Sep 14, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) looks on during the first half against the St. Louis Rams at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Gerald McCoy’s season is over.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ star defensive tackle was placed on injured reserve Monday due to a knee injury.
McCoy hyperextended his right knee in Sunday’s 19-17 loss to the Carolina Panthers. In the previous week, he left against the Detroit Lions with a knee injury but returned.
In 13 games this season, McCoy has 35 tackles, 8.5 sacks and a forced fumble. However, it appears as though McCoy will not need surgery.
The Buccaneers also placed rookie tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins on IR as well as wide receiver Louis Murphy.
ASJ played in nine games and had 21 catches for 221 yards and two touchdowns. He hasn’t played since Nov.23 when the Bucs lost to the Chicago Bears.
Seferian-Jenkins showed flashes of why the Bucs made him the 38th overall pick earlier in the year but he battled injuries all season. However, his rookie season will likely be rememberd most for his fumble on the Bucs’ opening play of overtime against the Minnesota Vikings, a game Tampa Bay lost 19-13.
Seferian-Jenkins' rookie year limited by injuries -- Lovie: "he's done enough around here for people to know he has a bright future ahead."
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) December 15, 2014
Murphy, who was cut at the end of the preseason due to injury, was re-signed a couple of weeks later and was productive. The former Florida standout had 31 catches for 380 yards and two touchdowns but his biggest play of the year was his 41-yard grab against the Pittsburgh Steelers that set-up Vincent Jackson’s winning touchdown catch with just seven seconds left.
Murphy left Sunday’s game with an ankle injury and didn’t return. Russell Shepherd took his spot in the line-up.
All three players should be ready for the 2015 season.