Tykee Smith Injury News & Updates

Smith logged five tackles (four solo) and two pass defenses during the Buccaneers' 44-32 loss to the Bills on Sunday.

Smith finished as the Buccaneers' third-leading tackler in a game in which Tampa Bay's defense got dissected by the Buffalo offense led by Josh Allen (three passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns). Smith's five tackles Sunday were a season low, and the second-year safety is up to 79 tackles (47 solo), including 2.0 sacks, 11 pass defenses (one interception) and one fumble recovery through 10 regular-season games, three of which he's played every single defensive snap.

Smith was cleared to return to Sunday's game against the Bills after exiting the contest with a potential concussion.

Smith exited after a big stop in the second quarter with a potential concussion. The safety was able to clear the league's concussion protocol, passing an independent neurological evaluation to return to the game.

Smith is being evaluated for a possible concussion and is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Bills.

Smith took a hit to the head during the second quarter, and he's being evaluated by medical staff to determine whether he can return to Sunday's game. Christian Izien and Kaevon Merriweather are candidates to see more snaps at safety in Smith's absence.

Smith registered eight tackles (four solo) and an interception during the Buccaneers' 28-23 loss to the Patriots on Sunday.

Smith halted the Patriots' red zone drive in the third quarter, when he picked off a pass from Drake Maye intended for Mack Hollins in the end zone. It was the first interception of the season for Smith and the third of his two-year NFL career. The 2024 third-rounder is up to 43 tackles (31 solo), including 2.0 sacks, nine pass defenses and one fumble recovery through nine regular-season games.

Smith posted eight tackles (four solo) and a defensed pass Sunday in a 23-3 victory versus New Orleans.

Smith's eight stops ranked second on the Saints. The second-year safety has racked up at least six tackles in all eight of the Buccaneers' games this season and has logged a robust 66 stops on the campaign.

Smith tallied 13 tackles (eight solo), including 1.0 sacks, in Monday's Week 7 loss to Detroit.

Smith paced the Bucs in tackles with a season-high tally. Among his stops was a sack of Jared Goff late in the second quarter that was immediately followed by a Tampa Bay interception. Smith has emerged as a viable IDP asset early in the season, totaling 58 tackles, including 2.0 sacks, through seven games.

Smith registered six tackles (five solo) in the Buccaneers' win over the 49ers on Sunday.

Smith continued his strong start to the season, as he's now recorded at least six tackles in each of his first six outings. The 24-year-old has totaled 45 tackles (27 solo), including 1.0 sacks, and will look to add to his totals in the team's Week 7 matchup against the Lions.

Smith registered six tackles (two solo) and two pass defenses during Sunday's 38-35 win over Seattle.

Smith was cleared to play Sunday after working through an ankle injury during Week 5 prep. He played 59 of 61 defensive snaps and finished fourth on the team in tackles. Smith has logged at least one pass defense in four of the first five games of the regular season, and his six pass defenses is tied for fourth most in the NFL.

Smith (ankle) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Smith missed some practice time earlier in the week but is good to go for Week 5. The 24-year-old safety has 33 tackles (20 solo), including 1.0 sacks, and four pass breakups across four games this season.

Smith (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Smith is nursing an ankle injury that he may have sustained during the Bucs' Week 4 loss to the Eagles. Smith has logged a DNP-LP practice log this week, so Friday's injury report will indicate his chances of playing in Sunday's road game against the Seahawks. Smith has logged 33 tackles (20 solo), including 1.0 sacks, and four pass defenses through the first four games of the regular season.

Smith (ankle) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's estimated injury report following the Buccaneers' walkthrough, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Smith compiled nine total tackles (five solo) and two passes defensed in the team's 31-25 loss to the Eagles in Week 4, but he may have suffered an ankle injury in the process. The safety will have two more opportunities to return to practice before Sunday's matchup with the Seahawks.

Smith recorded nine tackles (five solo) and two defensed passes in Sunday's Week 4 loss to Philadelphia.

Smith's nine tackles led Tampa Bay and marked his second-highest total through four weeks. The safety also defensed two passes, pushing his total to four on the season. That's currently tied for 11th-most in the league.

