Vita Vea, Donovan Smith Not Dressed For Practice
September 3rd, 2018
UPDATED: Bad news at One Buc Palace.
Yeah, it was expected, but it doesn’t make it any more comfortable.
During the practice window open to media this morning, Joe did not see Donovan Smith, not even on the sidelines. That doesn’t mean he can’t test his wounded knee on Wednesday and play on Sunday for the season opener, but it’s not a good sign.
As for defensive tackle Vita Vea, see the photo above. That’s Vea in street clothes in the early minutes of practice.
Stick with Joe for more from today’s many happenings at One Buc Palace.
*No M.J. Stewart today, either, per what Joe was told here.
September 3rd, 2018 at 11:24 am
This sucks
No Vea
No ROJO playing like an awesome rookie…..instead maybe another Charles Sims with a higher ceiling for a bust
2018 maybe the year we call “Wasted high round 1st & 2nd picks”
…….looking bad like “noah spence”
September 3rd, 2018 at 11:33 am
Vita Vea better be worth all the frustration that he is putting us through.
September 3rd, 2018 at 11:36 am
Wouldn’t be surprised if he misses week 1 and comes back for the eagles
September 3rd, 2018 at 11:38 am
VV has a injury to his calf…I don’t think it is muscle…IMO it is something else….perhaps a ruptured vein or artery….in this photo he appears to have lost a bit of weight
September 3rd, 2018 at 11:39 am
Everyone is surprised why??? He hasn’t practiced since day one or played in a pre season game yet. The guy is a regular JR. Sweezy. Licht can sure pick them.
September 3rd, 2018 at 11:40 am
This revamped Dline really not looking good
Unrein to IR. Vea can’t even practice. One aging D End. And Nowhere Spence.
Wow
The more things change the more they stay the same. Licht is ultimately responsible for the players brought in here, and from where I sit that looks like more failures than successes. Batten down the hatches Buc Fans. It’s gonna be a rough ride.
September 3rd, 2018 at 11:47 am
the revamped dline will never succeed with soft captain blowout lowering the standards and getting embarrassed against the run weekly.
no offensive line and no defensive lines is once again going to ensure another basement title is safe. well done glazers / licht
September 3rd, 2018 at 11:48 am
You cry babies realize this happens to every team right? Washington lost their 1st round pick for the year after one carry, the Patriots lost their rookie RB for awhile in pratice, the Panthers are without their starting LT for 8 weeks, the Raiders just traded their best player cause he wouldn’t report, the Saints are missing their leading TD back for the first 4 weeks, etc… So let’s all just curl up into a ball and quit. Bunch of freaking babies on this site I tell ya, yall are so weak.
September 3rd, 2018 at 11:48 am
People
Injuries are part of the game. Don’t think you can put that on GM unless the guy has a history of injuries. Don’t think vea does.
Remember Carl nicks. He was healthy then got here and got hurt and got mrsa
And he never played again
Maybe it’s a bucs curse. We are pirates after all !
September 3rd, 2018 at 11:49 am
Maybe Licht could pull off a big time trade for Leveon Bell, since he is not signing his tender. Trade a 2020 1st rounder and Rojo for Bell…
September 3rd, 2018 at 11:51 am
So yeah this is disappointing. But in our first three games…the ones that seem to have everybody gripping…who is the single most talented player who just might miss the game.
Can you say LeVeon Bell? Aside from JW who we will be missing…who on the Bucs would cost us a dearly as Bell missing the game will cost the Steelers.
He says he will not play under a franchise tag for 14.5 million and so he’s holding out and I’ve read reports from several sources than indicate this could continue through September. Let’s hope!!!!
Meanwhile here comes the expected rush of posters wanting us to trade for Bell…pull a Chicago and get a true impact player. I think Bell is probably the most talented back in the league right now but he’s a prima donna and head case and incredibly expensive…add in what you’d have to send to Pittsburgh…and I’m not that enamored with that idea but I certainly wouldn’t criticize those who are. Bell is an impact player. They can be hard to find.
September 3rd, 2018 at 11:52 am
Tomorrow is a day off. I predict Vea wull be back on the field then Light duty so rhey can make it a game time decision.
