Calijah Kancey Injury News & Updates

Kancey (pectoral) is expected to miss the rest of the regular season but could return for the playoffs if the Buccaneers advance to at least the divisional round, Bobby Kownack of NFL.com reports.

Kancey underwent surgery this past week to repair a torn pectoral muscle that he suffered during the Buccaneers' Week 2 win over the Texans. The timeline to recover from the procedure will keep the 2023 first-rounder sidelined for the rest of the regular season, but there is optimism that Kancey could be back at some point in the playoffs if Tampa Bay advances far enough. Kancey's absence means the Bucs will lean more heavily on Elijah Simmons and Greg Gaines to serve in a rotational role on the defensive line behind Elijah Roberts, Logan Hall and Vita Vea.

The Bucs placed Kancey (pectoral) on injured reserve Wednesday.

Kancey is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a torn pectoral after he was injured in Monday night's win over the Texans. It's a big blow to the Tampa Bay defense, as Kancey was being counted on for starter's snaps alongside Vita Vea. With Kancey sidelined, Greg Gaines and Elijah Roberts are next up for snaps at defensive tackle for Tampa Bay.

Kancey will undergo season-ending surgery Friday after an MRI confirmed that he sustained a torn pectoral muscle in Monday's 20-19 win over the Texans, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Kancey was forced out during the first half of Monday's game, and follow-up imaging Tuesday confirmed the Buccaneers' worst fears. The loss of the 24-year-old for the remainder of the season represents a major hit to the Tampa Bay pass rush, after Kancey accrued 11.5 sacks in 28 games through his first two-plus seasons since entering the league as a first-round selection in 2023. Elijah Roberts and Greg Gaines could both see expanded roles on the defensive line alongside starters Vita Vea and Logan Hall for the duration of the season.

Kancey (pectoral) will undergo additional imaging in Tampa on Tuesday, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Kancey suffered a pectoral injury in the first half of Monday's 20-19 win over the Texans, ultimately not returning to the contest. The defensive lineman was spotted in a sling, and he's expected to be subject to diagnostic imaging upon his return to Florida in order to identify the severity of his injury.

Kancey (pectoral) has been ruled out for the rest of Monday's game against the Texans, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Kancey suffered the injury during a pass rush, and the injury is severe enough for him to miss the rest of Monday night's contest. Elijah Roberts and Greg Gaines will see more snaps the rest of the way in Kancey's absence.

Kancey is questionable to return to Monday's game against the Texans due to a pectoral injury.

Kancey went to the locker room early in the second quarter to undergo further tests to determine the severity of his pectoral injury. Greg Gaines and rookie fifth-rounder Elijah Roberts should see more snaps on the Bucs' defensive line for as long as Kancey is sidelined.

Kancey, who's played in just 26 of a possible 34 regular-season games over his first two seasons due to calf issues, is prioritizing his health going into his third NFL campaign, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

The 2023 first-round pick has still managed to accumulate 11.5 sacks among his 54 total tackles over those first two seasons, so the upside for elite IDP production certainly seems to be there if Kancey can remain on the field for all 17 games. Kancey has been particularly adept at nullifying the size disadvantage he usually finds himself in with quickness and technique, enough to have accumulated 29 total QB hits and 70 pressures thus far in his young career. Head coach Todd Bowles notes the coaching and training staff is honed in on helping Kancey play a full season as one half of a fearsome interior-line duo with 2018 first-rounder Vita Vea. "We're monitoring that every day," Bowles said. "He's feeling great right now. As time goes forward, we've just got to make sure we continue to monitor the things he does and how he gets warmed up and everything else, and that it doesn't boil over into that."

Kancey furnished 28 tackles (22 solo), including 7.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery across 12 regular-season games in 2024.

Kancey's 515 snaps on defense during the campaign represented a 40-play reduction from his 2023 rookie campaign, with the 2023 first-round pick also playing two fewer games. Nevertheless, Kancey finished with two additional tackles and 3.5 additional sacks compared to the prior season, but he only hit as much as the five-tackle mark on two occasions following a delayed Week 6 season debut due to a calf injury. The Georgia product could be set to take the next step in his development during the 2025 season given the improvement he showed this past season, although he headed into the offseason on a down note by tallying just a single tackle across 50 snaps during the wild-card loss the Commanders.

Kancey posted five tackles (all solo), including a sack, and forced a fumble against the 49ers in Sunday's loss.

