Buccaneers LB YaYa Diaby (ankle) returns to practice

Field Level Media|published: Mon 2nd September, 13:27 2024

NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at San Francisco 49ers

Nov 19, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Yaya Diaby (0) reacts after a sack against the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker YaYa Diaby returned to practice Monday after missing the last month with a left ankle injury and appears set to play in Sunday's season opener at home against the Washington Commanders.

Diaby, 25, was injured during 11-on-11 drills at practice Aug. 1 when he got tangled up with defensive tackle Vita Vea.

The first Week 1 injury reports are set to be released Wednesday.

A third-round draft pick in 2023, Diaby delivered 7.5 sacks, 38 tackles and two fumble recoveries in 17 games (seven starts) during his rookie campaign.

Diaby and veteran Lavonte David are the Bucs' projected starters at outside linebacker for the Bucs, who finished 9-8 last season.

Tampa Bay defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 32-9 in the wild-card round of the playoffs last season before falling 31-23 to the Detroit Lions in the divisional round.

--Field Level Media