Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead in automobile accident before make-or-break game for playoffs

Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead was injured in a car accident on Saturday, with the team placing him on the non-football injury list.

The Bucs host the New Orleans Saints on Sunday and need a win to reach the postseason and become NFC South champions.

And if they pull out the win as expected, Whitehead will not be involved in the play-offs. He will miss several weeks due to the injuries he suffered on Saturday.

The nature of his injuries is not yet known, but he is doing well. However, it is a major blow for the Bucs as Whitehead will now not be eligible to play until next season.

The team said in a statement Saturday: “Jordan Whitehead was involved in a car accident on the way to our practice facility this morning.

“Due to the injuries sustained in the accident, he will not play in Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints and has been placed on the reserve/non-football injury list.

“We signed Ryan Neal from our practice squad to the 53-man roster.”

Baker Mayfield’s men lead the NFC South 9-7, one win ahead of the Atlanta Falcons, who host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday afternoon.

Whitehead only returned for the Bucs last week after a four-week absence.

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