Kancey made a big sack of Brock Purdy late in the fourth quarter, and he forced Purdy to fumble on the play, though San Francisco was able to recover. The sack resulted in a third down, and the 49ers came up empty on the drive when Jake Moody missed a field goal two plays later. Kancey has tallied 3.0 sacks over the past two weeks, and with 4.0 sacks over five contests on the campaign he's already tied the total he registered over 14 regular-season games last year.

Kancey recorded two tackles (two solo) including 2.0 sacks during Monday's 30-24 overtime loss at Kansas City.

Kancey got a late start to the 2024 season, but he now has three sacks over his first four games of the year. If he can keep up his current level of production, he'll force his way into the IDP conversation as the second half of the season plays out.

Kancey (calf) tallied two tackles (all solo), including 1.0 sacks and an additional tackle for loss, in the Buccaneers' 51-27 win over the Saints on Sunday.

Kancey finally completed his recovery from a pre-Week 1 calf issue to make his long-awaited season debut, and the second-year edge rusher found a way to make an immediate impact. Kancey brought down Spencer Rattler during his 44 snaps, and he could be set for a bump in participation during a challenging Week 7 home Monday night matchup against the dangerous Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.

Kancey (calf) is active Sunday against the Saints.

Kancey will make his season debut in Week 6 after tending to his calf injury suffered during Week 1 prep. The return of the Buccaneers' 2023 first-round selection should be a major boost to their defensive front in New Orleans on Sunday.

Kancey (calf) is listed as questionable but is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Saints, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Though he's taking an injury designation into Sunday, Kancey never looked to be at much risk of missing the contest after turning in full practices Wednesday through Friday. The second-year defensive tackle will be officially cleared when Tampa Bay releases its inactive list 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff. Kancey had missed the Buccaneers' first five games of the season due to the calf injury, which he suffered while practicing leading up to Week 1.

Kancey (calf) was a full participant in Tampa Bay's practice Wednesday, Brianna Dix of the team's official site reports.

Kancey is now on track to make his season debut Sunday versus the Saints after missing the first five games due to a calf injury. The 23-year-old will likely start on the defensive line alongside Vita Vea and Logan Hall in the upcoming matchup.

Head coach Todd Bowles stated Kancey (calf) will be out Thursday against the Falcons, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Kancey has yet to play this season since suffering the injury in practice during Week 1 prep. Bowles told Greg Auman of Fox Sports that Kancey hasn't suffered any setbacks and if the game was taking place Sunday, he might be able to play.

Kancey (calf) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's injury estimation.

Kancey has missed the Buccaneers' first four contests due to this calf issue, and he'll likely need to upgrade to at least limited participation either Tuesday or Wednesday in order to suit up Thursday night. If Kancey is unable to suit up again in Week 5, expect C.J. Brewer to see additional work on the Buccaneers' defensive line.

Coach Todd Bowles said Friday that Kancey (calf) is out for Sunday's game against the Eagles, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Kancey will miss his fourth straight game to open the 2024 campaign. Greg Gaines, William Gholston and Mike Greene will continue to soak up the reps along the interior of the Bucs' defensive line with Kancey and Vita Vea (knee) banged up.

Kancey (calf) was working on the side with trainers during practice Wednesday, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Kancey has yet to play this season after injuring his calf during Week 1 prep. His return to the field in any form is a sign the Minnesota product is making progress in his recovery, but as Auman insinuates, he's probably closer to doubtful than questionable for this Sunday's matchup with the Eagles. However, his status for Thursday and Friday will likely bring better clarity there.

Coach Todd Bowles said Kancey (calf) will not play Sunday against the Broncos, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Kancey will have to wait another week to make his 2024 debut. The Bucs are dealing with injuries to both Kancey and Vita Via (knee) on the interior of the defensive line, leaving Greg Gaines, William Gholston and Mike Greene to soak up extra snaps.

Kancey (calf) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Lions, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Kancey is now in line to miss his second consecutive game in Week 2 as the 23-year-old continues to recover from the calf injury he sustained one week ago. Expect William Gholston and Ben Stille to see increased work with the Buccaneers' first-team defense in Kancey's stead.

Kancey (calf) did not practice Wednesday.

Kancey was a late addition to the Buccaneers' injury report ahead of their Week 1 win over the Commanders before being ruled out for the season opener. The Pittsburgh product now opens Week 2 prep still sidelined by the injury with no real timetable for his return. However, he can still be considered questionable for Sunday's matchup with the Lions and will try to return to the practice field Thursday or Friday.

Kancery has been ruled out of Sunday's regular-season opener against the Commanders due to a calf injury, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Kancey popped up on the Bucs' injury report Friday with a calf issue, and it appears serious enough for the 2023 first-round pick to be held out for Week 1. His next chance to suit up will be against the Lions on Sept. 15. With Logan Hall (foot) also ruled out for the regular-season opener, William Gholston and Ben Stille will start at defensive end with Vita Vea starting at nose tackle.

Kancey (calf) was added to the Buccaneers' injury report Friday and is now questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Commanders, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The 2023 first-round pick was a limited participant in Friday's practice due to a calf injury, and he's now in jeopardy of missing Tampa Bay's regular-season opener. If Kancey is unable to suit up Sunday, expect Ben Stille or William Gholston to serve as the Buccaneers' top left defensive end.

Kancey (undisclosed) returned to practice Monday, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Kancey first reportedly missed practice last Monday, for an unknown cause and has been sidelined since. However, the second-year pro donned the pads once again and took part in warmups, suggesting he should be good to go moving forward.

Kancey (undisclosed) did not participate in Monday's practice session, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

It's not clear what is ailing Kancey, but it shouldn't be serious enough to keep the 2023 first-round pick out of practice for an extended period of time. Kancey registered 4.0 sacks across 14 regular-season games last year, and he will play a pivotal role on the Bucs' defensive front alongside starters Vita Vea and Logan Hall.

Kancey, who recorded 4.0 sacks across 14 regular-season games as a rookie in 2023, could be primed for a big step forward in his second campaign, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

Kancey's NFL career got off to a slow start a year ago due to a training camp calf injury that also ended up costing him three regular-season games. The Pittsburgh product went on to play under 50 snaps in all but two of his 14 contests, but he was a consistent rotational contributor that led all rookies with 12 tackles for loss before adding six stops (four solo), including 1.5 sacks, and a pass defensed in two postseason contests. Kancey now stands to benefit from not only the valuable experience he garnered as a rookie, but from the presence of a more svelte Vita Vea next to him on the defensive line.

Kancey posted 26 tackles (19 solo), including four sacks, and one pass defensed across 14 regular-season games in 2023. He added six tackles (four solo), including 1.5 sacks, and a pass defensed in two postseason contests.

The active rookie 19th overall pick got his career off to a modest start thanks to a training camp calf injury he reaggravated in the season-opening clash against the Vikings after just 11 snaps, leading to absences in Weeks 2-4. However, Kancey settled in upon returning, not missing a game the rest of the way and delivering fairly consistent production. Kancey began to display his knack for disrupting offensive backfields as the campaign unfolded, although he did hit a lull down the stretch by not recording a regular-season sack after Week 14. Nevertheless, the Pittsburgh product enjoyed a resurgence in two playoff contests with his 1.5 sacks, and expectations will undoubtedly be much higher for him in Year 2 now that he has a full year of experience under his belt.

Kancey recorded three tackles (two solo) including a sack and a pass defensed in Sunday's 27-20 loss at the Colts.

Kancey built on his promising rookie season in Week 12, registering in the sack column for the third time this season. His 44 defensive snaps were also good for his second most of the year. He projects to see a healthy dose of pass-rushing opportunities in Week 13 versus the Panthers.

Kancey (quadriceps) is good to go for Sunday's tilt against the Titans.

Kancey logged consecutive limited practices to close out the week before drawing a questionable tag. It looks like he is feeling well enough to play through any lingering issues. As a result, look for him to take on his usual role at defensive end.

Kancey (quad) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Titans.

The 2023 first-round pick out of Pittsburgh popped up on the Buccaneers' injury report earlier in the week with a quad issue, and he recorded limited practice sessions both Thursday and Friday. If Kancey is unable to suit up this weekend, Mike Greene should see an increased role on Tampa Bay's defensive line.

Kancey registered four solo tackles, including a sack, in Sunday's 39-37 loss to the Texans.

Kancey got his second sack of the season when he took down C.J. Stroud towards the end of the second quarter. Three of Kancey's four tackles in the game were for a loss, and most importantly, he played a season-high 52 defensive snaps (84 percent snap share) in Week 9, indicating that the rookie is getting back to full health after missing three games with a calf injury.

