Calijah Kancey

Calijah Kancey (calf) "still has a chance to play" in Week 1 according to Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles.

Fantasy Impact

When asked about Kancey, Bowles went on to say, "We are not ruling him out." Kancey originally suffered his calf injury in late July. The first-round rookie's status for Week 1 should be made more clear in the next day or two.

Calijah Kancey, who the Bucs' selected with their first-round pick, suffered a strained calf and is expected to miss four weeks, per Adam Schefter.

Fantasy Impact

The Bucs selected Kancey with the 19th pick in this year's draft and the Northwestern DT may be forced to miss some time in his rookie season. Still, a four-week diagnosis does give the youngster a chance to suit up in Week 1 when the Bucs take on the Vikings. Kancey is an athletic DT who should fit well in the Bucs' pass rush. Kancey boasts impressive speed for a big man, clocking in a 4.67 40-yard dash. Hopefully, he recovers quickly as the Bucs look to stay afloat, post-Brady.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Tampa Bay Buccaneers first-round pick DT Calijah Kancey went down and was carted off the field during practice in a non-contact drill. Early belief is a calf strain, but he will undergo an MRI.

Fantasy Impact

A calf strain would be a better-case scenario for Kancey as it could allow him to potentially be ready in time for the NFL season. The MRI will help determine if that's the only injury sustained though, and his situation should be monitored. Kancey will have the opportunity to play on a defensive line that will put him in favorable positions playing alongside DT Vita Vea, and the hope is that he can return as soon as possible.

According to Bailey Adams of Pewter Report, Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie DT Calijah Kancey is learning how to understand football as a pro as he learns a new defensive scheme and prepares for his rookie year.

Fantasy Impact

Kancey said he's moving from a 4-3 to a 3-4 and that he's learning about all the defensive movements involved with the DL in Tampa's scheme. Veteran DT Vita Vea has been a part of the process of teaching Kancey as well. Veteran LB LaVonte David spoke highly of Kancey, saying that he will make an "immediate impact" and provide mismatches instantly.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have selected defensive tackle Calijah Kancey with the No. 19 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Fantasy Impact

Kancey is undersized for a DT, but he is an athletic lineman who can play a variety of alignments. Paired with Vita Vea in the middle of the field, Kancey can provide Tampa Bay with a variety of interior pressure. Vea also compliments Kancey's deficiencies as a run defender. Tampa continues to add young talent to its d-line.