Bucs Reportedly Fear Vita Vea Ankle Injury a Season-Ending Fracture

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers reportedly fear defensive tackle Vita Vea suffered a season-ending broken ankle during Thursday night's loss to the Chicago Bears.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the news and noted Vea will undergo an MRI on Friday to confirm the extent of the injury.

The 25-year-old California native was carted off the field late in the fourth quarter.

"It is a big loss," Bucs head coach Bruce Arians told reporters after the game. "You do not have another Vita, that is for sure."

The 6'4", 347-pound Vea was off to a strong start in 2020 with 10 total tackles and two sacks through five games. He'd earned a terrific 90.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.

He's recorded 73 tackles and 7.5 sacks in 34 appearances since the Buccaneers selected him with the 12th overall pick in the 2018 draft out of Washington.

Vea previously suffered a calf injury during training camp as a rookie that forced him to miss three games. He has appeared in 34 straight contests since returning from that ailment.

Rakeem Nunez-Roches is in line to take over as the starting nose tackle if Vea is out. Benning Potoa'e would likely be elevated from the practice squad to provide depth at the position.

Tampa returns to action Oct. 18 when it hosts the Green Bay Packers at Raymond James Stadium.