Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker YaYa Diaby returned to practice Monday after missing the last month with a left ankle injury and appears set to play in Sunday’s season opener at home against the Washington Commanders.
Diaby, 25, was injured during 11-on-11 drills at practice Aug. 1 when he got tangled up with defensive tackle Vita Vea.
The first Week 1 injury reports are set to be released Wednesday.
A third-round draft pick in 2023, Diaby delivered 7.5 sacks, 38 tackles and two fumble recoveries in 17 games (seven starts) during his rookie campaign.
Diaby and veteran Lavonte David are the Bucs’ projected starters at outside linebacker for the Bucs, who finished 9-8 last season.
Tampa Bay defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 32-9 in the wild-card round of the playoffs last season before falling 31-23 to the Detroit Lions in the divisional round.