Todd Bowles: Vita Vea tweaked something in his back, team hasn't discussed trade

Published July 29, 2026 10:36 AM Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles addressed defensive tackle Vita Vea sitting out practice during a Wednesday press conference from training camp. Vea was an observer during the team’s first practice of camp, which was seen by most as part of the ongoing contract impasse that led Vea to request a trade away from the team this week. Bowles said that Vea’s absence from drills was not due to the contract, however, and is a result of the veteran tweaking his back during the team’s conditioning test on Tuesday. Bowles also said that the team has not had any internal discussions about trading Vea in the wake of his request. Left tackle Tristan Wirfs is also on the sideline at the moment. Bowles said that he hurt his hamstring during the conditioning test and is considered day-to-day moving forward.