Christian Izien Injury News & Updates

Izien (quadriceps) is active for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Izien has been cleared to return from a two-game absence due to a quadriceps injury that he picked up in Week 3 against the Jets. Izien has one solo tackle across two regular-season games and has been limited to special teams this year.

Izien (quadriceps) is questionable for Sunday's game against San Francisco, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Izien was limited Wednesday and Thursday before logging a full practice Friday. Izien has been out since Week 3 and has yet to play a snap on defense this season, logging just 24 special-teams snaps across two appearances.

Coach Todd Bowles said Friday that Izien (quadriceps) is out for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Izien will sit out for a second straight game as he continues to recover from a quad injury he picked up in Week 3 versus the Jets. In his absence, Kaevon Merriweather could see an uptick in reps in the secondary in Week 5.

Izien (quadriceps) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Eagles, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

The 25-year-old from Rutgers was unable to practice both Wednesday and Thursday due to a quadriceps injury, so it's no surprise he'll be unavailable Sunday. Expect Kaevon Merriweather to serve as Tampa Bay's top reserve safety while Izien is sidelined in Week 4.

Izien has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Jets due to a quadriceps injury.

Izien picked up the injury in the first half, and it has been deemed severe enough for him to not return to Sunday's contest. Kaevon Merriweather will be the Bucs' top reserve safety behind Tykee Smith and Antoine Winfield for the rest of the game due Izien's injury.

Izien (oblique) is active for Monday's game against the Texans, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

An oblique injury from training camp prevented Izien from playing against the Falcons in Week 1, but the third-year safety has been cleared to play Monday after logging full practices all week. He will join Kaevon Merriweather as the Bucs' two reserve safeties behind starters Tykee Smith and Antoine Winfield. Izien appeared in 14 regular-season games (10 starts) for Tampa Bay in 2024 and logged 75 tackles (48 solo), three pass defenses (one interception) and one forced fumble.

Izien (oblique) is listed as questionable ahead of Monday night's matchup against the Texans, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

The second-year safety from Rutgers missed the Buccaneers' Week 1 win due to an oblique injury, but he's got a chance to return Monday. Izien practiced in full all week, suggesting he's trending toward playing in the Week 2 affair. However, if the 25-year-old is unable to suit up, expect Kaevon Merriweather to serve as Tampa Bay's top reserve safety.

Izien (oblique) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Izien wasn't cleared to play in the Buccaneers' Week 1 win over the Falcons due to an oblique injury that he picked up mid-August during the preseason. However, his ability to practice in full Thursday indicates that he should make his 2025 regular-season debut against the Texans on Monday. Izien appeared in 14 regular-season games for the Bucs in 2024 and finished with 75 tackles (48 solo), three pass defenses (one interception) and one forced fumble.

Izien (oblique) won't play against the Falcons on Sunday, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Izien hasn't practiced all week and was ruled out by coach Todd Bowles on Friday. The safety's next chance to suit up will come against the Texans in Week 2 on Monday Night Football.

Izien (oblique) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Izien has opened the week with back-to-back DNPs due to an oblique strain that he suffered during the preseason. He would need to practice in at least a limited capacity Friday in order to have a shot at playing in Sunday's regular-season opener against the Falcons in Atlanta. Kaevon Merriweather would be poised to see more rotational snaps at safety alongside starters Tykee Smith and Antoine Winfield if Izien is not cleared to play.

Izien (oblique) did not participate at the Buccaneers' practice Wednesday, Brianna Dix of the team's official site reports.

Izien suffered an oblique injury in the team's second preseason contest Aug. 16 versus the Steelers, and he continues to nurse the injury to open the 2025 campaign. The safety will have two more chances to return to practice prior to Sunday's regular-season opener against the Falcons.

Coach Todd Bowles said Tuesday that Izien's oblique injury could linger into the regular season, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Izien was injured in this past Saturday's preseason game against the Steelers, and it's safe to assume he won't be available for Saturday's preseason finale versus Buffalo. Izien has a little less than three weeks to get ready for Week 1. Kaevon Merriweather would be next in line for playing time at safety if Izien needs to miss time.

Izien exited Saturday's preseason game against the Steelers with an oblique injury and will not return.

