Can Calijah Kancey Return In 2025?
September 18th, 2025
Possible return in 2025?
Calijah Kancey blew out his pec on Monday night. He is scheduled for surgery this week.
Generally, that means a guy is done for the season.
However, former long-time San Diego Chargers team physician Dr. David Chao claimed on Twitter there is a chance Kancey could return to finish the 2025 season.
(This is where Joe has to issue his standard disclaimer with any story using information from Chao: The good doctor has not examined any test results or X-rays from Kancey, has not spoken with Kancey in an office setting and is very likely relying on public information concerning Kancey. Therefore, what Chao says is little more than an educated guess.)
Chao claims that J.J. Watt once returned to play in only three months after torn pec surgery. As a result, Chao believes if Watt can do it, so can others. The trick is, Watt’s elite physical traits set an awfully high bar.
So, can Kancey return? Bucs coach Todd Bowles was asked this yesterday. He didn’t close the door but said it’s way, way too early to start going down that road.
“It’s a little premature for that,” Bowles said. “I’m not really sure.”
Bowles is right. Shoot, Kancey (as Joe is typing this here story) hasn’t had surgery yet. Who knows what surgeons may find? Kind of hard to have a timeframe on returning from an injury before the guy has had surgery.
Does Joe hope Kancey can return? Shoot yeah! But at this point, Kancey returning for the 2025 season is wishful thinking.
September 18th, 2025 at 6:05 am
Just this side of a pipe dream. Too bad as I was really looking forward to seeing a full season of Kancey and Vea.
September 18th, 2025 at 6:11 am
Doubt Kancey can come back from that surgery and be effective this season.
Wonder if Desmond has lost any weight ?
September 18th, 2025 at 6:29 am
Bucs need to find a DT high in the draft next year. Kancey has not shown he can stay healthy. Can’t depend on him. Vea will be a year older. Inside LB will also be high on the list. Dennis just isn’t good enough, David will be done after this season. Front seven on defense needs help.
September 18th, 2025 at 6:31 am
Kancey can kiss a 2nd contract goodbye. A wasted 1st round pick.
September 18th, 2025 at 6:41 am
Hodad, you are normally a bit more pessimistic than I am, but I think you nailed this one. We probably got one more year of prime VV before he starts trending down. Not saying he will be bad, just a little less awesome as years go by.
IMO Kancey is very talented. Draft a DT and if these first three years are just horrible bad luck and he shines after that, winner all around. If not, at least you have a new guy.
September 18th, 2025 at 6:44 am
8-9 here we come. Won’t get past the Jets. I thought our Todd was a genius.
Defense is not good enough to overcome a depleted offense.
September 18th, 2025 at 6:54 am
Bucs will beat the Jets.
September 18th, 2025 at 7:12 am
With all the injuries on both offense and defense, what difference does it make if Kancey is back by the end of the season? I’m usually an optimist, but c’mon folks. It’s not like we have one or two players nicked up. Key positions all over the field are out. We have always depended on Baker and the offense to carry the day. However, we saw what a depleted o-line did to our offensive punch in Houston. It wasn’t pretty! Yeah, we won. But how many times is Baker going to successfully scramble for a first down on 4th and 10? A lot of things went our way in that game. We were fortunate to come out with a win. We’re not going to be that lucky in many of the upcoming games. I may eat my words, but I doubt now we win the Division or make the playoffs.
September 18th, 2025 at 7:21 am
Kandy should give Vera’s buddy Suh a call.
September 18th, 2025 at 7:21 am
Good thing we have Carberry. His done a decent job so far. Now it’s time for a miracle.
This game might be a close game. Also time for some more Baker magic.
September 18th, 2025 at 7:23 am
But then again our backups might be better than the Jets starters.
LFG!!!
September 18th, 2025 at 7:24 am
Bring Suh back!!!
September 18th, 2025 at 7:31 am
Looks like we will be drafting his replacement next year
September 18th, 2025 at 7:31 am
lol! Nope! He’s just too soft for the NFL. Nice player, but doesn’t have the proper build for the NFL.
September 18th, 2025 at 7:35 am
2025 draft
Trenches and linebackers first priority.
Next, o-line for debth.
September 18th, 2025 at 8:50 am
KABucs, I totally agree. ILB, DT, and 0-line depth are key. Probably throw in another CB.
September 18th, 2025 at 9:00 am
looking forward to CK94 returning full go in 2026…
GO BUCS!!!!
September 18th, 2025 at 10:06 am
Praying for the best for Kancey. If it benefits the Bucs, that’ll be a bonus.
September 18th, 2025 at 10:53 am
Can Buster Kancey return this season? How would you know?
September 18th, 2025 at 11:03 am
We’re talking about next years draft already? Please. If we finish where want at the end of this year where are we picking in the draft? Do you really expect to find a high end DL, ILB late in the draft when they are so coveted by every other team picking in front of them? Some of that depends on the other teams needs and how the draft falls. Guaranteed Licht & CO. have a ton of names they are watching to see if they can get them off other squads. That seems to be a forte’ of theirs.