Buccaneers' Christian Izien: Bucs' leading tackler in win
Rotowire
Izien recorded 10 tackles (five solo) during Sunday's 30-7 win against the Giants.
Helping to lead a defensive effort that held the Giants to just 245 yards of total offense Sunday, Izien managed his best tackle total since Week 2 while playing from the slot with Tykee Smith (knee) out. His role in Week 13 at Carolina could depend on the availability of Smith.
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Buccaneers' Christian Izien: Impresses in loss
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Izien recorded nine total tackles (seven solo), including two tackles for loss, in Sunday's 31-26 loss to the Falcons.
The second-year pro from Rutgers was Tampa Bay's second-leading tackler in Sunday's loss, trailing only K.J. Britt's 10-stop effort. Izien has become a vital part of Tampa Bay's secondary this season, recording 40 total tackles and three passes defended, including one interception, through the seven appearances. He's expected to continue making plays as the Buccaneers travel to Kansas City in Week 9.
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Buccaneers' Christian Izien: Limited workload Thursday
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Izien (elbow) was a limited participant at Thursday's practice.
Izien is in danger of missing his second straight game. However, his limited workload Thursday is a progression from last week's string of DNPs. Antoine Winfield (foot) was also limited Thursday, and Izien would presumably be next man up if the starting safety is ultimately unable to give it a go. The Buccaneers do not play until Monday night against the Ravens, affording both players an extra day to get healthy.
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Buccaneers' Christian Izien: Absent from injury report
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Izien (leg) was not listed on the Buccaneers' injury report Wednesday.
Izien had been dealing with a leg injury towards the tail end of training camp, but he appears to be fully healthy ahead of Sunday's regular-season opener against the Commanders. Izien finished 2023 with 65 tackles (47 solo), two passes defended, two interceptions and one forced fumble across 17 regular-season games.
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Buccaneers' Christian Izien: Missing practice
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Izien (leg) did not practice Wednesday, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
Izien is considered day-to-day with the injury and could still suit up for the team's preseason finale against the Dolphins on Friday. If not, he should be ready to go Week 1 against the Commanders, where he's once again expected to operate as the team's slot corner in 2024.
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Buccaneers' Christian Izien: Stays busy as rookie
Rotowire
Izien provided 65 tackles (47 solo), two interceptions and a forced fumble across 17 regular-season games in 2023. He added six tackles (five solo) in two postseason contests.
The undrafted rookie was busy right from the jump of his career, finishing the regular season with 690 snaps on defense and then logging another 58 plays during the Buccaneers' two postseason games. Izien frequently was deployed in the slot and held his own, allowing just a 51.3 completion percentage, 4.1 yards per attempt and zero touchdowns in primary coverage during the regular season. The Rutgers product is under contract for two additional years and could well see a similar workload in 2024.
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Buccaneers' Christian Izien: Active Sunday
Rotowire
Izien (illness) is active for Sunday's game against the Texans, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
Izien practiced Wednesday and Thursday before missing Friday's session. The rookie played on a season-high 62 defensive snaps in Week 8 versus the Bills.
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Buccaneers' Christian Izien: Could miss Week 9 due to illness
Rotowire
Izien is dealing with an illness and has been deemed questionable to suit up Sunday in Houston.
Izien practiced as usual Wednesday and Thursday but was held out Friday after picking up an illness, making his status for Sunday uncertain. The rookie logged a season-high 91 percent of Tampa Bay's defensive snaps against Buffalo last Thursday, finishing with two tackles (one solo).
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Buccaneers' Christian Izien: Stellar tackling night Monday
Rotowire
Izien recorded eight tackles (six solo) in the Buccaneers' 25-11 loss to the Eagles on Monday night.
Izien logged 39 snaps overall while Carlton Davis (toe) missed a second straight game and Jamel Dean exited early with a shoulder injury. Izien recorded the best tackle total of his young career in the process, helping offset the fact he failed to get his hands on the ball for the first time as a pro after tallying a pair of interceptions in his first two contests. Even when the secondary is at full health, Izien should continue to enjoy a robust role considering his slot cornerback duties and ability to rotate in at safety if necessary.
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Buccaneers' Christian Izien: In concussion protocol
Rotowire
Izien (concussion) did not participate at practice Wednesday ahead of Sunday's game versus the Bears.
Izien will have to make a speedy recovery to have any chance to suit up for Week 2. If he can't go, 2022 fifth-rounder Zyon McCollum would likely be in line for more reps than usual.
