The Tampa Bay Buccaneers pulled off their most impressive win of the season in a 16-0 shutout of the Atlanta Falcons. But they didn't do so without a few scars.
YaYa Diaby suffered an MCL sprain in the first quarter of the win over the Falcons. The 27-year-old Diaby was coming off a career game, with three sacks in the 43-13 win over the Carolina Panthers. He's been one of the team's top pass rushers this season, with 14 quarterback pressures, ranking third on the team.
Head coach Todd Bowles commented on Diaby's injury during Monday's press conference, saying he's uncertain about the severity of the pass rusher's MCL sprain.
"He has an MCL sprain," said Bowles. "Not sure how much he'll miss. We'll see how the week progresses, and then we kind
of go from there."
While Bowles didn't specify the severity of Diaby's injury, NFL Network's Ian Rapoportsaid he'll "miss some time" but should be back within weeks.
Diaby has been one of the Buccaneers' top defensive players this season, posting three sacks, six QB hits, six tackles for loss and an interception in eight games. Tampa Bay has emerged as one of the top defensive units this season after a slow start, ranking first in defensive EPA and sixth in points allowed per game.
When asked if he's confident in the team's depth without Diaby, Bowles said he is.
"It is, you don't want to sustain it, but we feel like we got good depth there," said Bowles.
The Buccaneers will shift their attention to Week 9's tilt against the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football as they look to keep gaining ground in the NFC South.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Todd Bowles on severity of YaYa Diaby's injury after Buccaneers win over Falcons
