Desmond Watson on non-football injury list as Buccaneers weigh options for interior line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie defensive tackle Desmond Watson, the 6-foot-6 Florida product listed at about 449 pounds, has been placed on the non-football injury list ahead of the team’s preseason Week 1 game. He was not allowed to play, though videos circulated online showing him on the Buccaneers’ sideline with his helmet in hand.
Watson has been dealing with weight concerns, with reports that he weighed 464 pounds earlier this year. While his height is an asset for clogging running lanes in the middle, questions about mobility have persisted. The quarterback-friendly nature of the interior line requires a balance between mass and movement, and Watson is working to improve in that area. He joined Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent in 2025 after weighing 464 pounds at Florida’s pro day, according to The Associated Press, and is said to have shed about 25 to 30 pounds before the draft.
Upcoming schedule and how his absence affects the unit
The Buccaneers are set to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2 of the preseason on Saturday, August 16, at 7 p.m. ET. In his absence, the defensive tackle rotation will rely on veterans Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey, and Logan Hall. Vea posted nine run stuffs in 2024 and produced seven sacks with a 11.1% pressure rate last season, while Kancey and Hall are expected to contribute in the interior as well.
What the team is saying and what it means going forward
Bucs coach Todd Bowles did not provide a timetable for when Watson might return to the active roster, saying, “I don’t have a timetable on what we can get him down to or when that comes.” Bowles noted Watson’s Florida roots and heat acclimation as factors but emphasized that the team will watch his progress and adjust accordingly.
Watson’s absence means fewer live reps for him during training camp, but it doesn’t alter the immediate plan for the defensive line. The focus for him now is weight management and conditioning, with staff guidance aimed at helping him regain mobility while maintaining his size.
Additional context and value
– Watson’s size is a potential asset if he can effectively pair it with movement and discipline in the trenches.
– The Buccaneers appear committed to a measured approach, relying on a veteran trio to anchor the interior while Watson works toward getting back on the field.
– This situation highlights the broader NFL emphasis on balancing body mass with speed and agility at the tackle positions, especially for players transitioning from college to the pros.
– If Watson makes progress with nutrition and conditioning, he could add depth to Tampa Bay’s defensive front later in the season or in future seasons.
Summary
Desmond Watson’s current status reflects a careful, long-term approach to maximizing a highly unusual frame with the goal of adding mobility and impact on the field. The Buccaneers will monitor his progress while leaning on Vea, Kancey, and Hall to hold the line in the meantime, with a potential path back to action once his weight and conditioning meet the team’s requirements. The situation remains hopeful for Watson if he can sustain weight loss and improve movement, unlocking a unique interior presence for Tampa Bay down the road.