Surprise is the word
September 3rd, 2018 at 11:53 am
Vea looks like he’s lost some weight/gut, toned up, looks good. Not worried 😎
September 3rd, 2018 at 11:56 am
I hope the Bucs aren’t just conceding these first couple games. Maybe being extra cautious with these guys may not be the worst strategy. I hope everyone is ready to go for the Eggles, a very winnable game. As for the Aints, come on Dirk “win one for the boys”.
September 3rd, 2018 at 11:56 am
oh lookie another inaccurate ASSumption from Bonzi the delusional leader of the always wrong living in denial optimists.
September 3rd, 2018 at 11:59 am
Temper expectations Bucs fans for the season.
September 3rd, 2018 at 12:00 pm
Bird
It’s more than injuries…But in that vein..JR Sweezy? Why did we bring him in, if he was that fragile?
Vea literally practiced once.
Now Unrein with a known history of concussions?
It’s like the social security office around here, people just coming to pick up their retirement checks.
VHIII, not a first round talent
Agauyo?
Ronald Jones..admittedly the jury is still out on that one, but it don’t look great.
Overall depth? Outside of WR/TE I don’t see much. Apparently we have a C and a LG, but the rest is up in the air.
Taken as a whole where do you rank this roster?
Throw in this bush league staff and we’ve got problems, and the season hasn’t even started.
September 3rd, 2018 at 12:02 pm
The whole get emotional and Stick Carrier stuff is cool but it’s totally realistic to understand the struggles that this team is gonna have. The OL is NOT healthy and no chemistry. And young secondary – thinking with your brain is gonna tell you realistically what to expect unless Jameis has a MVP type year.
September 3rd, 2018 at 12:02 pm
As long as the pass rushers stay healthy I think we have enough to hold out until he’s ready.
September 3rd, 2018 at 12:07 pm
jmark….don’t go outside….the sky is falling…SMH
September 3rd, 2018 at 12:14 pm
Good lord this team is cursed.
September 3rd, 2018 at 12:17 pm
A.E.
Yes the sky is falling. I’m not sure why we don’t have a poster or two here who uses the name Chicken Little.
September 3rd, 2018 at 12:20 pm
BTW GMFB is all over this Bell holdout. He’s franchised so he can’t really negotiate with the Steelers…so it’s take the money and play or hold out.
GMFB pointed out then when he reported late last year it resulted in subpar performance from Bell at the beginning of the season. He was in shape but not football ready.
I appears we are catching the Steelers at the right time.
September 3rd, 2018 at 12:22 pm
This question is for a knowledgeable poster(s)— not the ubiquitous “duhs” that line these pages with nonsensical garbage. I know there are some of you out there, like Saint Pete. Anyway:I hear all this talk about Jameis practicing with Bobo Wilson while he is suspended. Wilson, who is on the practice squad, in my mind, is technically still on the team as he can use the facility and work out with the 53 man roster. Wouldn’t that make him persona non grata with Jameis?
September 3rd, 2018 at 12:24 pm
Why is Vita wearing a jacket.
September 3rd, 2018 at 12:29 pm
This is the only site where fans criticize players who play one of the most violent sports in the world for getting hurt. That’s also the GM’s fault too right? Gheesh.
September 3rd, 2018 at 12:38 pm
Yeah vita is wearing a jacket. Definitely can’t handle high temps and humidity…especially being from HAWAII
September 3rd, 2018 at 12:39 pm
It’s in his blood to handle this weather. People find the dumbest of reasons to call him a bust. And Rojo is too because he can’t break a tackle when he’s hit immediately
September 3rd, 2018 at 12:45 pm
Altered
How pithy of you…
Doesn’t change the facts. This roster isn’t where it needs to be. How many years does JL get ?
September 3rd, 2018 at 12:46 pm
Broy
He can handle the weather, maybe. Just not more than one pro practice, apparently.
September 3rd, 2018 at 12:46 pm
They will be a welcome sight in their return. Until then, it’s next man up. No freaking excuses. All 32 teams deal with this. It time to stop the losers mentality!
Get well boys.
September 3rd, 2018 at 12:49 pm
Rojo gonna let Kamara know there’s a new TD Machine in Tampa Bay!!
