Buccaneers' Christian Izien: Placed on IR due to pec injury
Rotowire
The Buccaneers placed Izien (pectoral) on injured reserve Thursday, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.
Izien suffered a pectoral injury during the Buccaneers' Week 16 loss to the Cowboys, and it appears severe enough for him to warrant a multi-week absence. He is required to miss at least the next four games, which means he won't be eligible to return from IR until the NFC Championship Game, assuming Tampa Bay makes it that far. With his 2024 regular season over, Izien will finish with 75 tackles (48 solo), three pass defenses (including one interception) and one forced fumble across 14 regular-season games. Izien's loss is a blow to the Bucs' secondary, but the good news for Tampa Bay is that Jordan Whitehead (pectoral) was designated to return from IR on Tuesday and could be activated ahead of Sunday's NFC South clash against the Panthers.
... See More... See Less
Buccaneers' Christian Izien: Leading tackler versus Cowboys
Rotowire
Izien tallied 13 tackles (nine solo) during Tampa Bay's loss to the Cowboys on Sunday.
Izien got the start at safety as Antoine Winfield (knee) Kaevon Merriweather (knee) were both out, and he ended up leading the team in tackles. The 24-year-old has now racked up a career high 75 tackles (48 solo) and will look to increase his totals during the team's final two matchups of the season.
... See More... See Less
Buccaneers' Christian Izien: Ready to rock
Rotowire
Izien (groin) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Cowboys, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
The undrafted second-year pro from Rutgers upgraded to full practice Friday after beginning the week with back-to-back limited sessions, so it appears he's recovered from his groin injury in time to suit up in Week 16. Izien has played all over the field for the Bucs' defense, and he's expected to serve as the team's top reserve safety and cornerback Sunday.
... See More... See Less
Buccaneers' Christian Izien: Questionable for Sunday
Rotowire
Izien (groin) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Chargers.
Izien appears to be trending in the right direction ahead of Week 15, as he upgraded from limited practice Wednesday and Thursday to a full session Friday. The Rutgers product has been productive in 12 appearances this season, recording 61 total tackles and three passes defended, including one interception. If Izien can play through his groin issue Sunday, he's expected to serve as Tampa Bay's top backup safety and slot corner.
... See More... See Less
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.
... See More... See Less
Buccaneers' Christian Izien: Limited workload Thursday
Rotowire
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.
... See More... See Less
Buccaneers' Christian Izien: Absent from injury report
Rotowire
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.
... See More... See Less
Buccaneers' Christian Izien: Missing practice
Rotowire
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.
... See More... See Less
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.
... See More... See Less
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.
... See More... See Less
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).
... See More... See Less
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.
... See More... See Less
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.
