06 am
If you were watching tnf you saw a 100mil dollar DT show up in the 4th qrt with two huge sacks. If only the Bucs had a 100mil dollar DT.
Licht’s 2016 draft class almost none of his picks are playing, for various reasons most of which they’re not very good. VH3, Spence, Aguayo, Ryan Smith, Caleb, Bond.
Do you think Licht passed on Derwin James bc he didn’t want two FSU badasses on the team. Like -what would they neighbors say- type of thing?
September 28th, 2018 at 3:49 am
With Unrein on IR (concussion) & Allen dinged up (foot) & GMC hurting (damaged wing), Bucs desperately need DT help. Bucs didn’t spend a 1st rnd pick on Vea for nothing; he’s a quality DT that represents the future. It’s a shame that his NFL career started this way, but ‘you are where you are’ and no amount of wishing or complaining will change that reality. Still, not smart to rush him onto the field until he’s in ‘football shape’.
Bucs defense is very badly beaten up right now, and it desperately needs the Bucs’ offense to chew up the clock (I suspect that’s what Monken was attempting to do with his play-calling in the 1st half of the Steelers game … unsuccessfully unfortunately). It’s unsustainable for our DLine guys to play 80%-90% of the game. And a Secondary composed of 4 guys who are either in their 1st or 2nd year (plus Grimes) is, shall we say ‘RISKY’ at best. Bucs NEED this offense to put up a bunch of points, eat up the clock doing it, and for Heaven’s sake PROTECT THE FOOTBALL and don’t turn it over any more.
September 28th, 2018 at 4:11 am
It seems Licht drafted smart this year. Injuries have forced them to start three draft picks already, and if the pattern continues, they will soon need Vita Vea to start.
Any word on when Kendell Beckwith will return? He’s on the non-football injury list, so doesn’t that mean he can return when ready? Any chance he returns during the bye week?
September 28th, 2018 at 4:31 am
It’s a Catch 22
They are hurt at defensive tackle and barely have the bodies there
But they have the bye next week and can make sure he is 100% when he returns in 2 weeks
September 28th, 2018 at 4:36 am
Trench –
(Before last nights crazy game)
Fitz leads the NFL in passing yards , so #1
Is second in touchdowns in the entire nfl
Is second in QBR in the entire nfl
Yah let’s trade him away. How do we get you from stop being a Buc fan anymore? I’m guessing you are part of the Jamies messiah following. You care more bout one player then whole team. Or did you just go to FSU?
September 28th, 2018 at 5:45 am
Maybe the timing, for once, works in our favor. Our depth is thin at DT right now.
September 28th, 2018 at 5:49 am
What a surprise it would be if Winston, Vea, and RoJo were to all play Sunday? That would throw the Bear’s off completely!
September 28th, 2018 at 5:57 am
Vea still hasn’t played in a game???? Joe are you serious the dude had ONE practice before he got hurt! ONE practice! I’m not saying the guy is soft he could kick my arse but that is like saying Mike Smith really knows how to coach a defense.
September 28th, 2018 at 6:27 am
Hes been a disappointment for me so far and frankly I wont click on any more stories about him until I see him make a play. We were warned by Sapp this would happen.
September 28th, 2018 at 6:30 am
Bird, Trench is 100% right, that is what the best teams do. They take a fleeting thing that everyone is gaga over and they take advantage of some goofball who is caught up in the temporary hype. If we could even get a 3rd rounder for Fitz I would do it in 2 seconds. The guy was basically retired and now we got a 2-1start out of him AND a 3rd round pick, now that would be Fitzmagic!
September 28th, 2018 at 6:38 am
Evo2706 I know right all that lack of power, no drive, no finish jumping out of his gap, letting some scrub block him one on one roughing the QB and worst of making so much money.
Oh sorry I thought you were talking about McCoy, but they are pretty much the same, zero impact to the franchises success to this point in their career.
But for real dude Vea has not played yet, HE GOT HURT, how can you disappointed in him? You think he likes being hurt? Come on…
Also Bird Trench is 100% correct trade Fitz now while everyone is caught up in fantasy land and score a 2nd or 3rd round pick from a desperate 49ers team. The guy had to be talked out of retirement and now we could get a 2-1 start out of him and a quality draft pick. Now that would be Lichtmagic!
September 28th, 2018 at 6:44 am
I’ve been Livin LaVita Loca waiting to see this guy pancake opposing Guards and Centers.
September 28th, 2018 at 6:49 am
Vita Who?
September 28th, 2018 at 7:16 am
Bucs really need Vita this Sunday to slow down the Bears running game, Beau might be out again.
September 28th, 2018 at 7:32 am
It would be nice to finally see one of our top 2 picks from the draft play this season. Both have been a let down so far.
September 28th, 2018 at 7:38 am
Some of you really think this is a game, this ain’t madden. The 49’ers weren’t competitive with jimmy g but you think Fitz will go in there and make a difference right away? He isn’t this amazing an you think he is please stop with the nonsense. Their franchise qb got hurt, they will stink it up for a top draft pick not trade for a has been qb. Some you sound really ridiculous, no one wants Fitz except the nut jobs in the stands with beards.
