TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Tampa Bay starting defensive tackle Anthony McFarland will miss the remainder of the NFL season with a broken right foot.
McFarland suffered the injury in the first half of Sunday's 23-20 victory over the Detroit Lions.
"Anthony McFarland has a right foot fracture and is out for the remainder of the season," Tampa Bay Coach Jon Gruden said Monday. "Obviously, that is a big blow to our team."
Earlier this season, McFarland missed four games with a broken forearm. In 10 games, he had collected 1 1/2 sacks and 31 tackles.
The Buccaners (11-3) lead the NFL in total defense and allow just 12.6 points per game. Tampa Bay is tied with Philadelphia and Green Bay for the NFL's best record.
With McFarland sidelined, the Bucs could move Chartric Darby into the starting lineup. Darby started four games in McFarland's absence earlier this season, and has 1 1/2 sacks overall in 14 contests.
The 1999 first-round pick out of LSU is a key member of the Buccaneers' defensive line, playing alongside perennial Pro Bowler Warren Sapp.
The 6-foot McFarland emerged as a starter in his second season, registering 6 1/2 sacks in 16 starts. He had 3 1/2 sacks in 14 starts last season.
