Buccaneers largely healthy for Vikings game

Lovie Smith said that backup linebacker Brandon Magee would be the only player ruled out for Sunday's game, while every player that needed to improve, did. That includes cornerback Johnthan Banks, wide receiver Vincent Jackson and tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins.

Smith also said that Josh McCown was throwing the ball well, but once again did not state whether he'd start, or even whether he'd be active on Sunday. It does sound like he should be ready to play, but it seems more likely that the Bucs will stick with Mike Glennon as their starting quarterback for at least one more game -- and probably longer, given the fact that Glennon has comfortably outplayed McCown this season.

Overall, the Bucs are set to be healthier on Sunday than they've been all season. All of their starters should be good to go, although a few will be playing through nicks of varying severity -- as happens for every NFL team throughout a full season. With the team taking on the floundering Minnesota Vikings, this is as good a chance at a win as the Bucs have had all season long.

The Vikings are also relatively healthy, although Kyle Rudolph will once again be out this week. Beyond Rudolph, the biggest issue is Vladimir Ducasse's participation -- but the starting guard is still likely to suit up, despite being listed as questionable.