Packers: Bucs could get Vita Vea back for NFC title game

The Green Bay Packers‘ challenge in the NFC Championship Game might be about to get even tougher.

As the Packers know all too well after their Week 6 performance, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense is one of the best in the league.

And now they could get star defensive tackle Vita Vea back for Sunday’s game. According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, the Bucs are designating Vea to return from injured reserve. It means Vea could be eligible to return for this week’s game against the Packers.

If Vea returns and is fully healthy, this would of course be significant news for the NFC title game.

Vea has only played in five games this season and wasn’t active when the Buccaneers defeated the Packers 38-10 in Week 6. In the limited game time he played this year, Vea made two sacks, three quarterback hits, and three tackles for loss.

Vea played in all 16 games for the Buccaneers last season, making 2.5 sacks and 12 quarterback hits.

If the former 12th overall pick is available to return this week, he’ll add even more talent to a Buccaneers defense that ranked No. 1 against the run and No. 8 in points allowed this season.

The Packers have one of the best offensive lines in the league and are coming off a dominant performance versus the Los Angeles Rams.

Pro Bowl guard Elgton Jenkins and All-Pro center Corey Linsley didn’t just hold their own against all-world defensive tackle Aaron Donald, they dominated the matchup. They will face another tough challenge this week, especially if Vea is back, but the Packers will be ready for it.

After a crushing loss to the Buccaneers in Week 6, this won’t be an easy matchup for the offensive line. It’s never easy when there’s a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.

The Bucs are talented on defense and they could now get another important player back from injury.