The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost an important piece of their defense during their 20-19 win over the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Bucs starting defensive tackle Calijah Kancey suffered a torn pectoral muscle during Monday’s win and is now out for the season.
Kancey underwent MRI testing Tuesday, which confirmed the diagnosis. He will undergo surgery Friday to repair the injury and he is out for the season, sources said.
The Bucs’ first-round draft pick in 2023, Kancey left the game in the second quarter and did not return. The injury occurred when facing Texans offensive tackle Tytus Howard.
Along with Pro Bowler Vita Vea, Kancey has played an integral role in the Bucs’ push up the middle, registering a team-leading 7.5 sacks last season despite only seeing action in 12 games due to a calf injury.
