The Buccaneers announced Monday that defensive end Jacquies Smith will be placed on injured reserve.
An MRI Monday revealed that Smith suffered a torn ACL during Sunday’s win over the Falcons.
A fourth-year player, Smith had seven sacks last season and 6.5 in 2014 for the Bucs. He also forced three fumbles and had three fumble recoveries last season.
"[Smith was] a starter in our nickel package and a key contributor,” Bucs coach Dirk Koetter said in the team’s statement. “It’s going to be tough. We’ve got to pick up the slack in other areas. Some guys have to play more snaps than they might have played before. We’re going to be tested on our depth. Any time you lose a key guy like that [there’s] going to be some mixing and matching.”
