NFL reviewing Buccaneers' handling of Devin White injury

The NFL is investigating whether the Tampa Bay Buccaneers violated injury-reporting rules by failing to downgrade linebacker Devin White from questionable to out for Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers.

"We will review the matter with the club," an NFL spokesman told Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

It was reported Sunday morning that Bucs head coach Todd Bowles decided to make White a healthy scratch for the game. Bowles then said after Tampa Bay's win that his decision to keep the linebacker sidelined came after White informed the team that he wasn't available.

White, 25, also missed Weeks 13 and 14 due to a foot injury. He was originally listed as questionable for Week 15 but was a full participant at practice Thursday and Friday and flew to Green Bay with Tampa Bay. His attitude reportedly didn't sit well with some of his teammates and coaches.

Bowles tried to clarify the incident Wednesday by saying White didn't play because he was injured, according to Florio. White also addressed the situation.

"I've just been seeing a lot of stuff saying that I quit on my team. I don't understand how I could do that when it was me and coach Bowles' decision to sit down and rest to be able to help my team," White said Wednesday, according to River Wells of Bucs Wire. "That's the biggest thing that didn't sit well with me because I'd never quit on my team. I love this game so much, I love competing so much."

In 11 appearances this season, White has amassed 69 tackles, three pass breakups, two sacks, and one interception. He has been selected to one Pro Bowl and one All-Pro second-team since the Buccaneers drafted him fifth overall in 2019.

The LSU product's contract expires at the end of the season.

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