TAMPA, Fla. -- Buccaneers defensive tackle and first-round draft pick Vita Vea still hasn't returned to practice after missing over a month with a strained calf muscle.
Coach Dirk Koetter said Vea's just not ready to resume practicing, putting his availability to play this week against the New Orleans Saints in serious jeopardy.
"He's making good progress. Unfortunately, it's not to the point where he can play on the field," Koetter said. "He's working a lot behind the scenes -- in the weight room, in the training room -- he's making progress but he's just not ready to play on the field.