TAMPA, Fla. — Jordan Whitehead, the safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, sustained injuries in a car accident that occurred on Saturday, ruling him out of the upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints.

In response to his injury, the Buccaneers have placed Whitehead on the reserve/non-football injury list and have brought in Ryan Neal from their practice squad to fill the gap left by his absence.

Throughout the season, Whitehead has demonstrated solid performance on the field, contributing 79 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one quarterback hit across 12 games played. He had previously missed four games earlier in the season due to a pectoral injury and was hopeful about making a comeback for the match against New Orleans.

The Buccaneers have the opportunity to secure their fourth consecutive NFC South title with either a win or tie against the Saints. Alternatively, their title aspirations are also contingent on the Atlanta Falcons losing or drawing against the Carolina Panthers.