The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced today that the team has placed wide receiver Vincent Jackson on Injured Reserve after an MRI revealed an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Jackson, who made three catches for 36 yards while playing the entire game during the Buccaneers’ 17-14 victory against the Carolina Panthers on October 10, was evaluated following the game after complaining of discomfort in the knee.
Jackson (6-5, 230) has 15 receptions for 173 yards on the season. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Jackson joined the team as an unrestricted free agent in 2012 and in his five seasons with Tampa Bay has recorded 268 receptions for 4,326 yards (16.1 avg.) and 20 touchdowns.
Statement from Vincent Jackson:
“This is obviously very disappointing for me personally. I had high hopes for this season because I know what we are capable of accomplishing as a team. My top priority going into every season is being out there with my teammates and helping my team any way possible. While I may not be on the field for the foreseeable future, I will be focused on beginning my rehab as soon as possible and finding ways to support my teammates in whatever way I can.”
Statement from Buccaneers Head Coach Dirk Koetter:
“Any time you lose a player and team leader of Vincent’s caliber, it is a setback for your team. Vincent is a very tough-minded player and a great competitor. Even though he doesn’t recall when he injured his knee, he was still out there the entire game and made two crucial catches on our final drive to set up the game-winning field goal. I know that being placed on injured reserve is difficult for him, but I also know he will maintain a strong presence in our locker room and will help our younger guys prepare and develop because that’s the type of team-first leader he is.”
(Information provided by Buccaneers PR Staff)