September 28th, 2018 at 7:52 am
For God’s sake…..Vea is injured…..he is not a bust….and to play him before he is completely healed is more than foolish……he will contribute when he can.
I have a feeling that like most NFL players, especially rookies…..he desperately wants to play.
Rojo is another matter altogether…..I would suspect he would replace Wilson on the gameday 46…….I think it would be worth it to give him some action…..but our run blocking hasn’t proved competent for our other RBs yet.
September 28th, 2018 at 7:54 am
the only reason i like the Vea pick the ONKY REASON is due to the fact when we traded back we were able to get extra picks which then we were able to draft th2nd best corner in the draft in Carlton Davis FACTS he is a hidden GEM and will be a force yrs to come ………OTHER THAN THAT wr should have drafted Derwin James smh him and Justin Evan back there mannnnnnnnnnn we’d be very very scary
September 28th, 2018 at 8:00 am
Carlton Davis FACTS he is a hidden GEM and
———-
The kid covered Michael Thomas and AB and did not get embarrassed. Like!
September 28th, 2018 at 8:03 am
listening to Rick Stroud podcast and he went on about how Sapp made Marcus Jones and Greg Spires rich because Sapp was able to bring up there play, because Sapp was so dominant but all I have head is you HAVE to give GMC players so he plays better, what a crock, the bucs should have shipped this dude off long ago, as DB stated, a real DT was seen last night making sacks and causing fumbles when it mattered, and the pick should have been Derwin James and Guice, not the 2 no shows
September 28th, 2018 at 8:06 am
One “bad” game and people are already piling on. The guy started as a back-up and still is a back-up. He won 2 out of 3 games that nobody outside a select few could’ve even imagined. Yet, some can’t even give him credit, OUR OWN GUY! WTF ever!
Being a Buc fan is so frustrating. We’ve enjoyed something so positive and the only thing people can say is “trade him” or “it’s not sustainable” or “he’ll come back down to Earth!” Says who?! The geniuses who picked the team to be 0-3? Or, the lame, fickle, negative Buc fan who simply cannot accept success in ANY form?!!!
Fitz is a back-up who performed exceptionally! Have confidence that when Jameis returns, that if he does go down, we have a guy who can play. More importantly, Fitzpatrick is a BUCCANEER!
I wish some of you would just shut up and enjoy it for a change! I just can’t wait to hear fans when we lose another game this season!!! (sarcasm!)
And, in typical JBF form, a Vita Vea story becomes about someone else!
September 28th, 2018 at 8:30 am
Ndog Says:
“If we could even get a 3rd rounder for Fitz I would do it in 2 seconds”
Damn straight! No brainer
September 28th, 2018 at 8:37 am
Bucsfanman
You didn’t have to be sarcastic, I was posing a scenario where Jameis gets his team back, Griff keeps his job, Fitz has the opportunity to start all season, and we get compensation for Fitz before he leaves the team this off season for nothing. Man, you people just love to insult your fellow fans. And No I’m not a FSU homer, I’m a Buc homer.
September 28th, 2018 at 8:49 am
I understand wanting more from Fitz by trading him, but there is also a thank you possibly from One Buc place that would ask him about retirement and where does he wanna be. Maybe he likes Tampa.
He has had fun and going 2-1 is exactly what we needed him to do.
Next up Please.
September 28th, 2018 at 8:50 am
Trench- Not directed at anyone in general, my apologies. I’m tired of the negativity is all. We’re 2-1 and you would think that we’re 0-3. A LOT of people were quick to jump on here and say “see I told you Fitz sucked” after he had one half of bad football! When we were winning, it was crickets.
I don’t think that Fitz will be traded, and I’m not sure that they’d want to trade him. Griffin’s got ZERO game experience and the team can’t afford to lose many games.
Sorry if you took it personally. Just a mid-morning rant between cups of coffee!
September 28th, 2018 at 8:57 am
Pickgrin … Et Tu Brute? Before folks even think about trading Fitz for anything, better take another look at Griffin. (Hint: He’s getting better, but ONLY with protection. Lots of flaws in his game).
And as far as the Fitz vs Jameis crowd goes, how about we let time be the judge. Jameis will get his chance to operate behind the SAME OLine, depend on the SAME RBs, and throw to the SAME receivers that Fitz has for these first 3 games. We played some pretty good teams thus far, and we’re 2-1 as a TEAM to this point largely thanks to Fitz. THREE 400 yard games in a row ISN’T LUCK, and past history is irrelevant. America’s QB will get his chance soon enough I’m sure, THEN everyone can do the comparisons. Until then, everyone’s just blowing smoke.
September 28th, 2018 at 9:00 am
One thing that never changes about JBF – regardless if we are winning or losing, there will always be people complaining. We just went 2-1 in the toughest opening stretch in NFL history, yet people are still finding plenty to complain about. “This guy’s soft, trade this guy, this pick was a bust, etc.” I really wonder why some of you even watch football. If it caused me that much suffering, I would find something different to watch.
September 28th, 2018 at 9:01 am
I think Vea can’t take the heat down here, probably won’t see him till December. Another quality pick.
September 28th, 2018 at 9:04 am
It’s funny how the defense can be beaten up when they give up 500 yards per game.
September 28th, 2018 at 9:10 am
Look at the positive; at least he will be fresh for the rest of the year. He will be in for the Falcons game.
September 28th, 2018 at 9:18 am
The big man will be a beast when he gets active.
September 28th, 2018 at 9:24 am
Bucsfanman
Me too. As I’ve repeated, this fan base doesn’t know how to handle winning. It’s all about one guy, or next season, or the 2025 season. Never in the now and one loss brought all the negative a-holes back in a flash. It won’t change. Don’t bang your head against a wall. They all know more than you, have better football knowledge and personnel evaluation, and nothing you say can change that.
Winning is like freedom- not everybody can handle it.
September 28th, 2018 at 9:27 am
Same people want to trade D-Jax because he won’t be here next season, or something.
No concern at all for this season. Perennial losers.
September 28th, 2018 at 9:43 am
after the bye week…..
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!…GO BUCS!!!!
September 28th, 2018 at 9:47 am
Slugg- Thanks for walking me back from the ledge! I think the caffeine took over.
It’s just astounding how a guy does something NOBODY has ever done in the NFL, as a “back-up” no less, and we can’t enjoy his success together as fans.
Man, I truly hope that Jameis doesn’t “slip” when he returns. Can you imagine the vultures circling that?!
After the bye, Chicago withstanding, I hope we get our guys back healthy. We’ll need them for our playoff run. Yea, I said “playoff run!”
September 28th, 2018 at 9:50 am
Slugglife
Thanks for your brilliant insight genius
September 28th, 2018 at 10:00 am
You’re welcome. And thanks for trashing our players on a public forum that most of them probably read, should it be an article about them. Guys give their all only to have dumbasses suggest they be traded for next years draft picks. Must fill the players with such confidence. Let me guess- you celebrated Contes injury.
If there’s something I said that you take issue with, just say so.
September 28th, 2018 at 10:02 am
That’s for you , Trench.
September 28th, 2018 at 10:29 am
I feel like there saving Spence Incase of injury he will play so will Rojo were not even a quarter of the season done yet an we are playing 3 rookies on the 2ndary I think we’re playing great an vita will help an when Allen comes back after the bye we will look better we are still 3rd in rush d with a bunch of hurt DTs nassib an Spence need to play more I like nassib he plays with a lot of heart an Spence is just finally getting really coachingfromBuck getting him right he will be a big help this year just watch
September 28th, 2018 at 10:30 am
He better be good as we passed on some ballers
The 19 draft is the deepest d line draft in years.
Would have made sense to get James as we signed 3 free agents and traded for jpp and all because of the deep d line draft that’s coming,
As well as our need for secondary help…We had sign free agents and work trades because we can’t draft draft
September 28th, 2018 at 11:13 am
Slugglife
I haven’t trashed anyone dimwit
September 28th, 2018 at 11:28 am
@DB55 those wwre also Donalds 1st 2 sacks od the year!😂😂 and actually 1 of those at the wmd of the game was Suh not Donald. You fool
September 28th, 2018 at 12:03 pm
Trench- Do you trust Griffin having never played in a regular season game if we were to trade Fitz?
I know he had a good preseason but he’s largely unknown.
September 28th, 2018 at 12:03 pm
“Bird Says:
September 28th, 2018 at 4:36 am
Trench –
(Before last nights crazy game)
Fitz leads the NFL in passing yards , so #1
Is second in touchdowns in the entire nfl
Is second in QBR in the entire nfl
Yah let’s trade him away. How do we get you from stop being a Buc fan anymore? I’m guessing you are part of the Jamies messiah following. You care more bout one player then whole team. Or did you just go to FSU?”
Bird, you took the words out of my mouth.
September 28th, 2018 at 12:12 pm
FSU fanboy Jameis worshipers,
We aren’t trading fitz just like the eagles aren’t trading Nick foles…
September 28th, 2018 at 12:53 pm
Vea hasn’t even played 1 down in an nfl preseason game! He is not gonna light it up in his first game. He is just gonna take up space.
September 28th, 2018 at 1:54 pm
I hope he is truly healthy and not being rushed into action on bad advice from the medical staff. Licht picked him and as mind boggling as the pick was, let’s hope he can help the team. He needs to be healthy and not in a position to have a further setback on a bogus medical clearance. It’s hard to have any confidence in the medical staff after its track record mishandling player health.
September 28th, 2018 at 3:17 pm
DB55
“Carlton Davis FACTS he is a hidden GEM”
Not really a hidden gem. He was ranked 5 on walter football of best CBs coming into the draft and he went in the second round. I’d call it very lucky we got him.
September 28th, 2018 at 8:48 pm
DB55:
“Like -what would they neighbors say- type of thing?”
—————
LOL. “There goes the neighborhood!”