Tampa Bay Buccaneers star nose tackle Vita Vea exited the Week 14 game against the 49ers with an apparent calf strain and is doubtful to return.
By video, Vea suffered the injury on a 15-yard completion to George Kittle on the first drive of the game.
The fifth-year nose tackle walked off the field, but was quickly deemed doubtful to return.
Vea is likely to miss next week's contest against the Bengals and could be out at least two weeks. Calf injuries linger and are vital for acceleration, something a nose tackle needs to be effective.
Rakeem Nunez-Roches is in to replace him.
After a Pro Bowl season last year, Vea has 6.5 sacks and 31 combined tackles this season.
