Makes impact in Week 16 loss

David tallied five tackles (three solo), including two for loss, in the Buccaneers' 27-20 loss to the Cowboys on Sunday.

Analysis: As customary, David made an impact on the stat sheet, recording multiple tackles for loss for the fourth time this season. David did see a notable downturn in his overall tackle numbers following three straight games with double-digit tallies, and after not having recorded any fewer than six stops in any prior contest. Despite Sunday's dip in overall production, David has nevertheless enjoyed another strong campaign, as he'll head into the Week 17 finale against the Falcons with 110 tackles (87…read more

Tallies two sacks Sunday

David recorded 12 tackles (10 solo), including two sacks, and a fumble recovery in Sunday's loss to Baltimore.

Analysis: David's two sacks Sunday give him three in as many weeks, and his 12 tackles Sunday brings his season total to a team high 105 (84 solo). He'll look to continue his strong year against the Cowboys in Week 16.

Leads team in tackles

David recorded 10 tackles (nine solo) in Sunday's 28-14 loss to the Saints.

Analysis: David was able to lead his team in tackles for the game and record his second consecutive game with double digit tackles. The Nebraska product continues to be a strong IDP option, accumulating 93 tackles (74 solo) in just 11 games. David will look to keep it going against the Ravens in Week 15.

Excels in return

David collected 12 tackles (10 solo), a sack and a pass defensed in the Buccaneers' 24-17 win over the Panthers on Sunday.

Analysis: David was outstanding in his two-game return from an MCL injury, easily pacing the team in tackles while recording his first full sack of the season. The 28-year-old has logged no fewer than six stops in any game this season, and he's totaled seven or more in five consecutive contests. Now apparently back at full health, David will look to once again play a key role against a dangerous Saints offense in Week 14.

Suiting up in Week 13

David (knee) is active for Sunday's Week 13 tilt against the Panthers.

Analysis: David will make his return after a two-game absence, a particularly welcome development against the Panthers' run-centric offense. The veteran linebacker has averaged just under eight tackles per game thus far in 2018, and that already robust total could see at least a slight boost Sunday, considering the matchup.

Questionable Week 13

David (knee) is listed questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Analysis: Despite the designation, David is expected to suit up Sunday after advancing to full practice participation Friday, per Greg Auman of The Athletic. The 28-year-old missed the last two games with an MCL sprain in his right knee but should take on a full-time role as the team's starting strong side linebacker if he's active this weekend as anticipated. Through nine games, David has registered 71 tackles, one forced fumble and a half sack.

Still limited in practice

David (knee) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: David logged his second straight limited practice session Thursday and continues to work his way back from a sprained MCL. The veteran linebacker's status for the Week 13 tilt against the Panthers could come down to what extent he's able to participate in Friday's practice.

Limited to start week

David (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: David was unable to practice in any capacity last week, so his limited participation Wednesday is a step in the right direction. The veteran linebacker continues to work his way back from a sprained MCL, and his status for Sunday's tilt against the Panthers remains in question. If David is unable to suit up Week 13, Riley Bullough should once again receive an uptick in defensive snaps.

Won't suit up Sunday

David (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: With a sprained MCL in tow, David was unable to practice yet again this week, setting him up for a second consecutive absence. As long as he's sidelined, Riley Bullough appears as if he'll be the primary beneficiary, though he only played 29 of 53 defensive snaps Week 11 against the Giants en route to two solo tackles.

Sits out Wednesday

David (knee) was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: David suffered a sprained right MCL in Week 11 and was forced to miss his first game of the season last Sunday against the Giants. MCL injuries often have multiweek recoveries, and the 28-year-old has a good chance of missing Sunday's game against the 49ers, even if he is able to return to practice the next couple days.

Set for first absence of 2018

David (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Giants, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: It was always likely that David would miss some game action after he was diagnosed with an MCL sprain coming out of the Buccaneers' Week 10 loss to the Redskins. Such injuries often carry multi-week recovery timetables, so David isn't a safe bet to be ready to play Week 12 against the 49ers, either. At the very least, David will need to increase his involvement in practice next week to have a shot at playing, as he was unable to take the field in any capacity from Wednesday through Friday. With…read more

Skips practice Wednesday

David (knee) did not practice Wednesday, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Analysis: An MRI Monday revealed that David is dealing with an MCL sprain in his right knee. The risk with an injury like this is that a player can miss multiple weeks while recovering. It comes as little surprise, then, that David missed practice Wednesday. David's status throughout the week should paint a better picture of his Week 11 designation.

In danger of missing Week 11

David's availability for Sunday's road game versus the Giants is in peril after an MRI revealed Monday that he's dealing with a sprained MCL in his right knee, Eduardo Encina of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Analysis: David is the Buccaneers' leading tackler with 71 through nine games. His defensive snap share of 98.6 percent would be difficult to account for due to the banged-up nature of the linebacker corps. At the moment, Kwon Alexander and Jack Cichy reside on IR with ACL tears while Kendell Beckwith (ankle) remains on the Non-Football Injury list. In the end, the Bucs may utilize a majority two-linebacker scheme composed of Adarius Taylor and Devante Bond if David is absent this weekend. MCL injuries…read more

Records eight tackles in loss

David logged eight tackles (six solo) and half a sack during Sunday's 42-28 loss to the Panthers.

