Coach Todd Bowles said Tuesday that Izien's oblique injury could linger into the regular season, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Izien was injured in this past Saturday's preseason game against the Steelers, and it's safe to assume he won't be available for Saturday's preseason finale versus Buffalo. Izien has a little less than three weeks to get ready for Week 1. Kaevon Merriweather would be next in line for playing time at safety if Izien needs to miss time.

Izien exited Saturday's preseason game against the Steelers with an oblique injury and will not return.

EDGE Analysis

Izien recorded one solo tackle prior to his departure. He's expected to serve as Tampa Bay's third safety behind Antoine Winfield (leg) and Tykee Smith this season. Izien appeared in1 4 regular-season games in 2024, making 10 starts, and finished with 75 tackles (48 solo), three pass breakups, including one interception, and one forced fumble.

Izien's versatility essentially guarantees him a roster spot heading into the 2025 season, Brianna Dix of the team's official site reports. "Izzy's valuable. He's going to be here. I can say he made the team. I can tell you he made the team," said head coach Todd Bowles. "He does so many things well for us...he just loves to play, and the guys love him, so he's been great for the defense."

EDGE Analysis

Izien is fully recovered from the pectoral injury that landed him on injured reserve last season, and he's wasted no time reminding the coaching staff of the value he brings as a jack of all trades in the secondary. The Rutgers product has compiled 140 total tackles, five defensed passes, including three interceptions, and two forced fumbles across 31 regular-season games over his first two seasons. Izien has played slot cornerback, outside cornerback and both safety spots over that span, and he projects to serve as the starting free safety to open the 2025 campaign.

Izien, who finished the 2024 season on injured reserve due to a pectoral injury, recorded 75 tackles (48 solo), three passes defensed, including one interception, and one forced fumble across 14 regular-season games.

EDGE Analysis

Despite playing three fewer games than in his rookie 2023 campaign, Izien logged just 27 fewer snaps on defense and exceeded his prior-season tackle total by 10 stops. Izien allowed just 55.6 percent of passes thrown his way while in primary coverage to be completed, and he impressively recorded at least 10 tackles in three games, including 13 stops during his final contest of the season against Dallas in Week 16. Izien will enter the third year of his rookie contract in 2025 and should be healthy enough to resume his role as the Buccaneers' top slot cornerback by the time training camp begins, if not earlier in the offseason.

The Buccaneers placed Izien (pectoral) on injured reserve Thursday, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Izien suffered a pectoral injury during the Buccaneers' Week 16 loss to the Cowboys, and it appears severe enough for him to warrant a multi-week absence. He is required to miss at least the next four games, which means he won't be eligible to return from IR until the NFC Conference Championship, assuming Tampa Bay makes it that far. With his 2024 regular-season over, Izien will finish with 75 tackles (48 solo), three pass defenses (including one interception) and one forced fumble across 14 regular-season games. Izien's loss is a blow to the Bucs' secondary, but the good news for Tampa Bay is that Jordan Whitehead (pectoral) was designated to return from IR on Tuesday and could be activated ahead of Sunday's NFC South clash against the Panthers.

Izien (pectoral) was estimated as a non-participant in practice Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Izien posted a season-high 13 tackles Sunday against Dallas, but it appears he also suffered a pec injury. His likelihood of missing the Week 17 contest against Carolina on Sunday should become clearer as the practice week progresses. Tampa Bay could be very thin at the safety position with Antoine Winfield (knee), Mike Edwards (hamstring), Kaevon Merriweather (knee) and Jordan Whitehead (pectoral-IR) also dealing with injuries.

Izien tallied 13 tackles (nine solo) during Tampa Bay's loss to the Cowboys on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Izien got the start at safety as Antoine Winfield (knee) Kaevon Merriweather (knee) were both out, and he ended up leading the team in tackles. The 24-year-old has now racked up a career high 75 tackles (48 solo) and will look to increase his totals during the team's final two matchups of the season.

Izien (groin) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Cowboys, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The undrafted second-year pro from Rutgers upgraded to full practice Friday after beginning the week with back-to-back limited sessions, so it appears he's recovered from his groin injury in time to suit up in Week 16. Izien has played all over the field for the Bucs' defense, and he's expected to serve as the team's top reserve safety and cornerback Sunday.

Izien (groin) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Izien played through a groin injury during the Bucs' Week 15 win over the Chargers and finished with one solo tackle across 40 defensive snaps. He'll have two more chances to increase his practice participation ahead of Sunday's game against Dallas.

Izien (groin) is active for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

EDGE Analysis

Izien was limited with a groin injury during practice Wednesday and Thursday, but he'll be ready to suit up for his 13th game this season. The second-year pro has totaled 61 tackles and one interception so far this season. He should continue serving as the Buccaneers' top backup safety and slot corner.