Kancey posted three tackles (one solo), including a sack and an additional quarterback hit, in the Buccaneers' 20-6 loss to the Lions on Sunday.

Kancey missed the last three games with a calf injury, but he made an impact in his first action since logging the first 11 snaps of his career in Week 1 before exiting. The rookie first-round pick is expected to make an impact with his unique athleticism for an interior lineman, and his solid work over 40 snaps Sunday may be a preview of things to come if Kancey can remain healthy.

Kancey (calf) was a full participant at practice Wednesday.

Kancey missed Tampa Bay's last three games leading up to their Week 5 bye, but that time off seems to have been enough to get him back to full strength for Week 6. He'll step back into a rotational role on the Buccaneers' defensive line Sunday versus the Lions.

Kancey (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 4 game against the Saints, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Kancey played 11 defensive snaps in Week 1 against the Vikings before getting hurt, and he's been sidelined ever since. Logan Hall, Mike Greene, Vita Vea and Greg Gaines should see most of the snaps on coach Todd Bowles' defensive line versus New Orleans. The Bucs have a Week 5 bye, so Kancey will hope to return after that.

Kancey (calf) will miss his second game ina row after being ruled out for Monday's contest against the Eagles, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Kancey has been battling a calf injury he sustained at the beginning of training camp. He was able to make his pro debut in Week 1 against the Vikings but logged just 11 defensive snaps before re-aggravating the injury. Undrafted free agent Mike Greene -- who played in 25 defensive snaps in Week 2 against the Bears and registered a tackle -- is set to once again take on an increased workload, this time against the Eagles' dominant offensive line.

Kancey (calf) did not participate at practice Thursday.

Kancey has not played since reaggravating a strained right calf in Week 1, and he's not off to a great start ahead of Monday's game versus the Eagles. He'll probably need to practice in some capacity Friday or Saturday in order to have a chance at suiting up in Week 3.

Kancey (calf) is listed as out for Sunday's game versus Chicago, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

After not being able to practice at all this week, Kancey will have to sit out of Tampa Bay's matchup versus the Bears in Week 2. In his stead, undrafted rookie Mike Greene could be in line to pick up an increased workload.

Kancey (calf) did not participate at practice Wednesday ahead of Sunday's game versus Chicago.

Kancey was previously reported as being day-to-day, but his absence from practice Wednesday doesn't bode well for his odds of suiting up for Week 2. If he can't play Sunday, undrafted rookie Mike Greene is likely to see increased reps.

Kancey (calf) is day-to-day after aggravating his calf injury in the season opener against the Vikings, JC Allen of Bucs Gameday reports.

Kancey didn't play in the second half of the win over Minnesota, but an MRI revealed no further damage to his calf. The rookie first-round pick's practice participation, or lack thereof, ahead of Sunday's game against the Bears should provide insight on how likely Kancey is to take the field against Chicago.

Kancey (calf) will not return Sunday against the Vikings, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Kancey came into the day questionable due to a right calf strain, but was ultimately active and started the game. However, the rookie appears to have aggravated the injury and will be sidelined for the remainder of the contest. William Gholston and Mike Greene will now see extra work in the second half.

Kancey (calf) is active Sunday against the Vikings, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Kancey was able to log a full practice Friday, but he remained questionable on the team's injury report. However, the 2023 first-round selection will suit up, although it's unclear if he'll handle a heavy workload with the significant time missed during camp due to the injury.

Kancey (calf) practiced fully Friday but is listed as questionable for Sunday's season opener against the Vikings, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Per Jenna Laine of ESPN, coach Todd Bowles said Kancey would be a game-time decision Sunday. Friday marked Kancey's first full practice since suffering a strained calf July 30, but it's a good sign that the 2023 first-round pick ramped up his participation from unavailable Wednesday to limited Thursday and full Friday.

Kancey (calf) was a limited participant at practice Thursday ahead of Sunday's game at Minnesota.

It's a step in the right direction for Kancey after he missed practice Monday and Wednesday. However, it's still not clear whether he'll be able to suit up for Tampa Bay's matchup in Week 1, and if he doesn't, it could mean more opportunities for undrafted rookie Mike Greene.

Kancey (calf) did not practice with the Buccaneers on Wednesday.

