Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead has been sidelined due to injuries sustained in a car accident, ruling him out for the upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints. The team has officially placed Whitehead on the reserve/non-football injury list, prompting them to sign safety Ryan Neal from their practice squad to fill the gap.

Whitehead had been a key player for the Buccaneers, amassing 79 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one quarterback hit across 12 games this season. His absence is particularly notable as he was expected to return from a previous pectoral injury that had already kept him out for four games.

As the Buccaneers prepare for this critical matchup, they have the opportunity to clinch their fourth consecutive NFC South title with a win or tie against the Saints, or if the Atlanta Falcons fail to secure a victory against the Carolina Panthers.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead was involved in a car accident en route to the team's facility on Saturday. Fortunately, he is alert and currently undergoing tests at a local hospital. However, the Buccaneers announced that Whitehead will miss the crucial regular-season finale against the New Orleans Saints and has been placed on the reserve/non-football injury list.

The incident occurred just before practice, allowing the team's head of security and training staff to reach him quickly for assistance. Whitehead's absence is significant as he had recently returned from a partially torn pectoral injury suffered in Week 12, contributing to the Bucs' Week 17 victory over the Carolina Panthers.

Adding to the Buccaneers' injury woes, All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. has been sidelined since Week 14 due to a knee injury. Meanwhile, backup safety Christian Izien is out for the season after undergoing pectoral surgery last week. This leaves the team relying heavily on Mike Edwards and Kaevon Merriweather as they prepare for their upcoming matchup.