Rojo gonna shut everybody up! (even me bc I wanted Guice)
Rojo gonna bust one!!!
Support the kid!!!!
Go Bucs!!!
September 3rd, 2018 at 12:52 pm
Everbody should just relax, its only the first week of the season, not to say its not important its just that you have to get these guys ready for the remainder of the season, they’re 16 games you know. Now all of a sudden Vita is a first round bust and Rojo is another Charles Sims, give me a break. Injuries are a part of the NFL thats the way it is. Even with those injuries the Bucs are still a talented team.
September 3rd, 2018 at 1:12 pm
Kgh4life
when your season is OVER week 5 every year nobody is overreacting one bit. the only thing that matters after week 5 is next years draft. it’s truly a buc life.
September 3rd, 2018 at 1:12 pm
NDog is right–what about the Chargers–those folks get serious injuries every season. We would like to see Vita play but truthfully I have way more confidence in Beau Allen. It will be just as fun seeing Beau Allen collapse the pocket as Vita Vea. I would like to see Vita used as a situational running back. I am dead serious. Around the goal line–a running start, who wants to take him down?
Mitch Unrein should not of been selected by Licht with his concussion history.
Noah Spence needs to be repurposed as he aint working out this last preseason.
September 3rd, 2018 at 1:20 pm
@JA, yea, Bobo is no officially off the radar for JW.
September 3rd, 2018 at 1:30 pm
JPP curry Spence Clarke on the edges. Worthy, Allen, McCoy and Gholston on the inside. Yes depth has taken a hit. But 8 guys should be okay for a game or two. And that’s a better 8 than they’ve had since McCoy got here. That much is certain
September 3rd, 2018 at 1:49 pm
Laremy Tunsil, Vonn Bell, Derwin James, Derrick Henry, Dalvin Cook thats a pretty good group of players that are starting sunday and also bypassed by The Mega Rockstar GM Jason Gump
September 3rd, 2018 at 1:55 pm
A calf strain? This is starting to feel very weird…..
I’m going with the benefit of doubt and maybe it was more than they announced
Why does snowflake run through my head? It must have been the beer but….
Come on man! Toughen up Butter Cup!!!!!!
September 3rd, 2018 at 2:00 pm
We had Easy Money Sweezy
Now we have Vacation Vita Vea
IABL
September 3rd, 2018 at 2:13 pm
I thought Joe Bucs Fans was a web address designed to attract Real Bucs Fans…. I have never seen so many Negative Ass Holes, going out of their way to express Negative Speculation about our Tampa NFL Team and the Team Administration.
September 3rd, 2018 at 2:15 pm
@Broy 34 … “Yeah vita is wearing a jacket. Definitely can’t handle high temps and humidity…especially being from HAWAII.” I understand sarcasm, but it’s not a good look to chastise other posters when your facts are as off as theirs are. Vita Vea was born in Milpitas, California in 1995 (it’s just above San Jose). His mother & father immigrated here from Tonga. But if it helps any, Marcus Mariota WAS born in Hawaii.
September 3rd, 2018 at 2:21 pm
I’m more suprised with Unrein out until week 9 over a concussion dam at least worthy can take his place an didn’t look back hope there just letting players rest Neil game 1
September 3rd, 2018 at 2:27 pm
Rookie DT’s rarely do much of anything, those expecting Vita Vea to be anything other than a bench warmer this year don’t know their draft history. If Warren Sapp can barely produce his rookie season, what do you think a 360lb run 3-4 NT stuffer playing out of position is going to do? Never I personally don’t get and don’t understand the Vita pick, he doesn’t seem like a guy that fits this defense and drafting a run stuffing clog in the top half of the first run is a real stretch. With all that said people throwing around the word bust because of an injury when we haven’t even seen the guy yet, LOL! It’s like the people last year in here saying Justin Evans was a bust after week one of the preseason. We need to see the guy because we start throwing around the b-word. In any case I’m really hoping my opinion of Vita is wrong as far as him being a guy that won’t be able to get to NFL QBs, but to the people saying he’s a bust because he’s injured… what j/o’s.
