The Buccaneers defensive line added another injury worry to their list on Tuesday.
Defensive tackle Amobi Okoye missed the first day of Tampa’s minicamp because he was having an operation on his knee. It is an arthroscopic procedure, one that Stephen Holder of the Tampa Bay Times reports Okoye is having now so that he doesn’t develop more serious problems down the line. Okoye is expected to be ready for the start of camp.
The Buccaneers suffered a serious blow when defensive end Da’Quan Bowers tore his Achilles this offseason. He’s set a goal of returning during the season, but that’s definitely a long shot coming off that injury. Both starting defensive tackles also have health issues. Gerald McCoy is coming back from a torn biceps and Brian Price has added family tragedy to leg problems that have bothered him for the last two years.
Tampa’s counting on Okoye providing depth behind both of those players on a thin defensive line this season. His operation shouldn’t impact his ability to provide it, but it’s something to keep an eye on as the Bucs move toward training camp.