Calijah Kancey set to boost Buccaneers’ playoff aspirations against Panthers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers find themselves at a critical juncture as they prepare to face the Carolina Panthers this Saturday. While they do not completely dictate their playoff fate, the Bucs must secure a victory against the Panthers to keep their postseason hopes alive. Their previous encounter ended in heartbreak, with the Panthers narrowly defeating the Buccaneers 23-20 just two weeks ago. To enhance their chances, Tampa Bay also needs the New Orleans Saints to overcome the Atlanta Falcons the following day.
Injury Update: A Key Return
As the Bucs gear up for this pivotal matchup, they are poised to welcome back a significant contributor to their defense—defensive tackle Calijah Kancey. Head coach Todd Bowles addressed the media on Thursday, confirming that Kancey is “in play” for Saturday’s game. This announcement comes after Kancey has spent the majority of the season sidelined, missing 15 regular-season games due to a pectoral injury sustained in Week 2 against the Houston Texans. Initially, there were concerns that he might miss the entire season, but his return could not come at a more critical time.
To activate Kancey from Injured Reserve, the Buccaneers will need to make a corresponding roster move. Bowles indicated that if Kancey does take the field, he will be on a snap count, as the team aims to manage his workload carefully. However, the Buccaneers will be without defensive back Jamel Dean and linebacker Anthony Nelson for this crucial matchup.
Kancey’s Impact on Defense
The addition of Kancey could provide a much-needed spark to the Buccaneers’ pass rush, which has struggled at times this season. Quarterback Bryce Young of the Panthers has shown vulnerability when under pressure, with a completion percentage of just 49.4% in such situations and a negative expected points added per play. This week, Young is coming off a particularly rough outing, throwing for only 54 yards on 24 attempts. Disrupting his rhythm will be pivotal for the Buccaneers’ defensive strategy.
Last season, Kancey demonstrated his potential as a pass rusher, recording 7.5 sacks and 28 total tackles. His ability to apply pressure from the interior could not only help him secure a sack against Young but also alleviate some of the burden on edge rushers like Haason Reddick and Yaya Diaby. With Kancey on the field, the Bucs could create more chaos in the backfield, increasing their chances of a defensive standout performance.
Game Day Expectations
The Buccaneers will clash with the Panthers at Raymond James Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. As Tampa Bay aims to navigate their playoff path, the return of Calijah Kancey could be a determining factor in whether they can overcome the Panthers and keep their postseason aspirations alive.