September 3rd, 2018 at 2:34 pm
JWBUCS … Bucs fans have been hit on the head so many times by the sky for so many years that they’re still reeling (soft puffy white clouds can REALLY hurt it turns out). Like so many prior years, the Bucs have already been bitten by the injury bug: Donovan Smith, Unrein, Vea, Beckwith, Sims, now Stewart & I’m still leery that Dotson’s 100%. And oh ya, our franchise QB on suspension. Still optimistic, but not totally for reasons above … thus the CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC.
September 3rd, 2018 at 2:47 pm
I feel we really need mj Stewart in there! As far as vv goes, does not surprise me! I hated this pick the second his name was called
September 3rd, 2018 at 3:04 pm
Nothing like a bunch of bellyachers calling themselves “fans.” I read that BoBo Wilson had a bit of an ego problem which may be why he’s on the PS. If he’s an ego headache then what in hell’s bells is LeVeon Bell or that defensive guy who was way overpaid by the Bears?? Our locker room doesn’t have that diva problem, thank gawd! As to VV being hurt, he’s been kept out for a reason which the crybabies on here will be the last to know!
September 3rd, 2018 at 3:09 pm
It never ceases to amaze me how much some so called fans biatch n complain about how horrible the team is before we even have a real game or talk crap about our best players. Smmfh go somewhere else with all that negative BS
September 3rd, 2018 at 3:11 pm
Rod
Maybe if we knew anything at all about the dude….
But a vague reference and no update on the “calf strain” leaves us all wanting. And wondering.
September 3rd, 2018 at 3:19 pm
jmarkbuc – Why do YOU need to know anything about the dude? The team doesn’t owe it to fans to tell them something that might help opponents. Also, as I said, I never expect anything from rookie d-lineman, it’s so rare that one produces that you just can’t expect it, and when you’re talking about interior defensive lineman, it’s even less likely they produce. I didn’t like the pick, still don’t like the pick (just like I hated the Ronald Jones pick) but that doesn’t mean he’s a bust, it’s not even week 1 yet. Also he won’t be a bust after week 17 when he has 1.5 sacks for the season, that is what you get from rookie DT’s.
September 3rd, 2018 at 3:22 pm
Why does everybody over look that we drafted OJ Howard to be a 2nd TE/ 4th option on offense when Takk McKinley Tredavious White among other DE/CBs were there. This was the year after Noah Spence who was already clearly a bust
September 3rd, 2018 at 3:30 pm
King C great point another ridiculous draft pick by licht, guy has zero rhyme or reaaon or plan for building a winning franchise… dont get distracted that licht drafted a kicker in ROUND 2
September 3rd, 2018 at 3:37 pm
God you guys are dense. Guys get hurt….that’s football it’s not a curse and it’s never an excuse. The Front Office of this team is paying 53 guys. Each one of them to play football at an NFL level. If they made bad decisions it will show on the field. Like it did last year.
If you don’t think we can win if a few guys go down then we never had a chance.
Not me …this team decided to pay Fitz a few million dollars to play for us and I am looking forward to seeing what he’s got. They think Wester and Liedke are legit tackles….OK I’ll buy in. Let me see em. You can go up and down this roster and say the same for many others. And quit crying about the Dline. They got JPP to be our anchor. Maybe they wanted to do some rotation for him but now they are going to need him for every snap and he has done it before. He is expected to play a ton of snaps when we need him to and make some big plays while doing it.
I have always been on board with Licht coming back but this team is expected to be ready to win. The entire roster should be completed with players that can help you with . If a few injurys can prevent winning then the team just hasn’t been built properly.
September 3rd, 2018 at 3:54 pm
Rod
I said we. As in Buc Fans, who spent tireless hours arguing about who we would/should draft etc. etc. Including you.
That’s why we come to this website isn’t it? to get news on The Bucs and the players. That’s why WE would like to know whether the kid can play or not. DUH.
———————————
JimmyJack
If a few injurys can prevent winning then the team just hasn’t been built properly.
Yup.
September 3rd, 2018 at 3:58 pm
FYI Vea looks closer to 330-340 in this pic. He may not have been in playing but you can tell he’s been working. This is your new goal line Full Back. Blowing holes for Barber. He’s going to be good. Have patience.