Analysis: David was one of the few bright spots in Tampa Bay's defense, which was largely unable to contain the Panthers' offensive attack Week 9. The starting linebacker has logged eight tackles in each of the Buccaneers' last three games and has been a reliable IDP asset all season. David will look to record another solid performance against Washington in Week 10.

Eight stops in Week 8 loss

David tallied eight tackles (three solo), including two for loss, in the Buccaneers' 37-34 loss to the Bengals on Sunday.

Analysis: David was highly active in the Buccaneers' first game without the services of Kwon Alexander (knee-ACL). The veteran should continue to pile up tackle numbers while spearheading the linebacker corps, and he's now on pace for 128 stops on the campaign, which would qualify as his highest figure since 2015.

Getting boost in responsibility

David, who co-led the team with eight tackles (seven solo), including two for a loss, in the Week 7 overtime win over the Browns, will call defensive plays in the Week 8 matchup against the Bengals, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The news comes straight from defensive coordinator Mark Duffner and is part of the domino effect of Kwon Alexander's season-ending knee injury. David certainly has the experience to serve as the quarterback of the defense, as well as the resume -- factoring in his impressive effort versus the Browns, he's tallied 48 tackles (40 solo), seven tackles for loss, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a pass defensed over six games.

Productive despite loss

David tallied six solo tackles -- including one for loss -- and was credited with a quarterback hit in the Buccaneers' 34-29 loss to the Falcons on Sunday.

Analysis: The veteran linebacker checked in a distant second to Kwon Alexander in tackles on the afternoon, but he still turned in a solid performance from an IDP standpoint. While the six stops actually qualified as David's lowest tackle total of the campaign, he's now logged a tackle for loss in three consecutive contests. Despite the firing of defensive coordinator Mike Smith on Monday, David's role in the defense should remain the same, especially considering it was linebackers coach Mark Duffner who…read more

Six more stops in loss

David tallied six solo tackles -- including one for loss -- in the Buccaneers' 48-10 loss to the Bears on Sunday.

Analysis: David checked in behind only Jason Pierre-Paul in stops during the blowout defeat, although Sunday's contest marked the first time this season that the seventh-year linebacker failed to post nine stops. The 28-year-old has been especially adept at getting into the backfield over the last pair of contests, ringing up a total of four tackles for loss. David will look to keep rolling against the Falcons in Week 6 after resting up during the Week 5 bye.

Tackling machine

David recorded nine tackles (eight solo) across 66 defensive snaps in Monday's loss to the Steelers.

Analysis: David once again led the Buccaneers in tackles Monday and now has nine tackles in every game so far this season. He also was on the field for every defensive snap in the game. He'll look to replicate the performance this Sunday in Chicago.

Leads team in tackles Sunday

David tied for the team-lead in tackles with nine (six solo) while also defensing a pass and recovering a fumble in a 27-21 win over Philadelphia.

Analysis: David's tackle numbers were identical from Week 1 to Week 2, but his added impact in the passing game made his stat line more impressive. He and the rest of the Buccaneers will look to maintain their momentum and move to 3-0 when they take on the Steelers in Week 3.

Records nine tackles in Week 1 win

David recorded nine tackles, including six solo, in Sunday's 48-40 win over New Orleans.

Analysis: David recorded over 140 tackles per season over his first four years, but he's averaged just 94 tackles the past two campaigns. His nine tackles made for a strong start, though the defense did not play especially well while allowing 40 points in what was still a winning effort. Things don't get any easier for the Buccaneers in Week 2, as they take on the defending champion Eagles in Tampa Bay.

Standing out in camp, preseason

David, who tallied three solo tackles and a fumble recovery in the Buccaneers' 30-14 preseason win over the Titans on Saturday, logged an impressive interception in Wednesday's practice, Carmen Vitali of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: The star linebacker has been in impressive form since the beginning of camp, with that caliber of performance carrying over to last Saturday's victory. David's solid effort versus the Titans was followed by a nifty pick in Wednesday's session, one in which he cut underneath receiver Bobo Wilson while roaming the weak side of the defense. David was more productive from a tackle perspective in Year 2 of coordinator Mike Smith's scheme last season, upping his career-low total of 87 stops in 2016…read more

David focused on getting his shoulders healthier and stronger this offseason and reports that he now feels "great", Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: The 28-year-old linebacker missed three games in 2017 while dealing with ankle and hamstring issues. However, he apparently also wanted to shore up his shoulders heading into 2018, considering the pivotal role they play in the impressive tackle numbers that David typically racks up. David set career bests in forced fumbles (five) and fumble recoveries (five) last season while adding 101 stops during his second campaign in defensive coordinator Mike Smith's scheme. The former Pro Bowler should…read more

David tallied six tackles (five solo) -- including one for loss -- in Sunday's 31-24 win over the Saints.

