The Tampa Bay Buccaneers placed second-year defensive back on injured reserve on Thursday due to a pectoral injury sustained in the team's Week 16 loss in Dallas. It's a development that costs the Buccaneers value depth at multiple positions in the secondary.
Izien must miss at least four games before being eligible to return from injured reserve, meaning he would only have a chance to play again in the 2024 season if Tampa Bay makes the playoffs and advances to the conference championship round.
Izien has been one of the Bucs' most versatile and valuable defenders in 2024. After playing slot corner in his 2023 rookie season, the former undrafted player out of Rutgers has seen action this year at that spot as well as safety and outside corner. Most recently, he has been starting at safety while both Jordan Whitehead and Antoine Winfield Jr. have been sidelined by injuries. In a coincidence that may end up being well-timed, Whitehead was designated to return from injured reserve this week and could be activated and ready to play as soon as this weekend against Carolina. Whitehead had also suffered a pectoral injury against the New York Giants in Week 12.
Izien ranks third on the Bucs' defense with 75 tackles, including four tackles for loss. He has also recorded one interception, three passes defensed and a forced fumble. Despite not having one set starting spot, Izien has been on the field for 75% of the team's defensive snaps in 2024.