Extra Concern For Lavonte David Knee Injury
January 9th, 2025
Legendary Bucs linebacker Lavonte David had another strong season and the Bucs will be hurting if he retires instead of coming back for what would be his 14th NFL year.
David turns 35 this month and everything looked great for his return, Joe believed. The Bucs are a contender. His beloved head coach, Todd Bowles, will be back. Joe knows the team wants David back and he’ll get a nice contract offer. And David played all 17 regular-season games and stayed healthy.
Well, some air went out of that happy balloon yesterday for Joe.
David appeared on the Bucs’ injury report with a knee issue and was classifed as “limited.”
What if David struggles with that knee for remainder of the Bucs’ season, whether that’s one game or four? Joe thinks ending the year injured could be enough to get David to lean toward retirement.
David was on the fence about retiring last January. Fans heard his mic’d up comments to former Lions backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater coming off the field in Detroit.
Wealthy old players’ attitudes and how injuries can affect them are always linked. So Joe really hopes David’s knee is nothing more than a very minor tweak.
January 9th, 2025 at 11:31 am
Hard to really hypothesize anything without knowing what the actual injury is. I don’t think he was on the injury report all year tho so not good either way
January 9th, 2025 at 11:46 am
Can not imagine this team without David…
January 9th, 2025 at 11:47 am
Considering all things, I think a lot depends on how far we go. A quick out to the Redskins or a Super Bowl victory might drive him to retire. Something in between might entice him to burnish his HOF credentials. We really need him as healthy as possible this month. Lork knows this cold weather doesn’t help the aching bones. I can tell you that first hand.
January 9th, 2025 at 11:47 am
I don’t care how good our offense plays, If the DEFENSE does not show up on Sunday? We will lose the game. Daniels running has improved. And he will be a load. Our Defense will be the key. Will they show up and play hard?
January 9th, 2025 at 11:53 am
I wonder why they’ll play all the AFC games in a row first and then all the NFC. Will that reverse next week? Could the NFC championship be played here? If the Eagles lose Sunday the Division round is here. If Detroit gets tripped up next week it’s home here!
January 9th, 2025 at 12:01 pm
A big need for this team this offseason is finding a Lavonte David type LB in the draft and bringing back Lavonte for at least one more year to mentor his replacement
January 9th, 2025 at 12:08 pm
JTS at MLB imo
January 9th, 2025 at 12:13 pm
Stupid article.
January 9th, 2025 at 12:19 pm
I think he retires and I will miss him
January 9th, 2025 at 12:21 pm
It will obviously affect LVD’s retirement decision, but I do not believe it will affect his play if he’s pronounced ready to go.
LVD is a player’s player and a fan’s player as well; too bad so many of the national media haven’t figured it out yet.
January 9th, 2025 at 12:29 pm
analysis paralysis. Just give the man some time to think Lol
Thanks for the read but theres nothing we can do now, so I dont see any reason to fret about it
January 9th, 2025 at 12:39 pm
Can’t keep trotting David out on one year deals and hoping he lasts. His coverage ability has declined big time, as well as tackling in space. He can however, still play downhill. In any case, it’s the Bucs fault for neglecting the position. Look, we arent winning the superbowl. We have a week or 2 more to look forward to, and I would imagine Philly will handle us in the divisional if we beat Washington. Hey, thats a great year, but injuries and lack of depth in key spots WILL get us. And I don’t want to here about Detroit. Detroit is a freight train, we aren’t there yet. Really hope this Brady stuff will be paid in full next yr and they can REALLY build this thing out
January 9th, 2025 at 12:47 pm
LVD will have a big day Sunday! Go Bucs!!!
January 9th, 2025 at 12:57 pm
Time goes by way too fast. I cannot believe Lavonte is 35 now. If the injury is more than a tweak, he could make the decision to retire. Definitely would miss him.
January 9th, 2025 at 1:18 pm
Evans is DNP rest no? Could this just be a fancy way of giving LVD rest?
January 9th, 2025 at 2:42 pm
Our draft should be centered around the next lvd and the next me13… tall ask
January 9th, 2025 at 2:55 pm
It’s not a tall ask when 2 of your rookies make the top 20 this year.
Who knows if Bucky or Tykee are HOFers
They might not be as good initially, but we do need ILBs more.
Unless a stud WR falls and they wanna spend all next year just outscoring people.
I see ILB/CB Round 1
January 9th, 2025 at 4:30 pm
Joe, when did the Glazers tell you Todd’s coming back next year? I remember Dungy being fired after an early playoff exit. Bucs get embarrassed Sunday night, I wouldn’t bet on Bowles coming back thats for sure.
January 9th, 2025 at 4:41 pm
I have faith we will get him back for another year. One last great SB chance and whether he retires or not, the Bucs have to hammer to LB position in the offseason.
I can see a “retirement” happening, take most of the offseason completely off. Heal up, get hungry for football again and if it takes August/September to get back into it, gladly accept his snaps in October. I don’t think this is how Lavonte operates but he can literally play it however he wants and the Bucs will be happy to have his services in whatever capacity he chooses.
January 9th, 2025 at 4:49 pm
I agree Billy Bucco. Unless a stud Edge/DL slides to the Bucs pick… it’s CB/ILB.
Honestly the first 3-4 picks of the draft should be all ILB/CB/DL. Gaines, Gholston, JTS, David … all up in the air. I could see every pick being D unless there is later round WR or OL or TE they really like.
January 9th, 2025 at 4:49 pm
@Matt_PcAfee
Can not imagine this team without Tryon & Dean. Oh wait yes I can. They’d probably be better off.
January 9th, 2025 at 4:50 pm
Uh, I’m much more worried about whether he can play this Sunday, than whether he can play next season.
If LVD can’t go, or isn’t at least 90% healthy, I don’t think we have any chance. Ugh.
January 9th, 2025 at 4:52 pm
Teddy Bridgewater came out of retirement just now & hopefully we keep Shaq around for a little bit now, too! Maybe we can bring Brooks, Ronde, Simeon, Sapp, Booger, Kelly, Abraham, Robinson & Dexter back & with the way SF was this year maybe Lynch, too!
January 9th, 2025 at 6:37 pm
Mabey we can trade Tony for some smelling salts.
January 9th, 2025 at 6:58 pm
Lavonte is and always will be a Buc legend. Best in the business for a very long time. R E S P E C T.
January 9th, 2025 at 9:53 pm
David is like a great bottle of 66 haut brion. He just gets better with age! Go Bucs.
January 10th, 2025 at 7:02 am
If he is limited on the first day of practice, likely a good sign. He wouldnt be practicing at all if he was seriously banged up. Wait for Friday to see the designations for the game. I know you know this Joe. Click bait!