Bucs Safety Jordan Whitehead’s Car Accident Sidelines Him For Sunday’s Game
Overview
Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead was involved in a car accident on Thursday, August 11, 2023. The accident occurred in Tampa, Florida, and Whitehead was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. He was released from the hospital on Friday, August 12, and is expected to miss Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Buccaneers released a statement on Friday saying that Whitehead is “day-to-day” and that his status for Sunday’s game is uncertain. Head coach Todd Bowles said that Whitehead is “sore” but that he is “progressing well.”
Impact on the Buccaneers
Whitehead’s absence will be a big blow to the Buccaneers’ defense. He is one of the team’s best tacklers and is also a valuable contributor on special teams. In 2022, Whitehead recorded 74 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble.
With Whitehead out, the Buccaneers will likely turn to Keanu Neal to start at safety. Neal is a former first-round pick who has started 48 games in his career. He is a good tackler and has good instincts in coverage.
However, Neal is not as experienced as Whitehead and he has not been as productive in recent years. In 2022, Neal recorded 33 tackles and 1 interception in 11 games.
Whitehead’s Future
Whitehead is entering the final year of his contract with the Buccaneers. He is set to make $3.4 million in 2023. If he has a good season, he could be in line for a big payday next offseason.
However, if Whitehead misses significant time due to injury, it could hurt his chances of getting a big contract. He will need to prove that he is healthy and productive in order to maximize his value on the open market.
Conclusion
Jordan Whitehead’s car accident is a reminder of the risks that NFL players face on a daily basis. Whitehead is fortunate to have escaped serious injury, but his absence will be a big blow to the Buccaneers’ defense.
The Buccaneers will need to find a way to replace Whitehead’s production on the field. They will also need to hope that he can return to full health soon and help them make a run at the Super Bowl.
