MRI Confirms Extent Of Buccaneers Linebackers Injury

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have fallen to 3-5 early in the 2022 season after a loss to the Baltimore Ravens, in which they had no less than seven players miss the game due to injury, and now, the bad news keeps coming, as early this morning, an MRI confirmed what the team initially feared when it comes to linebacker Shaq Barrett, as he has indeed torn his achilles.

MRI confirmed that Bucs' LB Shaq Barrett suffered a torn Achilles last night and will be out the next 7-9 months, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 28, 2022

The recovery time from this injury is expected to be anywhere from 7-9 months, so unfortunately, the season of Tampa Bay's best linebacker and defensive leader is over. Through eight games, Barrett racked up 31 tackles, 3 sacks and a forced fumble, and without him in the lineup, it's going to be tough for this Buccaneers defence to recover as they look to get their struggling season back on track.

The NFC South is still very winnable, as the leader of the division may be at either 3-5 or 4-4 when this weekend's games conclude, but without their top defensive star, it's going to be hard. Barrett has been a consistent warrior throughout his career with Denver and now Tampa Bay, and was a crucial part of their Super Bowl victory, so the hope is that he can get healthy to start the 2023 season with the Buccaneers.

Photo Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports