Lavonte David Injury: Updates on Buccaneers LB's Hamstring and Return

Lavonte David of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is recovering from a hamstring injury, which cost him the opportunity to play in Week 12. Although, he returned to practice on Friday, increasing his likelihood of playing in Week 13, he was listed as inactive. He continued to practice ahead of Week 14 and was listed as active.

Continue for updates.

Sunday, Dec. 7

David Active For Week 14

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers confirmed that Lavonte David is active for Week 14.

Friday, Dec. 5

David Listed as Questionable for Week 14

Rick Brown of The Ledger Media Group has the latest on David:

Thursday Dec. 4

Lovie Smith Comments on David's Status

Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com has an update on David's status from head coach Lovie Smith:

"

Official injury report for #Bucs-Lions for Sunday: Questionable are Collins, David, Foster, McDonald, Myers, Rainey, ASJ.

— Rick Brown (@LedgeronBucs) December 5, 2014"

Sunday, Nov. 30

David Out for Week 13

Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com announced David's status:

Friday, Nov. 28

David Confident He'll Play on Sunday

Pat Yaskinas of ESPN reported David's thoughts on his status for Sunday:

David Returns to Practice

Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times has an update on David's status:

Tuesday, Nov. 25

David Held Out of Practice

Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times provides an update on David:

Sunday, Nov. 23

David Out for Week 12

Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com announced David was on the inactive list:

Friday, Nov. 21

David Listed as Questionable for Week 12

Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reported David's status for Week 12: 

According to Auman, David missed practice Thursday as well with the issue:

"

The Bucs were missing just one player from their 53-man roster at Thursday's practice, but it's a big one: Linebacker Lavonte David, who was listed as "limited" Wednesday with a hamstring injury, was a spectator Thursday, three days before the Bucs play at Chicago.

"

Losing the talented inside linebacker would be a massive blow to an already struggling Bucs defense. He's second in the NFL in tackles and tied for the most tackles for loss of any player in the league. He's been an even more dominant force this season than he was during his breakout 2013 campaign. 

David is an ideal linebacker for Lovie Smith’s Tampa and Cover 2 systems because of his speed, ability to rush the quarterback and ball-hawk skills in coverage. He can stick with the majority of tight ends in the league, cover plenty of space in zone coverage and demonstrate the power and strength necessary to shed blocks at the line and explode to the ball-carrier.