Izien recorded one solo tackle prior to his departure. He's expected to serve as Tampa Bay's third safety behind Antoine Winfield (leg) and Tykee Smith this season. Izien appeared in1 4 regular-season games in 2024, making 10 starts, and finished with 75 tackles (48 solo), three pass breakups, including one interception, and one forced fumble.

Izien's versatility essentially guarantees him a roster spot heading into the 2025 season, Brianna Dix of the team's official site reports. "Izzy's valuable. He's going to be here. I can say he made the team. I can tell you he made the team," said head coach Todd Bowles. "He does so many things well for us...he just loves to play, and the guys love him, so he's been great for the defense."

Izien is fully recovered from the pectoral injury that landed him on injured reserve last season, and he's wasted no time reminding the coaching staff of the value he brings as a jack of all trades in the secondary. The Rutgers product has compiled 140 total tackles, five defensed passes, including three interceptions, and two forced fumbles across 31 regular-season games over his first two seasons. Izien has played slot cornerback, outside cornerback and both safety spots over that span, and he projects to serve as the starting free safety to open the 2025 campaign.

Izien, who finished the 2024 season on injured reserve due to a pectoral injury, recorded 75 tackles (48 solo), three passes defensed, including one interception, and one forced fumble across 14 regular-season games.

Despite playing three fewer games than in his rookie 2023 campaign, Izien logged just 27 fewer snaps on defense and exceeded his prior-season tackle total by 10 stops. Izien allowed just 55.6 percent of passes thrown his way while in primary coverage to be completed, and he impressively recorded at least 10 tackles in three games, including 13 stops during his final contest of the season against Dallas in Week 16. Izien will enter the third year of his rookie contract in 2025 and should be healthy enough to resume his role as the Buccaneers' top slot cornerback by the time training camp begins, if not earlier in the offseason.

The Buccaneers placed Izien (pectoral) on injured reserve Thursday, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

Izien suffered a pectoral injury during the Buccaneers' Week 16 loss to the Cowboys, and it appears severe enough for him to warrant a multi-week absence. He is required to miss at least the next four games, which means he won't be eligible to return from IR until the NFC Conference Championship, assuming Tampa Bay makes it that far. With his 2024 regular-season over, Izien will finish with 75 tackles (48 solo), three pass defenses (including one interception) and one forced fumble across 14 regular-season games. Izien's loss is a blow to the Bucs' secondary, but the good news for Tampa Bay is that Jordan Whitehead (pectoral) was designated to return from IR on Tuesday and could be activated ahead of Sunday's NFC South clash against the Panthers.

Izien (pectoral) was estimated as a non-participant in practice Wednesday.

Izien posted a season-high 13 tackles Sunday against Dallas, but it appears he also suffered a pec injury. His likelihood of missing the Week 17 contest against Carolina on Sunday should become clearer as the practice week progresses. Tampa Bay could be very thin at the safety position with Antoine Winfield (knee), Mike Edwards (hamstring), Kaevon Merriweather (knee) and Jordan Whitehead (pectoral-IR) also dealing with injuries.

Izien tallied 13 tackles (nine solo) during Tampa Bay's loss to the Cowboys on Sunday.

Izien got the start at safety as Antoine Winfield (knee) Kaevon Merriweather (knee) were both out, and he ended up leading the team in tackles. The 24-year-old has now racked up a career high 75 tackles (48 solo) and will look to increase his totals during the team's final two matchups of the season.

Izien (groin) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Cowboys, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The undrafted second-year pro from Rutgers upgraded to full practice Friday after beginning the week with back-to-back limited sessions, so it appears he's recovered from his groin injury in time to suit up in Week 16. Izien has played all over the field for the Bucs' defense, and he's expected to serve as the team's top reserve safety and cornerback Sunday.

Izien (groin) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Izien played through a groin injury during the Bucs' Week 15 win over the Chargers and finished with one solo tackle across 40 defensive snaps. He'll have two more chances to increase his practice participation ahead of Sunday's game against Dallas.

Izien (groin) is active for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

Izien was limited with a groin injury during practice Wednesday and Thursday, but he'll be ready to suit up for his 13th game this season. The second-year pro has totaled 61 tackles and one interception so far this season. He should continue serving as the Buccaneers' top backup safety and slot corner.

Izien (groin) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Chargers.