September 3rd, 2018 at 4:08 pm
The Bucs hype is rapidly fading in light of reality. They will be 0-3 to open the season and probably finish another 4-12. This current regime will pass and another will take over. It’s a Bucs life…
September 3rd, 2018 at 4:37 pm
jmarkbuc – The team doesn’t owe me or any other fan anything other than to put an entertaining product on the field. That’s what football is, it’s a game. Entertain me, hopefully by winning, and that sells tickets. Giving out a medical update on a rookie NT because a fan demands an update because he thinks he’s part of the team, well that sells zero tickets.
Anywho as far as talk go, sure, talk away, I love talk, I love trash talking and calling people names, I love projecting and making predictions, I love saying how much I hate Gruden and how dumb people are that think Gruden was a better coach than Dungy – but I don’t ever pretend that I’m owed anything or demand someone from the team answer my question because I’m a fan and I pay their salary. That’s some real d-bag stuff.
September 3rd, 2018 at 4:46 pm
Rich – What hype was there? Here’s the Super Bowl odds…
Tied for last:
Buffalo Bills 200-1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 200-1
Nationwide there is basically no hype about the Bucs. Also the Bucs are 5-21 in Chicago all-time, the idea that people think that Chicago road game is an instant win is ridiculous, the Bucs almost never win there.
Anyways it’s not all lost, I think (currently, as of this day before game 1 of the season) that the Bucs win the home game against the Eagles, then if they can win in Chicago, which again is unlikely based on history, if the Bucs can be 2-2 going into the bye and then get Winston back in week 6, they could very easily go on a big run.
Also it’s ridiculous that the Bucs have lower SB odds than say the Browns or the Jets or the Dolphins or the Bears, etc. The Bucs are better teams than those guys and Vegas knows that, so what that means is no one cares about the Bucs and they have to hike the odds to get that sucker money coming in.
Speaking of which even at 200-1 I’d wouldn’t bother putting any money on Buffalo, and I’m certainly not wasting a $1 on the Jets at 100-1.
September 3rd, 2018 at 5:36 pm
The heart and soul of this team are still gonna be the ones that win this game and that is GMC, Lavante David, Kwon Alexander, Peyton Barber, Mike Evans, Cameron Brate, Chris Godwin, etc.
Yeah we had a few draft picks not show up yet, but it will truly have no bearing on this game.
I for one believe we match up well against NO and our DEF will be fine.
If you watched the Chargers play NO in preseason then you know they RAN the ball all over Marcus Davenport, Cameron Jordan and CO.
These guys will start producing mid season when we need them most. Get Mitch Unrein back right in time. Voila
Nothing is gonna prevent this team from winning this year.
September 3rd, 2018 at 6:10 pm
On the positive side the Bucs were 4-1 last year against teams under .500, and that only loss was the defensive OT loss @GB, additionally the Bucs lost a bunch of one score games against good teams. The Bucs played, by far, the toughest schedule in the league last year having to face 10 games against teams that went to the playoffs, and they won just as many regular season games against playoff teams as the Titans and Jags (one). The Bucs play in a ridiculously difficult division, which is a big issue. Even with the disaster that is last year had the Bucs been in the AFC South they’d had been a 9 or 10 win team and everyone would talk about how they’re on an upswing.
September 3rd, 2018 at 6:45 pm
Rod
I agree with you about a lot.
There must be a reason there are reporters who ask questions. I assume that is to relay it to the fans.
NFL teams don’t operate in a vacuum. So while they may not need asses in seats on Sunday, they do have to have someone show an interest. Why a first round draft pick doesn’t get on the field, even for practice, is what is holding my interest at the moment.
Whether they owe it to me or not.
September 3rd, 2018 at 7:04 pm
Bill_43: I’m with you. I like your positive thinking. “Nothing is gonna prevent this team from winning this year”.
September 3rd, 2018 at 8:13 pm
NEXT MEN UP!! Plug’em in. Saints got injuries too. NO EXCUSES.
September 3rd, 2018 at 8:14 pm
Next men up. Plug’em in. Saints got injuries also.
No Excuses.