Another Bucs defender is heading to the injured reserve, the team announced on Thursday. Defensive back Christian Izien will go to the injured reserve with a pectoral injury he suffered in Week 16 against the Cowboys.
Izien is in his second season with the Bucs after being signed by the team as an undrafted free agent when he was in the draft pool of 2023.
The former Scarlet Knight has recorded 75 total tackles while defending three passes and intercepting one pass in 2024. The injured reserve designation will put him out of commission for the next four weeks, so he would not be able to return until the postseason if the Bucs make them.
The Bucs did not announce any corresponding move with the open roster spot. However, they could elevate someone from the practice squad on Saturday.
The Bucs will play the Panthers on Sunday for their Week 17 matchup with Tampa Bay playing the Saints in Week 18.