Izien appears to be trending in the right direction ahead of Week 15, as he upgraded from limited practice Wednesday and Thursday to a full session Friday. The Rutgers product has been productive in 12 appearances this season, recording 61 total tackles and three passes defended, including one interception. If Izien can play through his groin issue Sunday, he's expected to serve as Tampa Bay's top backup safety and slot corner.

Izien was deemed a non-participant in Wednesday's practice walkthrough due to a groin injury, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Izien logged 98 percent of Tampa Bay's defensive snaps Sunday against Las Vegas, so it's not clear when the groin injury occurred. He did deal with a groin issue (while also managing an elbow injury) in mid-October, but there's no evidence that his current issue is connected. Izien's injury adds to a long list of health issues to the Buccaneers' secondary, including to starters Antoine Winfield (knee), Mike Edwards (hamstring) and Tykee Smith (knee).

Izien recorded 10 tackles (five solo) during Sunday's 30-7 win against the Giants.

Helping to lead a defensive effort that held the Giants to just 245 yards of total offense Sunday, Izien managed his best tackle total since Week 2 while playing from the slot with Tykee Smith out. His role in Week 13 at Carolina could depend on the availability of Smith.

Izien recorded nine total tackles (seven solo), including two tackles for loss, in Sunday's 31-26 loss to the Falcons.

The second-year pro from Rutgers was Tampa Bay's second-leading tackler in Sunday's loss, trailing only K.J. Britt's 10-stop effort. Izien has become a vital part of Tampa Bay's secondary this season, recording 40 total tackles and three passes defended, including one interception, through the seven appearances. He's expected to continue making plays as the Buccaneers travel to Kansas City in Week 9.

Izien (elbow) was a full participant in Friday's practice.

Izien upgraded from limited work Thursday to a full practice Friday, suggesting that he's moved past his elbow injury. The Rutgers product is now expected to play in Monday night's matchup against the Ravens unless his practice participation downgrades Saturday.

Izien (elbow) was a limited participant at Thursday's practice.

Izien is in danger of missing his second straight game. However, his limited workload Thursday is a progression from last week's string of DNPs. Antoin Winfield (foot) was also limited Thursday, and Izien would presumably be next-man-up if he is ultimately unable to give it a go. The Buccaneers do not play until Monday, giving everyone an extra day to recover.

Izien (elbow) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Saints, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Izien didn't practice all week after likely sustaining an elbow injury in the Buccaneers' Week 5 loss to the Falcons, so it's no surprise he won't suit up in Week 6. With Izien ruled out and both Antoine Winfield (foot) and Jordan Whitehead (groin) listed as questionable for Sunday's contest, Kaevon Merriweather is currently the only safety on the Bucs' active roster without an injury designation.

Izien (elbow) did not participate in Wednesday's practice session.

Izien registered seven tackles (five solo) during the Bucs' Week 5 loss to the Falcons, but it appears he may have picked up an elbow injury in the process. He'll have two more chances this week to practice in at least a limited capacity ahead of Sunday's game against the Saints. Izien has recorded 30 tackles (20 solo), three passes defended (one interception) and one forced fumble through the first five games of the regular season.

Izien recorded eight total tackles (six solo) in Sunday's 26-7 loss to Denver.

Izien was a busy man for a second straight week, drawing another start for Antoine Winfield (foot) at free safety. Izien finished tied with linebacker Lavonte David for the second-most stops on the team behind cornerback Jamel Dean. To this point in 2024, Izien has compiled 20 total tackles (13 solo), an interception, three passes defensed and a forced fumble over three games.

Izien recorded nine total tackles (five solo), an interception and two passes defensed in Sunday's 20-16 win over the Lions.

Izien was thrust into a starting role at free safety with Antoine Winfield (foot) unavailable versus Detroit. Izien made the most of his opportunity, picking off Jared Goff in the fourth quarter. The 24-year-old will likely draw another start in Week 3 against the Broncos.

Izien (leg) was not listed on the Buccaneers' injury report Wednesday.

Izien had been dealing with a leg injury towards the tail end of training camp, but he appears to be fully healthy ahead of Sunday's regular-season opener against the Commanders. Izien finished 2023 with 65 tackles (47 solo), two passes defended, two interceptions and one forced fumble across 17 regular-season games.

Izien (leg) did not practice Wednesday, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Izien is considered day-to-day with the injury and could still suit up for the team's preseason finale against the Dolphins on Friday. If not, he should be ready to go Week 1 against the Commanders, where he's once again expected to operate as the team's slot corner in 2024.

