Tevita Vea

Bucs' designate Vita Vea (ankle) to return from injured reserve

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have designated defensive tackle Vita Vea (ankle) to return from the injured reserve.

What It Means:

Vea fractured his ankle in just the fifth game of the season, giving him just enough time to recover from the broken bone and a chance at coming back as early as the Bucs' upcoming NFC Championship game against the Green Bay Packers.

Vea had been having an unbelievable season prior to his injury, grading out as Pro Football Focus' second-highest graded interior defensive lineman prior to his injury. His return could give the Bucs a huge boost as they prepare for the Packers.