Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead injured in automobile accident

Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead was injured in an automobile accident Saturday, the team announced.

The Buccaneers released a statement Saturday afternoon saying Whitehead was "involved in an auto accident" on his way to practice. The injuries he sustained were severe enough for Tampa Bay to place him on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury (NFI) list.

The 27-year-old safety was reported to be alert and undergoing tests, according to ESPN, but he will likely miss the remainder of the season while recovering.

At the time of publication, the nature of Whitehead's injuries were not known. All that has been reported so far is that they were severe enough to require a multi-week stint on the NFI list.

Tampa Bay will play the New Orleans Saints on Sunday afternoon and need a win to clinch the NFC South title and a playoff spot. The Buccaneers can also make the playoffs with an Atlanta Falcons loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jordan Whitehead: Buccaneers safety injured in auto accident