Buccaneers Tight End Suffers Neck Injury

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers can breathe a little easier following their Week 6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Head coach Todd Bowles revealed at his Monday presser that tight end Cameron Brate suffered a neck sprain Sunday afternoon.

Todd Bowles says TE Cameron Brate has a sprained neck and is resting. All other tests are negative and there are no neurological issues.

— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) October 17, 2022

Brate was stretchered off the field following a collision with Steelers linebacker Myles Jack. Brate was down on the turf for an extended period after the relatively routine hit before eventually being braced and escorted to the sidelines by team personnel.

Given the seriousness and solemnity of the scene, Brate's diagnosis is good news. The injury recalled Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's frightening injury on Thursday Night Football in Week 4. Brate was similarly freshly removed from a controversial head injury.

Cameron Brate gives the thumbs up as he is carted off the field. pic.twitter.com/s8qzcH7KXS

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 16, 2022

Brate joined the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2014 and has been with the team ever since. One of the Bucs' most established veterans and leaders, he has tallied 2797 receiving yards in 120 appearances with the team. At 31 years old, it may be time for the tight end to prioritize his long-term health.  

Photo Credit: © Michael Longo/For USA Today Network / USA TODAY NETWORK