Kancey is still recovering from the right calf strain he suffered in late July and he has yet to practice this week ahead of Week 1. The defensive tackle will have two more days to prove his health prior to Tampa Bay's matchup with Minnesota on Sunday.

Kancey (calf) did not practice Monday and his status is uncertain for Sunday's regular-season opener against the Vikings, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Kancey is working to be ready for Week 1, but his chances of suiting up may not become clear until Thursday or Friday. The rookie first-round pick is nursing a right calf staring sustained late July. If he is able to suit up Sunday in Minnesota, the Buccaneers could well opt to put Kancey on a snap count.

Head coach Todd Bowles noted Sunday that he's "hopeful" that Kancey (calf) will progress and be ready for the Bucs' season opener against the Vikings on Sept. 10, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Kancey has missed most of training camp since straining his calf on July 30 and sat out of all three preseason games. He did shed his calf brace Saturday, but has yet to be cleared to return. Kancey impressed early in camp with his quickness and pass-rush moves and should assume a pivotal role on the defensive front once he's fully healthy.

Kancey recently shed the brace on his calf but remains without a firm timetable for return, Brianna Dix of the team's official site reports.

The rookie first-round pick was carted off the field during a July 30 training camp practice and was given a four-week recovery timetable. Kancey is approaching the end of that timeline without any definitive return date in sight, but there remains a chance he could enjoy a rotational role, at minimum, in Week 1 against the Vikings. The Pittsburgh product consistently turned heads early in camp with his advanced pass-rush moves, quickness, and ability to constantly penetrate the backfield, and he's expected to play a key role in the interior of the defensive line when healthy.

Kancey is expected to miss four weeks due to a strained calf suffered Sunday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Kancey could still be ready Week 1, but he'll be sidelined for at least the majority of training camp. A first-round selection in the 2023 Draft, Kancey was expected to hold down a starting role on the Buccaneers' defensive line. Even if he is ready to go in the season opener, the 22-year-old may need to be eased back into completion.

Kancey underwent an MRI for his injured calf Monday, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Kancey was carted off the field during Tampa Bay's practice Sunday but MRI results showed that the injury was not serious. The Buccaneers will still likely hold the rookie first-round pick out of practice for the time being to ensure he's healthy for the start of the regular season.

Head coach Todd Bowles told reporters Sunday that Kancey (calf) will be getting an MRI on his right leg, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Kancey went down grabbing his right leg after a drill during Sunday's practice and was carted off the field. Bowles noted that Kancey had a calf strain and the MRI exam will give the Buccaneers a better idea of the severity of the injury.

Kancey (calf) left practice Sunday on a cart, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Kancey pulled his right leg up after doing a drill and was taken out of practice shortly after. Laine noted that it looked to be a calf injury and the cart could just be a precautionary measure given the hot weather. Kancey was taken by the Buccaneers with the 19th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft after recording 31 tackles and 7.5 sacks in his final season at Pittsburgh.

Kancey, the Buccaneers' rookie first-round pick, impressed during non-padded spring work with his quickness off the ball and holistic grasp of the team's schemes, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports. "He's not just a lineman trying to line up and do things, he's trying to understand everything on the defensive line and the offensive line, so he knows how to play," head coach Todd Bowles said. "I'm very impressed with that."

Kancey finished his college career at Pittsburgh with 34.5 tackles for loss, including 16 sacks, underscoring his ability to disrupt backfields at a svelte-for-a-defensive-tackle 280 pounds. Laine notes the rookie 19th overall pick is already seen as an ideal three-technique tackle complement to the mammoth Vita Vea along the interior of the Buccaneers' defensive line, and his stellar production despite his smallish frame has already drawn comparisons to Aaron Donald and franchise legend Warren Sapp, per Laine.

The Buccaneers selected Kancey in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 19th overall.

Tampa Bay could have gone in any direction as it begins its rebuild from the No. 19 spot in the first round and it landed on bolstering the trenches as its preferred path. Kancey, out of Pitt, is an anomaly of a defensive line prospect; his size (6-foot-1, 281 pounds) puts him in the bottom fifth percentile among players at that position group. His 40-yard dash (4.67) was also in the 99th percentile. The Aaron Donald comparisons are too lofty, but Kancey should be able to overcome the size concerns thanks to his athleticism and tenacity. He is quick enough to beat offensive linemen off the snap and find the ball carrier in the backfield. Look for Kancey to line up next to Vita Vea at defensive end for the Bucs.