Analysis: The six-year veteran finished the 2017 campaign with at least six tackles in his last eight contests, a welcome sight after he'd posted an atypical three stops apiece in two of the three games prior to the onset of that stretch. David was considerably more productive in his second season in defensive coordinator Mike Smith's scheme, upping his tackle total from 87 to 101 despite playing in three fewer games, and also posting career bests in forced fumbles (five) and fumble recoveries (five).…read more

David totaled 11 tackles (eight solo) in Sunday's loss to the Panthers.

Analysis: David was listed as questionable for Sunday's game after sitting out Week 15, but was able to play all 66 defensive snaps in the contest. The 11 tackles marked the third time this season the 27-year-old broke into double digits, although he does have yet to register a sack in 2017.

David (hamstring) is active for Sunday's tilt against the Panthers, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Analysis: David missed last week's game against Atlanta but was able to return to practice this week. He's expect to return to the starting lineup and see his typical role on defense.

David (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Carolina, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: A limited participant at every practice this week, David is hoping to avoid a second consecutive absence. He seems to be truly questionable, potentially coming down to a game-time decision ahead of Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff. Another absence would free up snaps for Adarius Glanton and Kendell Beckwith, but Kwon Alexander would still be the clear IDP of choice in the Tampa Bay linebacking corps. It'll be an upgrade for Carolina running backs Christian McCaffrey and Jonathan Stewart if David…read more

David (hamstring) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: David failed to practice throughout the entirety of Week 15 prep after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 14 against the Lions. His return Wednesday, albeit in a limited capacity, provides a sliver of optimism for his potential Week 16 availability, although soft tissue injuries such as David's are notorious for being unpredictable. The final two practice reports of the week should provide much greater insight into the 27-year-old linebacker's chances of suiting up this coming Sunday against…read more

The Buccaneers have listed David (hamstring) as out for Monday's matchup against the Falcons, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Analysis: David racked up 13 tackles (12 solo) in last week's 21-24 loss to the Lions, but also acquired a hamstring injury during the contest. He was unable to participate in practice throughout the week, rendering this decision relatively unsurprising. The 27-year-old linebacker's absence will mark his first since Week 5. Riley Bullough and Devante Bond figure to see expanded roles as a result.

David was listed as a non-participant at Thursday's practice due to a hamstring injury, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Analysis: David presumably suffered the injury in last week's loss to the Lions. Although he was listed as a non-participant, the 27-year-old was seen going through drills without a helmet, so the team just may be exercising caution. His status will need to be monitored as the week progresses.

David compiled 14 tackles (13 solo) in Sunday's 24-21 loss to the Lions and also recovered a fumble.

Analysis: David equaled the season high in stops he'd posted back in Week 7 against the Bills. The 27-year-old defensive maven has posted no fewer than six stops in six consecutive contests, and he needs just 15 tackles over the last three games to reach the century mark in that category for a fifth time in his six-year career.

David posted seven tackles (five solo) -- including a half-tackle for loss -- in Sunday's 26-20 overtime loss to the Packers.

Analysis: Just more of the same for David, who's managed at least six tackles in five straight contests. The 27-year-old linebacker continues to be one of the most consistent IDP options on the Bucs, and he's enjoying a nice bounce-back season after posting a career-low 87 stops in 2016.

David posted six tackles (four solo) -- including one for loss -- in Sunday's 34-20 loss to the Falcons.

Analysis: David continues to serve as a steady source of tackles, with Sunday's game his fourth straight with at least six stops. The 27-year-old linebacker has yet to record a sack this season, but he's already tied a career high with four forced fumbles while also establishing a new high-water mark with four fumble recoveries. David's week-to-week consistency should continue rendering him an above-average IDP option for the balance of the campaign.

David posted six tackles (three solo) -- including a half-tackle for loss -- and a quarterback hit in Sunday's 30-20 win over the Dolphins.

Analysis: The 27-year-old Miami native enjoyed a successful homecoming, as he posted a third consecutive solid tackle tally. David has 21 stops over his last three games, a haul that includes a total of 2.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. The six-year pro looks to be significantly more instinctual in his second season of defensive coordinator Mike Smith's scheme, rendering him an above-average IDP option at the linebacker position.

David posted eight tackles (seven solo), including two for loss, and recovered a fumble in Sunday's 15-10 win over the Jets.

Analysis: The sixth-year linebacker continues to rack up the stops, and outside of a pair of three-tackle outings, he's tallied at least seven tackles in each contest thus far in 2017. That level of production puts David well ahead of last year's pace, one that led to a career-low 87 tackles. The Pro Bowler has also already equaled his career high with four forced fumbles and established a new high-water mark with four fumble recoveries. He'll look to continue churning out superior IDP production against…read more