Smith recorded seven tackles (four solo) and a defensed pass Sunday in a 29-27 win over the Jets.

Smith continued his solid start to the campaign by ranking third on the Bucs in tackles. He's registered at least six stops in each of his three contests so far and has 24 total, giving him a solid week-to-week floor. Smith has been on the field for all but two of Tampa Bay's defensive snaps on the campaign as he's moved into an every-down role this year.

Smith logged six tackles (four solo), including 1.0 sacks, during the Buccaneers' win versus Houston on Monday.

Smith was dominant in Monday's victory as not only did he lead the team in tackles but he also recorded the first sack of his career. The 2024 third-round pick will look to build off this strong performance and keep producing during the team's Week 3 matchup versus the Jets.

Smith recorded 11 tackles (seven solo) and a defensed pass in a 23-20 Week 1 win over the Falcons.

Smith led both teams in tackles in the victory, and his 11 stops tied his career-best mark, which he first reached in Week 5 last season. He played 74 of Tampa Bay's 76 defensive snaps and should be a near every-down player this year as long as he remains healthy.

Head coach Todd Bowles relayed Friday that Smith, who is getting more reps at safety, had a strong first three days of training camp, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Smith, the Bucs' third-round pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, was thrust into a starting role in his rookie year and played most of his defensive snaps at slot corner. General manager Jason Licht said back in May that the Bucs were considering moving Smith to safety full time for the upcoming season. The Georgia product appears to have seamlessly transitioned into that role based on his play early in camp and could slide into the safety spot alongside Antoine Winfield while Christian Izien (pectoral) moves into the slot. Smith registered 54 tackles (38 solo), seven pass defenses (two interceptions) and three forced fumbles across 13 regular-season games in 2024.

Speaking Monday, Bucs GM Jason Licht said the team is considering moving Smith to safety full time next season, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Selected in the third round of the 2024 Draft, Smith played 672 defensive snaps as a rookie, 589 of which came as Tampa Bay's slot corner. Moving from the slot to safety wouldn't be a totally foreign challenge for the second-year defensive back. The Bucs released starting safety Jordan Whitehead (neck) at the start of free agency, opening up playing time at the position.

Smith posted 54 tackles (38 solo), seven defensed passes, including two interceptions, and three forced fumbles across 13 regular-season games in 2024.

The rookie third-round pick mostly delivered on the promise he'd shown during his college days at Georgia, playing a robust rotational role in the Buccaneers' secondary right from the onset of the season and finishing with three tallies of eight or more tackles along the way. Smith also put together an impressive showing in the wild-card loss to the Commanders, helping make up for Jamel Dean's early exit due to a knee injury and supplying seven total tackles across 57 snaps. Smith missed four games with a knee injury in Weeks 8, 10, 12 and 13, but he otherwise proved a reliable presence and could push for a starting role this coming offseason and training camp.

Smith (personal) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Smith did not participate in Wednesday's walkthrough while attending to a personal matter, but he should be able to play in Sunday's NFC wild-card round game against Washington. The rookie third-round pick finished his first NFL regular season with 54 tackles (38 solo), seven pass defenses (including two interceptions) and three forced fumbles in 13 games.

Smith (personal) did not practice Wednesday.

Due to Smith's absence being due to personal reasons, it's rather unclear how likely he is or isn't to suit up for Sunday's wild-card game against the Commanders. More clarity could be provided when Tampa Bay releases its next injury report Thursday.

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

After opening the Bucs' week of practice with consecutive limited sessions, Smith logged a full workload Friday, suggesting he's moved past his knee injury in time to play Sunday. With the rookie safety from Georgia back at full health, he's expected to serve as Tampa Bay's top slot cornerback in Week 16.

Smith (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Smith has played through a knee issue over the Buccaneers' last two games, logging four tackles (three solo) and two pass defenses (including one interception) over that span. Unless his practice participation is downgraded over the next two days, the rookie third-rounder should be able to play against the Cowboys on Sunday.

Smith (knee) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Chargers.

Smith played through his knee injury in Tampa Bay's Week 14 win over the Raiders, recording three total tackles and two passes defended, including one interception, over 43 defensive snaps. His Week 15 status was in doubt following two limited practice sessions; however, he upgraded to a full workload Friday, suggesting that he'll play through his knee injury again Sunday. Expect the rookie from Georgia to serve as Tampa Bay's top slot corner against the Chargers.

