Vincent Jackson likely out, Austin Seferian-Jenkins on track to return

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are likely to be without Vincent Jackson and Clinton McDonald this Sunday, as neither player has suited up in practice this week. The Bucs are refusing to officially rule them out, according to Greg Auman, but it's pretty safe to say that neither player is likely to play against the Atlanta Falcons. That would leave the Bucs with undrafted rookies and Russell Shepard as their receivers behind

Tony McDaniel has been ruled out, however, which means that Akeem Spence is suddenly the only healthy nose tackle on the roster -- just one week after returning from a months-long back injury. Backup tackle Reid Fragel is also out with a consussion, while Major Wright has yet to practice this week as well.

In brighter news, Austin Seferian-Jenkins was at practice for the third time this week, and Roy Cummings notes he was both hitting the blocking shed and catching passes. He should play his first game since suffering a shoulder injury on Sunday, though we'll have to wait until game time to know for certain whether he'll be available. His presence should provide a big boost for the passing game, as the Bucs have struggled to attack the middle of the field without their top tight end.

On the official injury report, Jackson, McDonald, Wright and Seferian-Jenkins are all listed as doubtful. Seferian-Jenkins is the only one who's been able to practice all week, however.

Meanwhile, the Falcons ruled out safety William Moore and wide receiver Leonard Hankerson for Sunday, but are otherwise healthy. Hankerson has emerged as their number two receiver this year, and he was sorely missed agaisnt the Tennessee Titans last week when the Falcons managed to score just ten points.