Izien will cross-train at free safety during the offseason, according to safeties coach Nick Rapone, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Izien spent most of last season working as Tampa Bay's slot corner, but he may find himself with a more dynamic role in 2024. It's unclear if the Buccaneers have someone else in mind to handle slot duties this upcoming season, or if they just want to see if Izien could also help bolster their depth at safety as well.

Izien provided 65 tackles (47 solo), two interceptions and a forced fumble across 17 regular-season games in 2023. He added six tackles (five solo) in two postseason contests.

The undrafted rookie was busy right from the jump of his career, finishing the regular season with 690 snaps on defense and then logging another 58 plays during the Buccaneers' two playoff games. Izien frequently was deployed in the slot and held his own, allowing just a 51.3 percent completion rate, 4.1 yards per attempt and zero touchdowns in primary coverage during the regular campaign. The Rutgers product is under contract for two additional years and could well see a similar workload in 2024.

Izien (illness) is active for Sunday's game against the Texans, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Izien practiced Wednesday and Thursday before missing Friday's session. The rookie played on a season-high 62 defensive snaps in Week 8 versus the Bills.

Izien is dealing with an illness and has been deemed questionable to suit up Sunday in Houston.

Izien practiced as usual Wednesday and Thursday but was held out Friday after picking up an illness, making his status for Sunday uncertain. The rookie logged a season-high 91 percent of Tampa Bay's defensive snaps against Buffalo last Thursday, finishing with two tackles (one solo).

Izien recorded eight tackles (six solo) in the Buccaneers' 25-11 loss to the Eagles on Monday night.

Izien logged 39 snaps overall while Carlton Davis (toe) missed a second straight game and Jamel Dean exited early with a shoulder injury. Izien recorded the best tackle total of his young career in the process, helping offset the fact he failed to get his hands on the ball for the first time as a pro after tallying a pair of interceptions in his first two contests. Even when the secondary is at full health, Izien should continue to enjoy a robust role considering his slot cornerback duties and ability to rotate in at safety if necessary.

Izien made three tackles (two solo) and picked off a pass in a 27-17 Week 2 win against Chicago.

Izien sealed the outcome by picking off Justin Fields on Chicago's final drive in the fourth quarter. The rookie has started his career with an interception in each of his first two games. He began last week in concussion protocol but was able to play and log 75 percent of Tampa Bay's defensive snaps versus the Bears.

Izien (concussion) is active Week 2 against the Bears.

All signs were pointing to Izien clearing concussion protocol and taking the field this week, especially after logging a full practice Friday. The rookie safety had a meaningful role in Week 1's upset over Minnesota, logging three combined tackles and an interception across 35 defensive snaps, in addition to seeing some work on special teams.

Izien (concussion) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game versus the Bears, but he was a full participant at practice Friday, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

He appears to be progressing well through the league's five-step concussion protocol, but there's still a chance Izien won't be available for Tampa Bay in Week 2. If he is forced to sit out, 2022 fifth-rounder Zyon McCollum could be in line for a heavy workload at corner, especially considering Carlton Davis has already been ruled out.

Izien (concussion) logged a limited practice Thursday.

Izien was able to get back on the field after logging a DNP on Wednesday. It's a sign of progress for the 23-year-old's progression through the league's five-step concussion protocols. Although, he should still be considered questionable for Sunday's matchup with the Bears.

Izien (concussion) did not participate at practice Wednesday ahead of Sunday's game versus the Bears.

Izien will have to make a speedy recovery to have any chance to suit up for Week 2. If he can't go, 2022 fifth-rounder Zyon McCollum would likely be in line for more reps than usual.

Head coach Todd Bowles confirmed Sunday that Izien, who recorded two solo tackles in the Buccaneers' 26-20 preseason win over the Ravens on Saturday night, has secured the slot cornerback role, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

Izien was seemingly trending up throughout the summer, and Bowles confirmed the undrafted rookie had won a spot on the final roster in his day-after press conference following the exhibition finale. The Rutgers product finished his college career with 297 tackles (189 solo), including 15 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, four interceptions, an additional 11 defensed passes and three fumble recoveries across 46 games. A sizable chunk of those numbers came over his first three seasons when he played safety, but Izien shifted to slot cornerback with impressive results as a senior in 2022 and wil begin his NFL career in that capacity.