Buccaneers downgrade Vita Vea, Kameron Johnson to out

TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers downgraded defensive tackle Vita Vea and wide receiver Kameron Johnson to out for Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos.

Vea suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his right knee last week at the Detroit Lions and missed two days of practice before attempting to practice on the knee Friday. Later that day, he and Johnson, who suffered an ankle injury but attempted to practice Wednesday, were both listed as doubtful. Saturday, it was determined that neither were well enough to play.

To account for those injuries, the Buccaneers have elevated defensive lineman Mike Greene for the third straight week and elevated wide receiver Sterling Shepard for the first time this season.

Friday, the team also signed defensive lineman C.J. Brewer, who had been called up the past two weeks, from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, and they waived cornerback Keenan Isaac.

The Buccaneers have already been without several key players. Vea’s counterpart, 2023 first-round draft pick Calijah Kancey, has already missed the first two games and will also miss Week 3 with a left calf injury. Starting right tackle Luke Goedeke, will miss his second straight game with a concussion. And All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. will miss his second straight game with an ankle/foot injury.