Tykee Smith Fantasy Stats

Tampa Bay Buccaneers second-year cornerback Tykee Smith, who also has experience at safety, could become an every-down player for the team in 2025, according to Dan Pompei of The Athletic. Smith's production as a nickel corner in his rookie season -- 54 tackles (38 solo), two interceptions, seven pass breakups and three forced fumbles in 13 games (six starts) -- led head coach Todd Bowles to consider playing him more. The 24-year-old could be a safety-nickel combination player this year, writes Pompei, and playing next to a healthy Antoine Winfield Jr. could elevate his game. Bowles has also said that he's considering moving the former third-rounder out of Georgia to full-time safety after 589 of his 672 defensive snaps in 2024 came as a slot corner. Tampa has an opening at safety after releasing Jordan Whitehead.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie safety Tykee Smith (head) suffered a head injury in the first half of Monday night's game against the Baltimore Ravens and is being evaluated for a concussion and is questionable to return. Smith's head injury came as he was making a tackle on running back Justice Hill in the second quarter. The 23-year-old didn't have a tackle before leaving the contest, but he's become a big part of Tampa's secondary this year in just his first year in the NFL after being drafted in the third round out of Georgia. He came into Monday's Week 7 contest with 33 tackles (22 solo), an interception, four pass breakups and two forced fumbles. If Smith indeed suffered a concussion and does not return against the Ravens, Tavierre Thomas will be forced into a bigger role.