Smith (knee) was deemed limited in Wednesday's practice walkthrough, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Smith returned from a three-game absence Sunday against Las Vegas and logged 67 percent of Tampa Bay's defensive snaps while notching an interception and three tackles. His designation of limited Wednesday suggests the rookie cornerback is still dealing with the knee issue, but it's not yet clear if he's in any danger of sitting Sunday against the Chargers. Smith's practice participation the rest of the week should help clarify his status for that contest.

Smith recorded three tackles (two solo) and an interception during Sunday's 28-13 win versus the Raiders.

Smith played smothering man-to-man coverage on a pass underneath intended for Brock Bowers in the red zone, and he came away with his second interception of the season to preserve a 14-10 Tampa Bay lead late in the third quarter. He'll be looking to keep up the positive momentum in Week 15 against the Chargers.

Smith (knee) is active for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

Smith will return Sunday from a three-game absence due to a knee injury. The rookie third-rounder logged 42 tackles (30 solo), five pass defenses (including one interception) and three forced fumbles in the eight regular-season games before his injury. Smith is expected to slide back into his role at slot corner.

Smith (knee) was a full participant in Friday's practice but is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

Smith has been sidelined for the Bucs' last three games due to a knee injury. He managed to finish the week strong with a full practice Friday, but the rookie third-round pick hasn't been given the green light to return just yet. Smith's official status for Sunday's game will certainly be known once Tampa Bay releases its inactive list approximately 90 minutes before 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff.

Smith (knee) was listed as a limited practice participant on Wednesday's injury report.

Smith has missed the last three games due to a knee injury he suffered during practice in early November. Wednesday was the first time Smith practiced since suffering the injury, which indicates that he is progressing through his recovery. The rookie third-rounder will have two more chances this week to practice in full ahead of Sunday's game against Las Vegas.

Smith (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 13 contest against Carolina.

Smith hurt his knee in practice Nov. 8 and will miss his third consecutive contest as a result. His absence will further thin a Tampa Bay secondary that will also be without starting safety Jordan Whitehead (pectoral). Christian Izien figures to see lots of defensive snaps in Smith's stead Sunday.

Smith (knee) has been downgraded to out for Sunday's game against the Giants.

Smith was listed as doubtful on Friday's injury report, so he was never expected to play versus New York. Coach Todd Bowles had already essentially ruled out Smith for Week 12. The good news for Tampa Bay's secondary is that Jamel Dean (hamstring) was activated from injured reserve Saturday.

Smith (knee) is listed as doubtful ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Giants, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reported earlier Friday that head coach Todd Bowles ruled out Smith for Sunday's matchup in New York. However, the Buccaneers' official injury report Friday lists the rookie from Georgia as doubtful. If Smith is sidelined as expected in Week 12, Tavierre Thomas and Troy Hill (ankle) will likely serve as Tampa Bay's top slot cornerbacks.

Smith (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Giants, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Smith was injured in the team's Friday practice ahead of Week 10, and he's been sidelined since. This will be his second consecutive game missed despite having extra time to heal with Tampa Bay coming out of its bye. The Bucs are dealing with injuries all over their cornerback depth chart, with Jamel Dean (hamstring) still on injured reserve but eligible to return this week. Zyon McCollum (hamstring) and Troy Hill (ankle) are also banged up.

Smith (knee) did not practice Thursday.

Smith was listed as a limited practice participant on Wednesday's injury report, but he was unable to take the field Thursday. The rookie third-rounder is in jeopardy of missing his third game of the regular season, but he'd give himself a chance at playing against the Giants on Sunday if he's able to return to practice Friday.

Smith (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Smith suffered a knee injury in the final practice leading up to Tampa Bay's Week 10 clash against San Francisco, and the injury was severe enough for him to be sidelined for that contest. The Buccaneers enjoyed a bye for Week 11, and the additional rest has allowed Smith to practice Wednesday, albeit in a limited capacity. The rookie third-rounder will have two more chances this week to increase his practice participation ahead of Sunday's game against the Giants.

Smith (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against San Francisco, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Smith suffered a knee injury in Friday's practice, which will cause the rookie third-round pick to miss his second game of the regular season. The severity of the injury isn't clear, but Smith will have additional time to recover due to the Buccaneers being on a bye for Week 11. Tavierre Thomas is the top candidate to serve as the Bucs' starting slot corner due to Smith being sidelined.

Smith furnished nine tackles (eight solo), one pass defensed and a forced fumble in the Buccaneers' 30-24 overtime loss to the Chiefs on Monday night.

The impressive rookie came back from a Week 8 absence due to a concussion and logged a robust 72 snaps (85 percent) while also finishing tied for third in stops on the Buccaneers. Smith's tackle total was also good for the second highest of his career, and he also jarred the ball loose from Travis Kelce in Tampa Bay territory late in the first half, which led to a fumble recovery by Josh Hayes. Smith now has an impressive 42 tackles (30 solo), an interception, four additional defensed passes and three total forced fumbles over eight games, keeping him firmly on the IDP radar heading into a Week 10 matchup against the 49ers.

Smith (concussion) is active for Monday night's matchup with the Chiefs, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

The slot cornerback had to miss Tampa Bay's Week 8 loss to Atlanta after suffering the concussion during the team's Week 7 defeat to Baltimore. Smith cleared the NFL's concussion protocol by Saturday and participated in the team's practice session that same day. The rookie third-round pick has 33 tackles (22 solo), four passes defensed, an interception and two forced fumbles in 2024.

Smith (concussion) was a full practice participant Saturday and is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Chiefs, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Greg Auman of Fox Sports reported before the release of Saturday's injury report that Smith cleared the league's concussion protocols, though Smith has still been given the questionable tag. It's possible that Smith may have to clear additional steps before being given the green light to play Monday.

Smith has cleared concussion protocols and will be available for Monday's game against the Chiefs, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Smith was sidelined for the Bucs' Week 8 loss to the Falcons due to a concussion he sustained in Week 7 against the Ravens. He was able to log a full practice Friday, and he's done enough to pass the league's five-step concussion protocols. Smith will serve as the Buccaneers' top slot corner for Monday's contest.

Smith (concussion) was a full participant at the Buccaneers' practice Friday, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Smith was unavailable for the team's Week 8 loss to the Falcons as a result of a concussion he suffered in Week 7 versus Baltimore. The safety's ability to log a full practice Friday is a big step in his recovery, but he still needs to clear concussion protocol in order to play against Kansas City on Monday Night Football.

Smith (concussion) was listed as a limited practice participant on Thursday's injury report.

Smith was diagnosed with a concussion during the Bucs' Week 7 loss to the Ravens, and he was held out of this Sunday's game against the Falcons. Even if Smith is able to log a full practice Thursday or Friday, he'll still need to clear the league's five-step concussion protocols before Monday's game against the Chiefs.

Head coach Todd Bowles told reporters Friday that Smith (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Falcons, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Smith sustained a concussion in the Buccaneers' Week 7 loss to the Ravens and has yet to pass through the NFL's five-step protocol. The rookie safety has recorded 33 total tackles and four passes defended, including one interception, through his first seven games. With Smith sidelined in Week 8, expect Tavierre Thomas to serve as Tampa Bay's top slot corner.

Smith (concussion) did not participate in Wednesday's practice session.

Smith suffered a concussion in the second quarter of Monday's loss to the Ravens. The rookie third-round pick appears to be far off of clearing the NFL's five-step concussion protocols, and unless he's able to practice in full this week, he's unlikely to suit up against the Falcons on Sunday. If Smith is sidelined, Tavierre Thomas and Christian Izien would be the top candidates to start at nickel corner alongside Zyon McCollum and Tyrek Funderburk.

Smith (concussion) has been ruled out for the rest of Monday's contest against the Ravens.

Smith suffered a concussion in the second quarter of Monday's matchup and he'll miss the remainder of the game as a result. The cornerback will have one less day than normal to clear concussion protocol prior to Sunday's game against the Falcons.

Smith (head) is being evaluated for a concussion, Brian Wacker of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Smith suffered a blow to the head in the second quarter of Monday's contest against the Ravens while attempting to make a tackle and his status for the rest of the game is up in the air. In his absence, Tavierre Thomas will see an uptick in usage at slot cornerback.

