Vita Vea Injury Update: Will $71 Million Buccaneers Star Play vs. Saints?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers received encouraging news ahead of Week 8. Star nose tackle Vita Vea, the $71 million Pro Bowler, is trending toward playing against the New Orleans Saints after being listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report. The update provides a huge boost to Tampa Bay’s defense as they prepare for a critical NFC South showdown.

Head coach Todd Bowles confirmed that four players are ruled out for Sunday’s matchup — Chris Godwin, Bucky Irving, Haason Reddick, and Luke Haggard — but said Vea “is in line to play.” The 5-2 Buccaneers are looking to bounce back from last week’s 24-9 loss to the Detroit Lions, and having their defensive anchor back on the field could make all the difference.

Vita Vea’s Injury Status and Return Outlook

Vea has been managing a lingering foot issue that dates back to the start of the season. He missed two practices before the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons but managed to suit up and deliver a strong performance. This week, his recovery appears to be following a similar trajectory — limited early in practice but improving as game day nears.

Through seven games this season, the 6-foot-4, 347-pound defensive tackle has posted 17 tackles, 2.5 sacks, three tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, and one fumble recovery. Those numbers underscore his importance to Bowles’ defense, which ranks among the top units in the NFC in points allowed.

Vea’s durability has been a question in past seasons, but his production when healthy remains elite. In 2024, he made his second career Pro Bowl after racking up 42 tackles, seven sacks, and 10 tackles for loss. According to ESPN, NFL executives ranked Vea ninth among all interior defensive linemen entering the 2025 season — a testament to his strength, technique, and consistency.

Why Vea’s Presence Matters for Tampa Bay

Vea’s potential return against the Saints couldn’t come at a better time. With Calijah Kancey out for the season due to injury, the Buccaneers need their veteran leader to stabilize the defensive front. His ability to clog running lanes and pressure quarterbacks up the middle gives Tampa Bay’s edge rushers more freedom to attack.

Opponents have struggled to move the ball inside when Vea is on the field. His combination of size and explosiveness has long made him a nightmare for offensive linemen — something former Eagles center Jason Kelce even joked about after his retirement, saying his knees “no longer wanted to block guys like Vita Vea.”

Vea’s presence on Sunday could tilt the matchup against a 1-6 Saints team searching for any offensive spark. If he plays, Tampa Bay’s defense will have a major advantage in the trenches, giving them a chance to reassert control in the NFC South standings.

Vita Vea’s availability for Week 8 remains officially questionable, but all signs point toward a return. For a Buccaneers team chasing its third division title in four years, having its $71 million anchor back could be exactly what they need to stay in the hunt.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is Vita Vea playing in Week 8 against the Saints?

As of Friday, Todd Bowles said Vita Vea is “in line to play,” though officially listed as questionable.

Q2: What injury is Vita Vea dealing with?

He has been managing a foot issue that first appeared before the season opener.

Q3: How important is Vita Vea to the Buccaneers defense?

Vea is one of the NFL’s most dominant interior linemen, anchoring Tampa Bay’s run defense and pass rush.

Q4: How much is Vita Vea’s current contract worth?

Vea is in the penultimate year of a four-year, $71 million deal signed with the Buccaneers.

Q5: Who else is out for Tampa Bay in Week 8?

Chris Godwin, Bucky Irving, Haason Reddick, and Luke Haggard have been ruled out.