Tampa Bay Buccaneers nose tackle and defensive captain Vita Vea is now listed as questionable for Sunday's game versus the Green Bay Packers after being previously listed as doubtful. The news was first reported on NFL.com around noon on Saturday.

Vea has played 11 games this season for the Buccaneers while battling pectoral, shoulder and toe injuries.

The six-year NFL vet, who is listed at 6-foot-4 and 337 pounds, would represent a significant challenge for the Green Bay Packers defense, the Buccaneers' opponent on Sunday.

Sunday's game has massive importance for the playoff relevance of both teams. The Buccaneers (6-7) currently hold the fourth seed in the NFL, while the Packers sit seventh with a similar 6-7 record.

Packers guard Jon Runyan told Packer Central, “I wouldn't mind that,” when asked his thoughts on the Buccanneers' big man missing a second straight game.

Article Continues Below
More Buccaneers News
IMAGE: Blank player silhouette with nervous emoji face on head in center, Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Benjamin Morrison on left side, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka on right side, Raymond James Stadium (home field of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) in background
3 Buccaneers veterans whose roles will be pushed by rookies in 2025Jordan Llanes ·
Coach Todd Bowles, Bucky Irving, Antoine Winfield Jr, Baker Mayfield, Vita Vea all beside each other, Tampa Bay Buccaneers logo in the background
3 hottest Tampa Bay Buccaneers takes coming out of 2025 minicampEnzo Flojo ·
Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) celebrates after a touchdown catch with tight end Cade Otton (88) during the second quarter of a NFC wild card playoff against the Washington Commanders at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images. Evans expects big things from the receivers including Chris Godwin.
Mike Evans’ latest comments will fire up Buccaneers fansMike Gianakos ·
Jamel Deal and Deion Jones
3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers in danger of getting cut after 2025 minicampRB Hayek ·
Dec 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) celebrates after catching a pass for a two point conversion against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Mike Evans makes eye-opening Emeka Egbuka-Chris Godwin comparisonMike Gianakos ·
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) works out prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Raymond James Stadium.
Buccaneers’ Chris Godwin Jr. reveals heartwarming reason for jersey name changeJaren Kawada ·

Vea has proven himself a big challenge for opponents while emerging as a Bucs' locker room leader.

“He's very good on the sideline in practice and in ball games,” said head coach Todd Bowles last month. “He's a lot more vocal when he's in his own wheelhouse as opposed to just standing in front of the media. He has more to say.”

“He takes things to heart. He really leads the right way,” added the Buccaneers' head coach. “He talks a lot of mess as he does it but it's enjoyable and it's good for the team, good for the camaraderie. He does a heck of a job getting everybody focused and ready to play.”

28-year-old Vea was the Buccaneers' first-round pick (12th overall) out of Washington in the 2018 NFL Draft.