Smith recorded five tackles (three solo), an interception, an additional pass defensed and a forced fumble in the Buccaneers' 51-27 win over the Saints on Sunday.

A game after recording a career-high 11 stops in a Week 5 loss to the Falcons, Smith established another early milestone by nabbing his first interception. The rookie third-round selection's pick of a Spencer Rattler pass intended for Rashid Shaheed with 4:24 remaining at the Buccaneers' 36-yard line essentially snuffed out any hope of a Saints comeback, especially since the ensuing possession culminated in Tampa Bay's final touchdown of the afternoon. Smith has quickly established himself as a playmaking presence in the team's talented secondary and is a rising IDP asset into a Week 7 home matchup against the Ravens on Monday night.

Smith registered 11 tackles (nine solo) along with a forced fumble and a defensed pass Thursday in an overtime loss to the Falcons.

Smith was evaluated for a concussion in the second quarter but wasn't out long, as he returned to the game before halftime. The rookie cornerback finished with a career-high 11 stops after recording just one tackle against Philadelphia in his previous game. Smith logged 99 percent of the Buccaneers' defensive snaps Thursday and has become a fixture in the team's secondary.

Smith (head) has returned to Thursday's game against the Falcons, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Smith was evaluated for a concussion midway through the second quarter and was initially deemed questionable to return. The cornerback was subsequently cleared and re-entered to the contest prior to halftime. Smith had a productive first half, tallying seven tackles (six solo).

Smith is being evaluated for a concussion and is questionable to return to Thursday's game against the Falcons, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

The cornerback made six tackles (five solo) before exiting. Smith recorded 17 tackles (10 solo) and a pass defensed in the Buccaneers' first four games of 2024. Tavierre Thomas is his backup in the slot.

Smith recorded eight tackles (six solo), including one for loss, in the Buccaneers' 20-16 win over the Lions in Week 2.

The rookie came into the contest nursing an illness, but Smith did a fine job out of his slot cornerback role. The 2024 third-round pick has allowed a stingy 55.6 percent completion rate and modest 6.6 yards per attempt on the nine attempts he's faced as a primary defender thus far in his nascent NFL career.

Smith (illness) will play Sunday against the Lions, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Smith was unable to practice Thursday or Friday, but he traveled with the team to Detroit and has made enough progress in his recovery to take the field Sunday.

Smith (illness) is travelling with the Buccaneers to Detroit, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Smith came down with an illness this week, which prevented him from practicing Thursday and Friday. He'll go through warmups before Sunday's game, but if he's unable to suit up, Tavierre Thomas would be the top candidate to slide into the nickel corner role. Smith registered two tackles while playing 40 snaps (38 on defense, two on special teams) in Week 1 against the Commanders.

Smith (illness) is not practicing Friday and is questionable for Sunday's game against the Lions, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Smith operated as Tampa Bay's top slot cornerback Week 1, so it would be a notable loss for the secondary if he can't suit up versus Detroit. The Buccaneers are already down safety Antoine Winfield (foot), plus cornerbacks Josh Hayes (ankle) and Bryce Hall (ankle, IR) for Week 2.

Smith (ankle) recorded five tackles (three solo) in Saturday's 17-14 preseason win over the Bengals.

Smith played 23 snaps (20 on defense, three on special teams) in Saturday's contest, and his five tackles ranked second on the Bucs behind J.J. Russell. Smith sustained an ankle injury in the week leading up to Tampa Bay's preseason opener, but he was healthy enough to suit up. The rookie third-round pick is competing for a depth spot in the Buccaneers' secondary.

Smith tweaked his ankle early in Saturday's practice and exited practice with the training staff, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

The rookie third-round pick has been impressing throughout the first two weeks of camp, so the injury is particularly ill-timed. Smith has displayed noteworthy consistency and playmaking prowess for a rookie, and although he's competing with Christian Izien for the slot corner job, he's also been logging reps at both safety spots. Head coach Todd Bowles has been especially taken with Smith's veteran-like presence on the field, with the rookie flashing a high football IQ honed on a national-championship-winning defense at Georgia during his college days.