Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Calijah Kancey suffered an apparent chest/pectoral injury in the second quarter against the Houston Texans. The breakout star attempted a stab move against tackle Tytus Howard, but his left arm gave out, preventing him from completing the pass rush. Kancey underwent an MRI to determine the severity of the injury as many Buccaneers held their breath.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ breakout star set to miss rest of 2025
Feb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles speaks speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
According to Adam Schefter, tests confirmed that Calijah Kancey sustained a torn left pectoral muscle. He will undergo season-ending surgery on Friday, and the Buccaneers are expected to place him on injured reserve. This is devastating news for Kancey, who was a key contributor and pass rusher on the defense line and was on the brink of breaking out in Year 3.
Tests confirmed Bucs DT Calijah Kancey tore his pec, and he now is scheduled to undergo season-ending surgery Friday, per sources. https://t.co/MDu56O2OLZ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2025
Who replaces him?
Sep 15, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Greg Gaines (96) celebrates after a sack during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The plan is for Greg Gaines III to take over as the starting defensive end alongside Logan Hall and Vita Vea, with Calijah Kancey out for the year. He filled in last night and recorded one tackle, one TFL, and one sack across 17 defensive snaps. Gaines has ample starting experience with 30 regular-season and four playoff starts across his seven-year NFL career.
Rookie fifth-round pick Elijah Roberts is also expected to see an increased role. He recorded one tackle and a half sack over 13 snaps last night.
Fans react to the devastating news
Nov 10, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; fans looks on during the national anthem before a game between the San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
So many injuries….
— MillenialMillionaires (@milmillinetwork) September 16, 2025
Speedy recovery to him!
— Ruglabok (@Ruglabok) September 16, 2025
Ouch, pec-uliar injury
— BLOCKXS.COM (@blockxs) September 16, 2025
Tough for the Bucs
— Gatsby (@ZachGatsby) September 16, 2025
😭season ending? Do the bucs have enough cover for him?
— BillyPMS🏀🏈⚾️ (@Billy_PMS) September 16, 2025
That’s a tough blow for Tampa Bay, Kancey’s pass rush was a key part of their defense.
— DAVIES🟦 (@___Davies) September 16, 2025
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