New details emerge on Jordan Whitehead car accident: Charges filed in wreck that ended Buccaneers safety's season

Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead has been cited for careless driving in the two-car accident this past Saturday morning in Tampa, per Greg Auman of FOX Sports.

According to Tampa Police, Whitehead was driving a Corvette to the Buccaneers’ facility around 9:30 a.m. and “crashed into a GMC pickup truck.” Whitehead suffered injuries significant enough for Tampa Bay to place him on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury (NFI) list. The other driver involved in the accident was taken to the hospital with “non-life-threatening injuries.” Police estimated the damage to be $90,000 and the citation carries a $163 fine. Whitehead does not have to appear in court.

Head coach Todd Bowles addressed the accident speaking with the media following Sunday’s 27-19 victory over the New Orleans Saints.

“It was tough because Jordan — ever since I’ve been here, the six years I’ve been here, he’s never been late. He’s never been in any trouble, he’s a model citizen,” Bowles said. “He’s the guy that helps everybody else and it was very unfortunate for that to happen. We wish all parties involved get well [and] get well fast. It was kind of reality shock for us of how some things can be taken away from you at a moment’s notice. We discussed it last night in the meeting — we talked about it.

“When you love somebody, they’re going to make a mistake. And you have to understand that, and you have to love them anyway. He would’ve played for us, and we’re going to play for him.”

Banged up Buccaneers down another safety in Jordan Whitehead

Whitehead did not suit up in the win over New Orleans and it’s unlikely he plays again this season. Tampa Bay clinched the NFC South for the fourth consecutive season. An NFC Wild Card Round clash with the Washington Commanders awaits this Sunday night.

Whitehead, who spent the first four years of his career with the Buccaneers, signed back to Tampa Bay this past offseason after a two-year stint with the New York Jets. The 27-year-old appeared in 12 games, recording 79 tackles (49 solo), two tackles for loss and three passes defended.

The Buccaneers are light at the safety position, with Christian Izien (pectoral) on injured reserve and 2023 All-Pro Antoine Winfield Jr. missing the last four games with a knee sprain.