Buccaneers will be without one of their top defensive players vs. Commanders

The Washington Commanders will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday to kick off the 2024 NFL season. In some late news from Saturday evening, the Bucs will be without starting defensive tackle Calijah Kancey.

Kancey was listed as questionable on Friday’s final injury report. Kancey’s absence is bad news for the Buccaneers, who will also be without starting defensive end Logan Hall. Tampa Bay ruled out Hall on Friday. The third-year defensive end is dealing with a foot injury.

Kancey, a first-round pick in 2023, started all 14 games in which he played as a rookie, recording 26 tackles, including 10 for loss, 12 quarterback hits and four sacks.

Kancey’s absence, along with Hall’s, is difficult news for Tampa Bay, which faces dynamic Washington rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels in Sunday’s game.