Buccaneers Will Have to Fill the Void After Losing Calijah Kancey

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defense experienced a major setback during Monday's hard-fought win against the Houston Texans. Defensive lineman Calijah Kancey suffered a torn pectoral muscle, an injury severe enough to necessitate surgery, effectively ruling him out for the rest of the season. This loss is especially difficult given Kancey’s rising prominence since being chosen in the first round of the 2023 draft.

Throughout his initial two seasons, Kancey consistently improved, becoming a crucial part of the Buccaneers’ defensive line. After tallying four sacks in his rookie campaign, he boosted his numbers in 2024 with 7.5 sacks over 12 games, underscoring his increasing influence on the field. His rare combination of size and speed made him a challenging opponent—able not only to clog running lanes but also to maintain the agility to chase down elusive quarterbacks. His absence was keenly felt last season when a calf injury kept him out for the first five games, emphasizing just how essential he is to Tampa Bay’s defense.

With Kancey sidelined, the Buccaneers now face a considerable challenge in filling the significant gap he leaves behind. While internal options exist who could step up, replacing the defensive lineman who led the team in sacks last year will be a formidable task. Acknowledging this, the Buccaneers acted swiftly to strengthen their defensive depth. On Wednesday afternoon, the team announced the signing of defensive lineman Elijah Simmons from the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad, hoping he can offer immediate support as they navigate this unforeseen obstacle.