Christian

Izien

In addition to Dean, the Buccaneers also ruled out CB Benjamin Morrison (hamstring) and S Christian Izien (quad). Dean is the most notable absence here. Having appeared on 175 defensive snaps this season, per PFF, Dean has been stingy in coverage thus far, allowing just six receptions on 16 targets to go with 43 scoreless yards. Backup corners Jacob Parrish and Kindle Vildor figure to see some extended work with Dean now out.

Dean left the Bucs’ Week 4 loss to the Eagles with a groin injury that now seems to be more of a hip issue. Also not practicing were CB Benjamin Morrison (hamstring) and DB Christian Izien (quad). If none of the trio can practice the rest of the week, the Bucs’ secondary will look depleted against the Seahawks for Week 5.

Vea, 30, has built an extension lower-body injury record over the last two years. He dealt with a recurring calf issue in 2023, a worked through both knee (MCL) and hamstring issues last year. The towering (6'4/347) nose tackle remains a game changer whenever he’s on the field and he regularly plays through injuries. Buccaneers S Christian Izien (oblique) was also sidelined Wednesday.

Izien (5'10/193), who appeared in four games in 2018 and thus preserved a season of eligibility, is expected to compete with redshirt senior Malik Dixon for the starting strong safety spot. “We moved Malik Dixon from kind of a hybrid Nickelback back to safety and Christian Izien is back there and Naijee Jones,” Rutgers HC Chris Ash said at Big Ten media days on Friday. While Dixon may be the oldest of the three he isn’t the most experienced when it comes to the collegiate level, as he did not appear in any games last season after transferring in to Rutgers from Eastern Arizona CC.