Deadspin: Bucs LB YaYa Diaby dealing with MCL sprain after Falcons win
Injury confirmed by MRI
Diaby was hurt early in Sunday’s shutout win against the Falcons. Bowles told reporters Monday that an MRI performed that morning confirmed an MCL sprain in Diaby’s left knee.
NFL Network characterized the injury as Grade 2 and reported that Diaby is expected to miss a few weeks. Bowles said the team would monitor his progress during the week before determining what comes next.
Team weighs injured reserve
Bowles said Tampa Bay does not yet know how much time Diaby will miss. He also expressed hope that the linebacker will not need to go on injured reserve.
A player placed on injured reserve must miss at least four games. The team has not announced a timeline for Diaby’s return.
Diaby’s season and career
The 27-year-old has started all eight games for the 3-5 Buccaneers this season. He has recorded 16 tackles, six tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, three sacks and one interception.
All three of his sacks came in Tampa Bay’s 43-13 road victory over Carolina in Week 7. The Buccaneers selected Diaby in the third round of the 2023 draft; across 59 career games, including 49 starts, he has 158 tackles, 53 quarterback hits, 44 tackles for loss, 22 sacks, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
Key points
- An MRI confirmed Diaby’s left-knee MCL sprain.
- NFL Network reported the injury is Grade 2 and could sideline him for a few weeks.
- Bowles hopes Diaby can avoid injured reserve, which carries a minimum four-game absence.
- Diaby has started every game for Tampa Bay this season.